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!
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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.
My favorite way to find comfort in fall is definitely to wear big comfy sweaters, while eating pumpkin EVERYTHING! 🙂
Bread pudding is my ultimate comfort food. My dad use to make it all the time. I have tried many gluten free recipes and haven’t found one I like yet; your recipe looks wonderful.
I find comfort in big sweaters!
This looks AMAZING! Wow- so delish ! You know, I have to admit, bread has never been a favorite of mine since I got so testy to grains and yeasts years ago. Yet, I love Udi’s brand and highly recommend their products to everyone who wants to go gluten-free. Next time, I’m going to direct anyone looking for a great gluten-free bread pudding to this recipe.
Last night, I decided to treat myself and make my own fall comfort food- pumpkin oatmeal cookies! Pumpkin and oats together are always so comforting to me, and the first batch of the season is ALWAYS the best. I ate three right off the pan and another 3 before bed:)
I’m posting the recipe soon, but have to say I thought of you because you said you like to bake at night, and that’s ALWAYS something I do at night if I’m not on the computer, reading and sipping tea of course:)
Have a great weekend!
Pumpkin cookies sound amazing — it’s been too long since I’ve made them. Oh! I finally tried the Crio Bru and -loved- it. You’re definitely on to something here 😉
I loooove bread pudding!!!! And Udi’s has some seriously delish breads in my opinion. I too find comfort in baking and cooking, and if I had more time and energy I’d definitely be in the kitchen almost 24/7 🙂
Ohhh my YUM. My cousin’s cousin actually has celiac disease, so we buy lots of Udi’s products for her. This looks so comforting, apple-y, and delicious, gluten-free or not! Thanks for sharing!
This bread pudding looks amazing, and so does all that gluten-free bread – ahhh! My favorite way to find comfort in the fall is hot drinks and baking yummy things in the kitchen 🙂
A cup of hot apple cider and a long walk to look at the changing leaves!
I have to head over to mum’s for dinner tonight and my sister is on dessert duty….I just emailed her this recipe. You, my friend, are a recipe genius, highlighted by the fact that you’ve never eaten bread pudding before.
Will report back the findings in the a.m.
I’m not sure if its just in Australia, but most of our gluten free bread products are in the fridge section….I don’t follow a gluten free diet but some gluten free products do taste pretty good though!
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Have an awesome dinner with your family 🙂
Apple Crisp or Pumpkin Pie!
Indulging in pumpkin everything and spending time with family/friends!
My favorite way to find comfort in the fall is by sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace!
I love to put on a good movie, something light like a romance or comedy film with a hot cup of tea and sit in bed or on the couch with my boyfriend when we are together 🙂
THIS LOOKS SO GOOD. Mmmmm. Gosh, me and my carbs. I just can’t seem to get enough.
Happy Friday!
A warm bowl of chili or cup of coffee is my favorite way to find comfort in the Fall. This recipe looks amazing, Amanda!! I’ve never made a bread pudding either, but now I really want to.
Ummm Fall in Florida is just like summer and spring and winter. But when I lived in Kansas City, running in the fallen leaves was AWESOME followed by a bowl of chili
I’m pretty sure that I’m going to be wishing that all our seasons looked the same when winter hits in a couple of months!
My favorite way to find comfort in the fall is wearing my slippers and drinking hot coco!
Um wow. The pudding looks so so so so so good!
I LOVE tea & apple crisp 🙂
Ummm yum! That looks great. I’ve wanted to try that bread however it’s pretty pricey.
Fall is my favorite for leggings and big sweaters. Or big sweatshirts! That recipe looks faaaabulous!
I find comfort in the fall by putting on my warm pj’s, getting cozy on my couch, and sipping a hot mug of cinnamon infused almond milk!!!
Comfort in the fall? Warm/hot drinks. Coffee, tea, cider, hot chocolate…
But that’s comfort ALL year round 😛
Hmm…you have a point…
My favorite way to find comfort in the fall is to throw a nice hot meal in the crockpot and cozy up on the couch with a blanket and a good book!
My favorite way to find comfort food in the fall is go to a local cafe or diner. My favorite comfort period is actually bread pudding!
best baking results happens at 9 pm. Another mouth watering creation 🙂
To me, finding comfort in fall means being able to take weekend hikes with my boyfriend, getting hot drinks from coffee shops and finding time to relax at home without the pressure of being outside. I definitely agree with you about how much work summer can be!
My comfort in the fall is hot chocolate.
I will have to make some homemade bread to try this out (defeats the purpose of the Udi’s I know … but I’m more obsessed with the recipe! 😀 ) Still, I love how much variety Udi’s offers and I had no idea that they were nut-free on top of being gluten-free. That’s fantastic news!
Do you ever have problems buying bread with your allergies?
Not so much bread, nope. But Udi’s has cinnamon buns, muffins, and cookies that are all nut-free as well. Basically, my heart is doing happy dances.
I love bread pudding, that looks so good!
I’m not gluten-intolerent, but I notice I do have a sensitivity to it. I need to better about staying away. Maybe the Udi’s would help!
“summer, you exhaust me” – haha love it! sometimes I feel like I’m the only one that feels that way, too. i will NEVER turn down a cup o tea and a good book 😉 forget the beachchair, give me a cushy sofa.
my favorite fall foods most definitely include pumpkin AND apple in them – double autumn bang!
fave way to find comfort in the fall?
jumping in a puddle of leaves!!
This is the best giveaway!!! My favourite way to enjoy fall is with a big bowl of soup and two slices of udi’s GF whole grain with coconut oil!!! I LOVE Udis bread!
i’m an ambassador for udis, so i am not entering but i am SO GIDDY for this recipe!!! You made this for me, right? Bread pudding in my FAVORITE! oh i want to come to your house right now with a cappuccino and fork!
Confession: you’re totally the first person I think of whenever I think of gluten free or Udi’s… So I’d say you’re a darn good ambassador.
An apple break pudding? GENIUS! I love the thinly sliced apples on top of this dessert – it looks too pretty to eat. Wait, what am I saying? Nothing is too pretty to eat 😉
Looks delicious! And I enjoy curling up with a cozy blanket by the fireplace, watching old reruns of good movies or tv shows. Or game shows. I love game shows, haha.
Ohhh game shows <3 One of my favourite things to do when I was younger and at home because of a sick day was to watch The Price Is Right in the early afternoon. $1 😉
That looks amazing. I’ve been pinning recipes to use for apple picking that aren’t just pie and cobbler. This would definitely work since I LOVE bread pudding.
Jumping on a plane now so I can grab my slice :-p This looks amazing! I’ve only ever had bread pudding once that I can remember, but this looks like it would blow that one out of the water. And yay Canadian addresses! :-p
Favourite way to find comfort in the fall: movies nights in with the boyfriend with a warm, comforting dinner…and this year, puppy cuddles 😉
Wow..just wow! I am not GF but I want to make this recipe…you had me at apple cinnamon! As much as I love summer, I love snuggling indoors when it’s cool outdoors. Ideally it would involve me watching an old chick flick, a huge mug of tea in hand and plenty of chocolate. Although if it’s a choice between a freshly baked dessert and chocolate, I’ll have the former please! Have a great weekend, lady!
Favorite fall comfort food…bread lol. My aunt is gluten free for medical readons!