Oh my gosh, you know how much I adore cozy, warm comfort food? Well, I took the classic soul-soothing bread pudding—that rich, custardy hug in a bowl—and I threw its rulebook out the window! We’re not doing a big, heavy casserole dish this time. We are going deconstructed.
This Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding is honestly a game-changer. It’s completely plant-based, so everyone can enjoy it, and because we serve it in little individual ramekins, every spoonful gets that perfect mix of creamy custard and lightly textured bread. I developed this because sometimes traditional bread pudding feels too slow, but I still wanted that rich sweet potato and spice flavor profile. Trust me, this comes together so fast, and the presentation is just stunning!
Why This Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Works So Well
When you think bread pudding, you probably picture one giant, heavy slice, right? That’s fine sometimes, but honestly? When you break it down, you get so much more flavor payoff! Going deconstructed means you get controlled amounts of that creamy custard around every single little bread cube.
It’s lighter, it feels a bit fancier for a weeknight dessert, and assembly is just a breeze. Plus, since it’s naturally vegan, we don’t have to worry about egg binders—the coconut milk and sweet potato do all the heavy lifting. You want to check out some other amazing ways people are using sweet potatoes? Take a peek at these other sweet potato recipes for inspiration!
Key Benefits of Our Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
The main payoff here is guaranteed perfection in every single bite. You aren’t risking the middle being slightly gummy or the top being too crusty. Because we bake these in individual dishes, every serving has maximum surface area contact with the sweet potato custard base.
- It’s lightning fast to assemble; you just mix and pour.
- The plant-based custard sets up beautifully without any fuss.
- The deconstructed layering ensures intense flavor throughout.
- Portion control is built right in—though I rarely stick to one!
Ingredients for the Ultimate Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Okay, let’s talk about what goes into this magnificent stuff. Honestly, the ingredient list is super short, which is another reason I love whipping this up when I need a quick fix. We’re relying on real, whole ingredients to give us that deep, warming spice and creamy texture. You’ll notice we’re using coconut milk—don’t skip that, because the fat content is crucial for that luscious mouthfeel, even though we’re keeping it totally dairy-free!
If you want to see how sweet potatoes play well in other settings, check out my favorite sweet potato casserole ideas—but trust me, this bread pudding version is superior.
Here is exactly what you need to gather before you start mixing:
- 2 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed (make sure it’s smooth!)
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (the stuff in the can, cold is fine)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (real maple syrup only, please!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (just regular tap water)
- Pinch of salt (this wakes everything up!)
Essential Equipment for Making Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
This recipe is so simple, I barely need more than two bowls, but having the right tools really does make the cleanup faster and the process smoother. Don’t sweat it if you don’t have ramekins; I’ve made this thing in a tiny casserole dish before, and it was still delicious!
If you try to mix this in one gigantic bowl, things get messy fast, so having at least one medium bowl for the custard base and one large bowl for gently folding in the bread is key. It keeps everything neat!
Here’s the gear you should pull out of your cabinets:
- Two mixing bowls—one medium for the wet stuff, one large for folding in the bread.
- A whisk, or even a sturdy fork, to make that cornstarch slurry.
- A rubber spatula. You need this for gently folding the bread and getting all that beautiful sweet potato mix out of the bowl.
- Your serving vessel! I love using four 6-ounce ramekins for individual portions. If you don’t have those, a single 8×8 inch baking dish works perfectly fine.
- Measuring cups and spoons, naturally. Precision matters when you’re talking about just a pinch of ginger!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Look, I know instructions can look intimidating, but these are so straightforward you’ll be shocked at how fast this comes together. We’re essentially making a thick, spicy sweet potato sauce and then soaking our bread in it before popping it in the oven. The key is keeping your movements gentle once the bread goes in!
First things first—get that oven warmed up! You want it waiting for you at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius). Also, if you’re looking for quick, no-fuss baking methods in general, I have some great tips on simple dump cake recipes that rely on similar assembly techniques!
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Seriously, don’t skip this; we need that consistent heat.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix well until it looks like a slightly thick orange soup.
- In a small cup, whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth to create a slurry. Don’t use a spoon here; a little vigorous whisking ensures no sneaky lumps hide out!
- Add the slurry to the sweet potato mixture and stir until fully incorporated. That slurry is what gives us that perfect, slightly set custard texture when it bakes.
