I don’t know what the weather has been like in your neck of the woods, but it’s been pretty cold and gloomy around these parts for the last couple of days…
I can’t say I mind, though. It’s honestly been nice to be able to relax at home and not feel pressured to go out and take advantage of a gorgeous day (summer, you’re exhausting). Most evenings, you’ll find me under a blanket with a cup of tea or cocoa in one hand and a good book in the other. And if I’m not on the couch, I’m in the kitchen experimenting with my favourite fall flavours.
There’s seriously nothing more comforting than being in a warm kitchen on a cold day, especially when there’s a delicious smell wafting out of the oven. That’s why, when Udi’s Gluten Free offered me a chance to participate in their Fall Comfort recipe challenge, I jumped at the opportunity…
Even though I’m not gluten-free myself, I know that a lot of my readers are, and I can definitely relate to the inconvenience that comes with having to live with serious food allergies (side note: Udi’s also happens to be dairy, soy, and NUT free as well!). With the increasing sketchiness of our food supply, food allergies and sensitivities seem to be becoming more and more common, with people having to give up certain foods left, right, and centre. Canadian Attitudes to Gluten-Free Study estimates that approximately 4.3 million Canadians (12.3%) have gone gluten-free, or have reduced gluten in their diets, and when it comes to sticking to a gluten-free diet, bread is the most commonly reported challenge. In the baked goods category, 79% of Canadians say bread is very or moderately important in their family’s diet, and nearly one in four Canadians who are gluten-free or gluten-reduced say they cheat with bread [source].
Yowza. But I guess that’s not really surprising seeing as bread is… well… it’s pretty darn delicious…
Not bread, says you? Bread pudding, says I! Part of the challenge was to use at least one of the products I received in a comforting fall recipe, so I opted to go with something that everyone loves — bread. The only thing was, what do you do with bread besides make sandwiches or French toast? You puddingify it…
I can’t honestly tell you that I’ve ever had bread pudding before, much less made it, so I have no idea what possessed me to try and come up with a recipe of my own, but it seemed like a brilliant idea at the time (note: the time was 9:30 PM on a Tuesday night). Turns out, it was a brilliant idea. Not to toot my own horn or anything (totally tooting… stop giggling), but this recipe is good. To make it fallish, I decided to go the apple-cinnamon route since I’ve already dabbled with pumpkin and figs. Pat on the back for a decision well-made.
The apples make this fluffy pudding even fluffier while adding to the overall autumnal feel. And the fact that they’re spiked with coconut and caramelized brown sugar just makes them that much more luxurious. I had no idea what to expect going into this recipe, seeing as I didn’t know what bread pudding was supposed to feel or taste like, but I’ve gotta say that I’m more than pleased with how this dish turned out, regardless of whether or not I’m using the term “bread pudding” loosely.
I’d love to know if you make this (or any!) recipe! Tag @runwithspoons on Instagram and Twitter, and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy and delicious recipes straight to your inbox!
Print
gluten-free apple cinnamon bread pudding
- Total Time: 54 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups (~5 oz.) Udi’s Gluten Free Whole Grain Bread, cut into 1′ cubes
- 1 cup vanilla almond milk
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4′ thick
Instructions
- Begin by generously greasing an 8×8 inch baking dish. Add bread cubes, making sure there is enough to cover the entire bottom of the pan. If not, cut up another slice.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well incorporated.
- Pour wet mixture over bread cubes, pressing down on them to ensure that they soak up the liquid. Fold in raisins and let sit for at least 20 minutes, checking regularly to make sure the bread cubes are getting spongy.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- While bread cubes are soaking, prepare your apples by adding the coconut oil and apple slices to a skillet over medium-low heat and cooking until tender, approximately 8 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Spoon apples over bread cube mixture, distributing evenly and using a spoon to fill some of the gaps between the cubes. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until apples are golden brown and egg mixture is set.
- Remove from oven and serve. Top with maple syrup or enjoy as-is. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
Fluffy, flavourful, sweet, and spicy, this guy is the perfect comfort food for fall. And if that’s not enough for you, Udi’s was generous enough to allow me to host a giveaway that’ll award a Fall Comfort prize pack valued at $150 (just like the one seen near the beginning of the post… plus a cutting board, lunchbox, and comforter) to one lucky reader. All you have to do is follow the steps to enter below (open to Canadian addresses only).
The giveaway runs until the 27th, which I know is somewhat of a long wait, but I can promise you that it’s well worth it. I’ve been taste-testing some of the other products that I got in my goodie-package over the past few days, and I have to admit that I wouldn’t have been able to tell they were gluten-free if I didn’t know. Well played, Udi’s… well played indeed.
Happy Friday, friends! Make sure to eat something delicious this weekend! 😀
Disclaimer: Udi’s sent me the Fall Comfort pack free of charge. All thoughts/opinions expressed are my own.
