In place of the cashews and water to soak the bread in, you can use regular or vanilla unsweetened plant-based milk.
You can substitute mashed banana for the applesauce, but it will take on a bit of a banana bread taste.
To make ahead, simply bake and allow to cool. Cover tightly with several layers of plastic wrap. 24 hours before serving, transfer from freezer to refrigerator. To serve, reheat in oven at 350 for approximately 25 minutes or until heated through. Make cashew cream while bread pudding reheats.