- Gently fold in the cubed bread until it is coated with the mixture. This is where you slow down! You want the bread covered, not mashed into a paste.
- Divide the mixture into small oven-safe ramekins or a single baking dish. Make sure the bread cubes are distributed evenly so everyone gets good coverage.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly set and warm throughout.
- Let cool slightly before serving. This slight wait helps the custard firm up just a touch more.
Pro Tip Alert! For a much better texture where the bread cubes hold their shape slightly, I always lightly toast my bread cubes for about 5 minutes before I fold them into the custard. It keeps them from dissolving completely in the bake, giving our Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding that amazing contrast between soft and chewy!

Preparing the Sweet Potato Custard Base for Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
This is where all those beautiful fall spices shine! In one bowl, you’re going to introduce your mashed, cooked sweet potato to the full-fat coconut milk and that lovely maple syrup. Whisk it until it starts looking creamy, then sprinkle in your cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—don’t skimp on the spices! Next, that little slurry of cornstarch and water goes in. That starch is our vegan hero; it’s going to thicken everything up nicely so it becomes a proper custard instead of just wet bread.
Assembling and Baking Your Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Once your custard base is ready and your oven is hot (350°F!), it’s time for the bread. Remember, handle this gently! You are folding those dry, cubed pieces into the wet mix until every bit is coated in that gorgeous orange mixture. Then, spoon or pour the mixture into your chosen ramekins. You want them looking nice and uniform. Pop them onto a baking sheet (just in case they bubble over) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops look set and smell absolutely heavenly.

Tips for Perfect Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Texture
The great thing about this deconstructed method is that it naturally fights sogginess, but a few extra steps guarantee success. The most important thing is definitely the bread quality—you can’t use soft, fresh bread. It just melts away entirely!
If your sweet potato mash is watery (maybe you boiled it instead of baking or steaming it), you might need an extra half-teaspoon of cornstarch or you’ll want to let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes to thicken up a little before adding the milk. We want thick, not runny!
I mentioned it before, but toasting the bread is crucial for texture control. You can do this a day ahead, too! Just cube your bread and let it sit out on a sheet pan until the cubes feel dry to the touch. If you’re exploring other root vegetables in baking, you might find some fun ideas over here: more sweet potato recipe ideas.
Variations for Your Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
While the spices here are totally classic and comforting, sometimes I get the itch to jazz things up! Since this recipe is so adaptable, you can swap out ingredients easily. I love adding texture with nuts or dried fruit—pecans are always a winner.
Don’t feel locked into just cinnamon and nutmeg either! Try swapping out the ginger for a tiny pinch of cardamom, especially if you like that slightly floral, sophisticated warm spice note. If coconut milk isn’t your favorite, unsweetened cashew milk works wonderfully in this vegan bread pudding. For a little extra complexity, try infusing your coconut milk first with half a vanilla bean, or just add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract with the wet ingredients.
If you want to see how other people use sweet potatoes in unexpected ways, check out these sweet potato casserole variations—you might find your new favorite!
Serving Suggestions for Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Serving this warm is non-negotiable for me. The temperature just brings out the sweet potato aroma perfectly. Since this is a plant-based dessert, you want toppings that complement that richness without weighing it down.
My go-to, always, is a generous drizzle of extra maple syrup. It pools around the bread cubes beautifully. But for a real treat? A big dollop of vegan whipped cream or cashew-based vanilla ice cream is divine, especially if you chill the pudding slightly first so the hot meets the cold!
If you want something crunchy, sprinkle some toasted pecans or candied walnuts right over the top just before serving. It adds a fantastic textural crunch that plays so nicely against the soft pudding. Need some decadent inspiration? Browse through these decadent dessert ideas for the ultimate finish!

Storage and Reheating Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Good news: this keeps well! Any leftover Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding should go right into an airtight container in the fridge. It stays perfectly good for about three to four days. The bread will absorb more of the custard overnight, so the texture will change, becoming denser, which some people actually prefer!
