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Vegan Banana Bread Pudding with Cinnamon Maple Sauce

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished Apr 22, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American 55 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepvegan-optionsno-fussmorning-bakecomfort-foodminimal-ingredientsmaplespicedfreezer-friendly

This vegan banana bread pudding features ripe bananas, cubed day-old bread, and warm spices, topped with a luscious cinnamon maple sauce. Easy and beginner-friendly, it’s a no-fuss breakfast bake that's freezer-friendly and perfect for comforting mornings.

Vegan Banana Bread Pudding with Cinnamon Maple Sauce
Prep 10 min
Cook 45 min
Total 55 min
Servings 6
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep10 min
Cook45 min
Total55 min
Servings6
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
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Ingredients

Servings 6
  • 4 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (vegan if needed, sturdy like sourdough or sandwich bread)
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for thickening the sauce)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (for the cinnamon maple sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the sauce)
  • 1/2 cup water (for the sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
  3. Add the plant-based milk, 1/2 cup maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Gently fold the cubed bread into the banana mixture, ensuring all cubes are coated. Let the bread soak for 5-7 minutes to absorb the liquid.
  5. Transfer the soaked bread cubes evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread them out in a uniform layer.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set but still moist inside.
  7. While baking, prepare the cinnamon maple sauce: Combine 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan.
  8. Mix cornstarch or arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the saucepan.
  9. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a syrupy, pourable consistency, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  10. Once baked, let the bread pudding cool for 5 minutes before drizzling generously with the warm cinnamon maple sauce.
  11. Serve warm as a comforting vegan breakfast or brunch. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in portions for up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Adjust the vegan banana bread pudding to fit dietary needs or ingredient availability with these beginner-friendly substitutions:

  • Bananas: Replace overripe bananas with unsweetened applesauce (about 1 cup) to achieve similar moisture and sweetness.
  • Bread: Use gluten-free bread cubes for a gluten-free version or swap with whole-grain bread for additional fiber and nutrients.
  • Plant-based Milk: Substitute any unsweetened plant-based milk such as oat, soy, or cashew milk instead of almond milk.
  • Maple Syrup: Replace with agave nectar or brown rice syrup if maple syrup is unavailable, noting slight flavor differences.
  • Coconut Oil: Use vegetable oil or melted vegan butter to maintain moisture if coconut oil isn’t preferred.
  • Cornstarch or Arrowroot: Tapioca starch or potato starch can substitute as thickeners for the cinnamon maple sauce.

These substitutions keep the recipe simple, no-fuss, and accessible while maintaining delicious results.

Equipment Needed

Gather these essential tools to make the Vegan Banana Bread Pudding with Cinnamon Maple Sauce easily and successfully:

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish: Provides an even bake for the bread pudding to develop a golden, tender crust.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Used for combining and soaking the bread cubes in the banana and plant-based milk mixture.
  • Whisk or Fork: Ideal for mashing bananas and mixing wet ingredients uniformly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurement of ingredients for consistent taste and texture.
  • Small Saucepan: Needed to prepare the cinnamon maple sauce evenly over heat.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring sauce and gently folding bread cubes to maintain their shape.
  • Mixing Spoon or Tongs: Assists in transferring and spreading soaked bread into the baking dish smoothly.
  • Oven Mitts: Essential for safe handling of the hot dish when placing into or removing from the oven.
  • Cooling Rack (optional): Helps the pudding cool slightly for best texture before serving.

Having these basic kitchen tools ready enhances your beginner-friendly, no-fuss baking experience.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Bananas: Use ripe bananas with brown specks to ensure natural sweetness and creamy texture. Mash thoroughly to blend flavors and moisture evenly.

Bread: Use sturdy, day-old bread like sourdough or vegan sandwich bread for optimal absorption without excessive sogginess. If using fresh bread, lightly toast and cube it. Gluten-free bread that holds structure well is suitable for gluten-free diets.

Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is preferred, but feel free to substitute with soy, oat, or coconut milk. Unsweetened varieties maintain control over sweetness. For a richer pudding, consider full-fat coconut milk.

Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is ideal for natural sweetness and a distinct flavor. Alternatives like agave nectar, date syrup, or brown rice syrup may be used but avoid stronger tasting syrups like molasses.

Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil enhances moisture and richness. If not preferred, swap with melted vegan butter or a neutral vegetable oil.

Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): Freshly ground spices deliver the best aroma, but pre-ground is fine and beginner-friendly. Adjust spice amounts to taste and omit nutmeg if unavailable.

Thickener for Sauce: Cornstarch or arrowroot powder both thicken the cinnamon maple sauce effectively. Arrowroot results in a clearer sauce. If unavailable, tapioca starch or reducing the sauce longer helps thicken naturally.

Pro Tip: Prepare and measure ingredients in advance. Soaking bread 5-7 minutes before baking allows even flavor penetration without turning overly mushy, ensuring perfect texture.

Oven Note

Proper oven setup is crucial to successfully bake this vegan banana bread pudding, especially for beginners. Fully preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing the dish inside to ensure even warming.

Position the baking dish on the middle oven rack for balanced heat flow, preventing uneven cooking or hotspots.

Lightly grease the dish with coconut oil to avoid sticking and help create a golden crust. If using a convection oven, reduce temperature by 15-25°F to prevent premature browning or drying.

Avoid frequent oven opening during baking, as temperature fluctuations can affect texture. Set a timer for 40-45 minutes and check when the pudding top is golden and the center is set but moist.

Let the pudding rest for a few minutes after baking to allow residual heat to complete gentle cooking and to meld flavors before serving.

Following these oven tips ensures consistent, delicious results with your beginner-friendly, no-fuss banana bread pudding.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Enhance this easy vegan banana bread pudding with simple upgrades that add flavor, texture, and appeal without complicating the recipe:

  • Add Fresh or Dried Fruit: Fold in blueberries, chopped apples, or raisins with the bread cubes for bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Include Nuts or Seeds: Toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds contribute crunch and healthy fats.
  • Experiment With Spices: Try ground cloves, cardamom, or ginger to create new warm spice profiles.
  • Use Flavored Plant Milks: Swap plain almond milk for vanilla or cinnamon-infused versions to boost aroma.
  • Drizzle Vegan Chocolate: Melt vegan chocolate chips and drizzle them over the baked pudding for a decadent touch kids love.
  • Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle fresh herbs like mint, basil, or a zest of orange to brighten both flavor and presentation.
  • Create Parfaits: Layer the pudding with coconut whipped cream and fresh berries in individual glasses for an impressive brunch treat.

These no-fuss tweaks keep the recipe beginner-friendly while letting your creativity shine!

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