I’ve recently fallen in love with Udi’s products and bread pudding has alwaysalwaysalways been my favorite dessert…In other words, forget every other recipe I’ve bookmarked this week, I’m making THIS ONE. <3
I love Udi’s Brand. I’m not gluten free anymore but the bread is really good!
To curl up with a warm blankie and tomato soup and a good movie
Toot that horn, girl! Haha, okay I’m done. But seriously, this looks delish! I think I’ve had bread pudding a handful of times and I’m pretty sure I’ve been eyeing up pumpkin versions for MONTHS. This just looks so good and the fact you make it healthy… I just love ya…. Except for making this open to Canadians only 😉
It wasn’t by choice! If I had my way, I’d make it for everyone. BUT! All the more reason for you to come visit 😉
Ah! I’m so jealous. The weather here has been in the 80s and I’d really give anything for a crisp fall day. It just doesn’t feel right! My favorite way to find comfort in fall is to watch Halloween shows or movies and eat some good, warm food on my couch.
yum, that bread pudding looks great! i don’t think i’ve actually ever eaten bread pudding, but i’d be more than happy to try yours 🙂
i find comfort in the fall by drinking lots of hot coffee and wearing scarves!
I love just hanging out on the couch with blankets and hot chocolate 🙂 Candles burning, too!
And an adorable kitten, right? Only slightly jealous 😛
comfort via coffee and pumpkin everything 🙂
Oh heck yes. This looks OUT OF CONTROL good. Saturday morning baking, here I come!
Hot apple cider, a snuggly blanket, and a good book! Perfect comfort setup! 🙂
A big mug of tea, a good book and a warm fire is my favourite way to find comfort in the fall:)
Wow, I haven’t had bread pudding in forever. This looks so good!
Love bread pudding.. this looks so yummy! I must find a way to make it vegan! haha!
I used to hate hate hate bread pudding, until I had this amazing white chocolate raspberry bread pudding while on vacation. It turned out I’d just never had GOOD bread pudding before. Honestly, what’s not to love about that carb-y goodness??
My favorite fall comfort food would have to be anything in the squash category! Pumpkins ARE included. Although, I love me some apples and figs 🙂
Oh, Amanda. You’ve outdone yourself! This looks amazing!! I would so love a piece of this for breakfast. Can you teleport one to me please? Maybe two?
My favorite way to find comfort is to take a hot shower and curl up in my thick, fluffy robe. Heaven.
I’ll trade you a slice of bread pudding for one of your pumpkin cream cheese muffins 😉
Whoa! Look at all that Udi’s swag! I don’t know how they do it, but I love that their sandwich bread ACTUALLY tastes like white bread. It’s prob the best GF treat food on the market!
Fall comforts = flannel sheets & pjs, tea, fuzzy warm socks, candles, layers, anything apple-cinnamon.
Wow what a delicious looking dessert! I have never made bread pudding before but really want to now!
Favorite fall comfort food… It’s so hard to pick just one! Pumpkin anything is up there though!
Since I live on the Gulf Coast, the unofficial bread pudding capital of the U.S. (in my opinion, at least), I know a good bread pudding when I see one. Based on looks & the ingredient list alone, this looks like a winner. I will *definitely* be trying this in the near future. The only thing that *might* make it even better would be a warm bourbon glaze to drizzle on top.
Thanks for sharing!
I was thinking about something like that! Either that or soaking the raisins. But I didn’t want to get ahead of myself on the first try.
In my bed with a good book is the best way to spend a crisp fall day. 🙂
Hi Amanda! I’ve been a silent reader for a few weeks but wanted to say that this recipe looks delicious! Puddifying bread is genius! I most definitely wouldn’t have thought of that, so I’m glad you shared this recipe.
This is definitely fall comfort food at its best! It looks delicious and so moist!!! Is this brand of food just sold in Canada or do they sell it in the States? My mother-in-law is on a gluten free diet, so if I could find it here, I’d love to make it for her.
My favorite way to find comfort in the fall is to start a fire, get cozy under a blanket on the couch and read a book.
They definitely sell it in the States! I actually think you guys get a bigger variety of it than we do… typical 😛
I love big sweaters, boots, long walks outside looking at the colorful leaves, and halloween. getting so pumped over it!!
This recipe looks delish. I am not gluten free but a lot of people I know have taken up the gluten-free diet for various reasons. I do buy Udi’s bread anyway when I have a coupon!
This looks delicious, Amanda! I’ve never actually had bread pudding either, but I just know I’d love it! Maybe I’ll give this a try! Apples + brown sugar + cinnamon is always a good combo.
It’ll surprise you! It’s something I never really gave a second glance to, but the texture is just SO comforting.