When you want to enjoy a portion later, don’t just microwave it standing up—it gets steamed and mushy! I always reheat mine in a toaster oven or a regular oven set to 325°F for about 10 minutes. This allows the exterior to crisp up a little while warming the inside beautifully. If you cover the ramekin with foil while reheating, it keeps moisture in perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Can I make this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Oh yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the entire thing, putting the bread and custard mixture into the ramekins, cover them tightly, and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready for dessert, just pop them straight into the hot oven, but you’ll likely need to add about 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time since they start out cold.
What kind of bread works best for this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding?
Stale bread is your best friend here! I prefer French bread, challah (just make sure it’s vegan, obviously!), or even thick slices of plain white sandwich bread that have dried out. The key is that it needs to be slightly firm so it can absorb the liquid without turning completely to mush when you fold it. If you’re in a pinch, lightly toasting fresh bread works wonders too!
Is the cornstarch necessary for the Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding?
I would say yes, it is absolutely necessary if you want that true pudding texture rather than just sweet, soggy bread. The cornstarch acts as our vegan hero; it’s going to thicken everything up nicely so it becomes a proper custard instead of just wet bread. Without it, you’d just have a very flavorful sweet potato soak!
Nutritional Estimate for Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
As with any homemade treat, these numbers are just an estimate based on the standard ingredients I used, especially the amount of full-fat coconut milk and maple syrup. Remember to adjust if you use lighter milks or less sweetener, and you can always find my favorite ways to reduce sugar intake in baked goods here: guide to fruit sugars.
Here’s the general breakdown per serving (This recipe yields 4 substantial servings):
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g (mostly from the coconut milk)
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg (because it’s vegan!)
Share Your Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Creations
Honestly, seeing your versions of my recipes brings me the biggest joy! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of sweet, cozy comfort to your kitchen. If you make this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding, please don’t be shy!
Leave me a star rating right here on the recipe card—it helps other cooks know if it’s a winner! Even better, snap a photo and tag me on social media. I absolutely love seeing how you plate this up, whether you go simple with maple or fancy with some vegan whipped cream. Happy baking, everyone!
Tips for Perfect Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Texture
The great thing about this deconstructed method is that it naturally fights sogginess, but a few extra steps guarantee success. The most important thing is definitely the bread quality—you can’t use soft, fresh bread. It just melts away entirely!
I mentioned it before, but toasting the bread is crucial for texture control. You can do this a day ahead, too! Just cube your bread and let it sit out on a sheet pan until the cubes feel dry to the touch. If you’re in a pinch, lightly toasting fresh bread works wonders too!
If your sweet potato mash is watery (maybe you boiled it instead of baking or steaming it), you might need an extra half-teaspoon of cornstarch or you’ll want to let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes to thicken up a little before adding the milk. We want thick, not runny!
My general rule for preventing that sad, wet bottom layer in any pudding? Bake the ramekins on a good, sturdy baking sheet. That simple barrier helps conduct heat evenly and prevents the bottoms from stewing in their own juices. It’s a small thing that makes a huge difference for the texture in our vegan bread pudding!
If you’re exploring other root vegetables in baking, you might find some fun ideas over here: more sweet potato recipe ideas.
Variations for Your Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
While the spices here are totally classic and comforting, sometimes I get the itch to jazz things up! Since this recipe is so adaptable, you can swap out ingredients easily. I love adding texture with nuts or dried fruit—pecans are always a winner.
Don’t feel locked into just cinnamon and nutmeg either! Try swapping out the ginger for a tiny pinch of cardamom, especially if you like that slightly floral, sophisticated warm spice note. If coconut milk isn’t your favorite, unsweetened cashew milk works wonderfully in this vegan bread pudding. For a little extra complexity, try infusing your coconut milk first with half a vanilla bean, or just add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract with the wet ingredients.
If you want to see how other people use sweet potatoes in unexpected ways—beyond just this amazing pudding—check out these sweet potato casserole variations—you might find your new favorite!
When I’m feeling extra decadent, I stir in about a third of a cup of chopped walnuts or even dried cranberries right before I fold in the bread cubes. Just remember, if you add dried fruit, try to soak them in hot water for about ten minutes first, just to plump them up a bit so they don’t try to leach moisture from your custard while baking. Every little tweak makes this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding uniquely yours!
Serving Suggestions for Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Serving this warm is non-negotiable for me. The temperature just brings out the sweet potato aroma perfectly. Since this is a plant-based dessert, you want toppings that complement that richness without weighing it down.
