This Instant Pot Bread Pudding Recipe transforms stale gluten-free bread and overripe bananas into a gooey, chocolatey dessert your family will love. Easy to make and ready in under an hour, it’s a comforting treat that reduces food waste and works well for those avoiding gluten and dairy.
Stale bread and overripe bananas are perfect for bread pudding. Rather than tossing them, combine pantry staples to create a rich banana chocolate bread pudding that’s moist, indulgent, and surprisingly simple.
Made in the Instant Pot, this pudding stays wonderfully moist and comes together with minimal prep—ideal for cooler weather or any time you want a warm, comforting dessert. Kids love it, and it’s friendly for most food intolerances when you choose gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Bread Pudding Recipe
- Kid-friendly – A sweet, approachable dessert the whole family enjoys.
- Simple ingredients – Most items are pantry staples; swap in what you have on hand.
- Allergy-friendly options – Easily made gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Easy to make – The Instant Pot handles the cooking, giving consistent results.
- Reduces food waste – Uses stale gluten-free bread and overripe bananas instead of discarding them.
Ingredients Needed
- Stale gluten-free bread, cubed – about 7 to 8 cups (see recipe card for exact amount).
- Eggs – 2 large.
- Sugar – 1/4 cup (or substitute coconut sugar for a different flavor).
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon.
- Ground cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon.
- Salt – a pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon).
- Dairy-free milk – 1 1/4 cups (almond, cashew, or coconut milk work well).
- Dairy-free butter – 2 tablespoons, melted.
- Ripe bananas – 2, mashed.
- Dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate morsels – 1/2 cup.
- Chopped pecans – 1/2 cup, optional.
Helpful Tools
Mixing bowl
Use a large bowl for whisking the custard and combining ingredients.
Instant Pot
Any 6-8 quart pressure cooker will work; adjust dish size as needed.
Casserole or baking dish
A 2 1/2-quart casserole fits well in an 8-qt Instant Pot. Use a similar-sized dish for other models.
Aluminum foil and sling
Fold foil into a sling to lower and lift the hot dish safely from the Instant Pot.
Nonstick spray, measuring tools
Nonstick spray keeps the pudding from sticking; measuring cups and spoons help with accurate portions.
How To Make The Instant Pot Bread Pudding
- Spray a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish (for an 8-qt Instant Pot) with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place cubed gluten-free bread into the dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans (if using) so they fall into the cracks between the cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, dairy-free milk, melted dairy-free butter, and mashed bananas. Pour the custard over the bread, pressing down so the bread soaks up the mixture.
- Spritz a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick spray and cover the casserole dish.
- Place the Instant Pot trivet inside and add the recommended water. Fold a sheet of foil into thirds to form a sling and use it to lower the casserole into the pot.
- Put the lid on and set the valve to seal. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 30 minutes.
- After cooking, allow a 15-minute natural pressure release, then quick-release remaining pressure. Carefully lift the hot dish using the foil sling.
- Serve warm with dairy-free whipped topping, maple syrup, dairy-free chocolate or caramel sauce, or dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Variations
Make it coconutty: Swap regular sugar for coconut sugar and use coconut milk or coconut cream for a richer coconut flavor.
Adults-only version: Stir in a splash of your favorite liqueur or rum for added depth.
Skip the chocolate: Replace chocolate morsels with raisins or other dried fruit for a different texture and flavor.
Change the bread: Use cinnamon raisin bread, gluten-free brioche, or even gluten-free bagels to vary the result and add unique flavor notes.
Tips & Tricks
- Use an aluminum sling to lift the hot dish from the Instant Pot safely.
- Allowing a natural pressure release for 15 minutes helps the pudding finish cooking gently and keeps it moist.
- For a crisp top, sprinkle light brown sugar on the surface and broil the uncovered casserole in the oven for a few minutes until golden.
Storage
Cool leftovers completely, then cover the dish or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days and reheat portions in the microwave.
FAQ
Why is my bread and butter pudding soggy?
Sogginess usually comes from too much liquid. Bread pudding is meant to be soft and moist, but reduce the milk slightly next time if yours feels overly runny.
What bread is best to use?
Stale gluten-free bread works best. If you don’t have stale bread, leave slices out overnight or toast pieces lightly before using them.
Other banana recipes
- Banana Oat Muffins – A great way to use overripe bananas with hearty oats.
- Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting – A gluten-free, dairy-free spin on classic banana bread topped with creamy frosting.
- Chocolate Banana Bread – Moist quick bread loaded with chocolate chips and mashed bananas.
Instant Pot Bread Pudding
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Ingredients
- 7 to 8 cups gluten free stale bread cubed
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups dairy free milk
- 2 tablespoons dairy free butter
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- ½ cup dairy free chocolate morsels
- ½ cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
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Spray a 2 ½ quart casserole dish and add the cubed bread.
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Sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans between bread cubes.
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Whisk remaining ingredients and pour over bread, pressing to soak.
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Cover with a piece of sprayed aluminum foil.
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Add trivet and water to the Instant Pot, lower the dish using a foil sling.
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Cook on manual/pressure cook for 30 minutes with the valve set to seal.
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Allow a 15-minute natural release, then quick-release remaining pressure and carefully remove the hot dish.
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Serve with dairy-free toppings of your choice and enjoy.
Notes
- Use an aluminum sling to remove the hot dish safely.
- Letting pressure release naturally helps the pudding finish cooking and stay moist.
- For a crisp, caramelized top, sprinkle with light brown sugar and broil briefly.
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional facts are estimates and may vary by brand and ingredient choices. For precise values, use a nutritional calculator with your selected brands.
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