I find comfort in fall with big sweatshirts and a fireplace in my living room <3 😉
My stepdad makes a bread pudding that’s beyond good! It’s a treat his mom used to make for them and I always love when he makes it for us. This bread and apple pudding sounds really good. I think the textures of bread pudding are my favorite.
My favourite fall comfort is staying in my bed on cool weekend mornings!
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding? Great idea! While bread pudding itself wasn’t a childhood classic for me – funny to think how much this differs from country to country – I tried it a few times the past years but just semi-successfully. You might have inspired me to give it another try …
My favourite way to find comfort in fall is without a doubt family time. Going on a hike with my parents, warming up with a cup of hot tea once we get back, sitting on the sofa just chatting – perfect. If I can’t be at my parents – withdrawal already! – I’ll light a scented candle and cozy up in bed with a good book. I’m heading out to pick up The Book Thief and another book in a minute.
Happy Friday and I hope you’ll have a relaxing weekend [on the couch or elsewhere]!
Ooo I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts about The Book Thief! I just picked up The City of Bones after hearing everyone rave about it, so I’m hoping that’ll be another good one.
I’ll be honest and say that bread pudding isn’t my favorite food of all time, but it’s pretty darn good. And I’ve never had bread pudding with apples and cinnamon…nor have I ever had a bread pudding made by you, which looks better than some of the bread puddings I’ve had in my lifetime.
My favorite way to find comfort in the fall is being outside, enjoying the cool weather in jeans and a sweater. Unless I’m in Houston, because fall, winter, and spring don’t exist down here. *Sigh.*
the bread pudding looks amazing!! and i have always loved UDI’S bread 🙂
I have to say tooting is absolutely necessary here, bread pudding with apples and cinnamon? That sounds like fall comfort food at it’s best and makes me want to run to the grocery store and buy a loaf of bread. Guess I’ll wait till the 10thousand things in my fridge are eaten before I start baking up new stuff. Seriously, this gloomy weather is making me all domestic and I spend way to much time in the kitchen to feed just me and sometimes Jay when he comes around. Bet the kitty would love to have some bread pudding, though… is that excuse enough?
Gloomy weather alone is plenty of an excuse. We lost the sun for about 3 days, so kitchen comfort was definitely needed.
This looks amazing! Udi’s has been my absolute favorite bread since going gluten free. Totally worth trying for anyone who hasn’t yet 🙂
My favorite way to find comfort in the fall is by baking!
I have never had bread pudding..is that weird? I think I need to change that!
My favorite way to find comfort in fall is definitely to wear big and cozy sweaters with boots…oh and to eat LOTS of pumpkin! 🙂
Definitely not weird — before this I’d never had it either. I was missing out, though! Turns out, this stuff is pretty darn good.
Toot my horn! Love it.
I’ve never had bread pudding before, but your version looks awesome. I had no idea such a large percentage of the population followed a gluten free diet. I am curious out of those people, how many actually are coeliac or have a moderate-severe intolerance. It’s all very interesting to me.
My favorite way to find comfort in the fall is by sitting by the fireplace with family, enjoying great conversation and delicious treats.
Wow you’ve really outdone yourself this time. i LOVE bread pudding, and im really picky about it- but this. looks. perfect. i’ve never even considered making it before but you make it sounds so easy!! maybe i should give it a go this weekend. it sounds so cozy – this type of thing oozes comfort to me. have a great weekend!
It seriously was ridiculously easy. At first I was just going to start it by letting the bread soak, and before I knew it, I was done. And I actually had no idea that bread pudding was this good 😆 You definitely know your desserts, lady 😉
Amanda, I’ve been a reader for about a month, and am slowly building up the courage to start my own blog. It’s been incredible to read about other girls who have stories so similar to mine – the disordered eating, exercise pathologies, and food sensitivities. I’m still struggling to incorporate sweets and baked goods back into my diet as occasional indulgences (rather than my restrictive tendencies), and this bread pudding looks like the ultimate way to overcomes some of my fears. Thank you for sharing this!
As for finding comfort in the fall, my favorite is to sit around a fire pit with marshmallows and chocolate with my family, who live about 13 hours away from me. I relish the opportunity to go home and see them during the holidays – funny how they all come during the fall season! I’m definitely looking forward to these next few months.
Rachel, sweets and baked goods were a big struggle for me as well, but just take it baby step by baby step at a time and it’ll get easier — promise 🙂 When I first started out, I couldn’t even imagine being at a place where even the thought of eating baked goods wouldn’t cause me huge amounts of anxiety, but I can honestly say that that mindset is a thing of the past — just set small challenges for yourself and give it time.
If you ever have questions or need to chat, don’t hesitate to hit me up!
Holy smokes, your desserts always look so dang delicious!
I think it’s impossible for me to choose a favourite comfort food in the Fall – in between all the baking, chilis, and soups.