My go-to, always, is a generous drizzle of extra maple syrup. It pools around the bread cubes beautifully. But for a real treat? A big dollop of vegan whipped cream or cashew-based vanilla ice cream is divine, especially if you chill the pudding slightly first so the hot meets the cold!
If you want something crunchy, sprinkle some toasted pecans or candied walnuts right over the top just before serving. It adds a fantastic textural crunch that plays so nicely against the soft pudding. Need some decadent inspiration? Browse through these decadent dessert ideas for the ultimate finish!
Oh, and here’s a little secret I use when I serve this for company: finely grate a tiny bit of fresh orange zest right over the top after you drizzle any syrup. The bright citrus cuts through the richness of the coconut milk and warms up the cinnamon perfectly. It’s such a simple touch, but people always ask me what that little something extra is!
Storage and Reheating Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Good news: this keeps well! Any leftover Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding should go right into an airtight container in the fridge. Since we’re using full-fat coconut milk and sturdy bread cubes, it holds up super well. I generally find that leftovers are good for about three, maybe four days max. Don’t worry if it looks a little flatter the next day; that’s normal!
When you want to enjoy a portion later, I highly recommend reheating them individually, even if you made the whole batch in one big dish. Trying to microwave a massive slab just steams the bread and makes it soggy way too fast. My favorite trick is scooping out a single serving into a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat it in 20-second bursts, stirring gently in between each burst. This gives the custard time to melt back into the bread without overheating the outside. If you want that nice, slightly crisp top back, pop the reheated portion under the broiler for just 30 seconds—STAND RIGHT THERE, though, because it burns fast!
If you’re storing the whole batch, make sure the dish is completely cooled before you cover it, otherwise, you trap condensation and that leads to sad, wet pudding the next day. A well-sealed container keeps the spicy scent trapped nicely until you’re ready for your next serving of this amazing vegan bread pudding!
Frequently Asked Questions About Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
I know sometimes you bakers have lingering questions once you get to the end of a recipe, so I pulled together the ones I get asked most often about this plant-based dessert. Don’t worry if you’re feeling tentative about swapping ingredients—we’ve got you covered!
If you’re still curious about sweet potatoes in general, there are tons of fun tips and tricks over on my sweet potato recipes hub!
Can I make this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Oh yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the entire thing, putting the bread and custard mixture into the ramekins, cover them tightly, and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready for dessert, just pop them straight into the hot oven, but you’ll likely need to add about 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time since they start out cold.
What kind of bread works best for this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding?
Stale bread is your best friend here! I prefer French bread, challah, or even thick slices of plain white sandwich bread that have dried out completely. The key is that it needs to be slightly firm so it can absorb the liquid without turning completely to mush when you fold it. If you’re in a pinch, lightly toasting fresh bread works wonders too because it mimics that stale texture perfectly!
Is the cornstarch necessary for the Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding?
I would say yes, it is absolutely necessary if you want that true pudding texture rather than just overly sweet, soggy bread. The cornstarch acts as our binding agent since we aren’t using eggs in this wonderful vegan bread pudding. It thickens that sweet potato custard while baking, giving you that lovely, spoonable consistency that sets up nicely when it cools a bit. Without it, you’d just have a flavorful sweet potato soup soaking your bread!
Nutritional Estimate for Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
As with any homemade treat, these numbers are just an estimate based on the standard ingredients I used, especially the amount of full-fat coconut milk and maple syrup. Remember to adjust if you use lighter milks or less sweetener, and you can always find my favorite ways to reduce sugar intake in baked goods here: guide to fruit sugars.
It’s important to know what you’re putting into your body, even when it’s something as comforting as this amazing dessert! Since we are fully plant-based, we don’t have to worry about cholesterol, which is a nice bonus. This estimate is calculated for one serving, assuming you get a nice balanced scoop from the four ramekins we prepared.
Here’s the general breakdown per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g (This comes mostly from our full-fat coconut goodness!)
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg (Because it’s 100% vegan!)
If you find yourself tracking sugar closely, remember that most of that 25g is coming straight from the maple syrup, which is a pure sweetener. You could always reduce the maple syrup by a tablespoon or two, but make sure you compensate with a tiny touch of vanilla extract if you do, just to keep the flavor balanced!
Share Your Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Creations
Honestly, seeing your versions of my recipes brings me the biggest joy! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of sweet, cozy comfort to your kitchen. If you make this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding, please don’t be shy!
I really want to know how it turned out for you. Did you use ramekins or one big dish? Did you add pecans like I suggested? Don’t leave me hanging!
Leave me a star rating right here if you loved it—it helps other cooks know if this is a winner! Even better, snap a photo of your beautiful layered pudding and tag me on social media when you share it. I absolutely love seeing how you plate this up, whether you go simple with maple or fancy with some vegan whipped cream.
Your feedback helps me keep perfecting these recipes, and I get so excited seeing your beautiful baking efforts. Happy tasting, everyone!
Tips for Perfect Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Texture
The great thing about this deconstructed method is that it naturally fights sogginess, but a few extra steps guarantee success. The most important thing is definitely the bread quality—you can’t use soft, fresh bread. It just melts away entirely!
I mentioned it before, but toasting the bread is crucial for texture control. You can do this a day ahead, too! Just cube your bread and let it sit out on a sheet pan until the cubes feel dry to the touch. If you’re in a pinch, lightly toasting fresh bread works wonders too!
If your sweet potato mash is watery (maybe you boiled it instead of baking or steaming it), you might need an extra half-teaspoon of cornstarch or you’ll want to let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes to thicken up a little before adding the milk. We want thick, not runny!
My general rule for preventing that sad, wet bottom layer in any pudding? Bake the ramekins on a good, sturdy baking sheet. That simple barrier helps conduct heat evenly and prevents the bottoms from stewing in their own juices. It’s a small thing that makes a huge difference for the texture in our vegan bread pudding!
If you’re exploring other root vegetables in baking, you might find some fun ideas over here: more sweet potato recipe ideas.
Variations for Your Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
While the spices here are totally classic and comforting, sometimes I get the itch to jazz things up! Since this recipe is so adaptable, you can swap out ingredients easily. I love adding texture with nuts or dried fruit—pecans are always a winner.
Don’t feel locked into just cinnamon and nutmeg either! Try swapping out the ginger for a tiny pinch of cardamom, especially if you like that slightly floral, sophisticated warm spice note. If coconut milk isn’t your favorite, unsweetened cashew milk works wonderfully in this vegan bread pudding. For a little extra complexity, try infusing your coconut milk first with half a vanilla bean, or just add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract with the wet ingredients.
If you want to see how other people use sweet potatoes in unexpected ways—beyond just this amazing pudding—check out these sweet potato casserole variations—you might find your new favorite!
When I’m feeling extra decadent, I stir in about a third of a cup of chopped walnuts or even dried cranberries right before I fold in the bread cubes. Just remember, if you add dried fruit, try to soak them in hot water for about ten minutes first, just to plump them up a bit so they don’t try to leach moisture from your custard while baking. Every little tweak makes this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding uniquely yours!
Serving Suggestions for Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Serving this warm is non-negotiable for me. The temperature just brings out the sweet potato aroma perfectly. Since this is a plant-based dessert, you want toppings that complement that richness without weighing it down.
My go-to, always, is a generous drizzle of extra maple syrup. It pools around the bread cubes beautifully. But for a real treat? A big dollop of vegan whipped cream or cashew-based vanilla ice cream is divine, especially if you chill the pudding slightly first so the hot meets the cold!
If you want something crunchy, sprinkle some toasted pecans or candied walnuts right over the top just before serving. It adds a fantastic textural crunch that plays so nicely against the soft pudding. Need some decadent inspiration? Browse through these decadent dessert ideas for the ultimate finish!
Oh, and here’s a little secret I use when I serve this for company: finely grate a tiny bit of fresh orange zest right over the top after you drizzle any syrup. The bright citrus cuts through the richness of the coconut milk and warms up the cinnamon perfectly. It’s such a simple touch, but people always ask me what that little something extra is!
Storage and Reheating Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Good news: this keeps well! Any leftover Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding should go right into an airtight container in the fridge. Since we’re using full-fat coconut milk and sturdy bread cubes, it holds up super well. I generally find that leftovers are good for about three, maybe four days max. Don’t worry if it looks a little flatter the next day; that’s normal!
When you want to enjoy a portion later, I highly recommend reheating them individually, even if you made the whole batch in one big dish. Trying to microwave a massive slab just steams the bread and makes it soggy way too fast. My favorite trick is scooping out a single serving into a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat it in 20-second bursts, stirring gently in between each burst. This gives the custard time to melt back into the bread without overheating the outside. If you want that nice, slightly crisp top back, pop the reheated portion under the broiler for just 30 seconds—STAND RIGHT THERE, though, because it burns fast!
If you’re storing the whole batch, make sure the dish is completely cooled before you cover it, otherwise, you trap condensation and that leads to sad, wet pudding the next day. A well-sealed container keeps the spicy scent trapped nicely until you’re ready for your next serving of this amazing vegan bread pudding!
Frequently Asked Questions About Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
I know sometimes you bakers have lingering questions once you get to the end of a recipe, so I pulled together the ones I get asked most often about this plant-based dessert. Don’t worry if you’re feeling tentative about swapping ingredients—we’ve got you covered!
If you’re still curious about sweet potatoes in general, there are tons of fun tips and tricks over on my sweet potato recipes hub!
Can I make this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Oh yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the entire thing, putting the bread and custard mixture into the ramekins, cover them tightly, and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready for dessert, just pop them straight into the hot oven, but you’ll likely need to add about 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time since they start out cold.
What kind of bread works best for this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding?
Stale bread is your best friend here! I prefer French bread, challah, or even thick slices of plain white sandwich bread that have dried out completely. The key is that it needs to be slightly firm so it can absorb the liquid without turning completely to mush when you fold it. If you’re in a pinch, lightly toasting fresh bread works wonders too because it mimics that stale texture perfectly!
Is the cornstarch necessary for the Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding?
I would say yes, it is absolutely necessary if you want that true pudding texture rather than just overly sweet, soggy bread. The cornstarch acts as our binding agent since we aren’t using eggs in this wonderful vegan bread pudding. It thickens that sweet potato custard while baking, giving you that lovely, spoonable consistency that sets up nicely when it cools a bit. Without it, you’d just have a flavorful sweet potato soup soaking your bread!
Nutritional Estimate for Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
As with any homemade treat, these numbers are just an estimate based on the standard ingredients I used, especially the amount of full-fat coconut milk and maple syrup. Remember to adjust if you use lighter milks or less sweetener, and you can always find my favorite ways to reduce sugar intake in baked goods here: guide to fruit sugars.
It’s important to know what you’re putting into your body, even when it’s something as comforting as this amazing dessert! Since we are fully plant-based, we don’t have to worry about cholesterol, which is a nice bonus. This estimate is calculated for one serving, assuming you get a nice balanced scoop from the four ramekins we prepared.
Here’s the general breakdown per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g (This comes mostly from our full-fat coconut goodness!)
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg (Because it’s 100% vegan!)
If you find yourself tracking sugar closely, remember that most of that 25g is coming straight from the maple syrup, which is a pure sweetener. You could always reduce the maple syrup by a tablespoon or two, but make sure you compensate with a tiny touch of vanilla extract if you do, just to keep the flavor balanced!
Share Your Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Creations
Honestly, seeing your versions of my recipes brings me the biggest joy! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of sweet, cozy comfort to your kitchen. If you make this Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding, please don’t be shy!
I really want to know how it turned out for you. Did you use ramekins or one big dish? Did you add pecans like I suggested? Don’t leave me hanging!
Leave me a star rating right here if you loved it—it helps other cooks know if this is a winner! Even better, snap a photo of your beautiful layered pudding and tag me on social media when you share it. I absolutely love seeing how you plate this up, whether you go simple with maple or fancy with some vegan whipped cream.
Your feedback helps me keep perfecting these recipes, and I get so excited seeing your beautiful baking efforts. Happy tasting, everyone!
Print
Deconstructed Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple, plant-based version of sweet potato bread pudding served in layers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix well.
- In a small cup, whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the sweet potato mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the cubed bread until it is coated with the mixture.
- Divide the mixture into small oven-safe ramekins or a single baking dish.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly set and warm throughout.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can toast the bread cubes lightly before mixing for a firmer texture.
- For a richer flavor, use vanilla extract in the wet ingredients.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of extra maple syrup if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: vegan, sweet potato, bread pudding, dessert, plant-based, maple syrup

