Introduction
Banana Bread Pudding is a delicious and indulgent dessert that takes the classic banana bread to the next level. This comforting treat blends the familiar flavors of ripe bananas with the custardy goodness of a bread pudding, making it the ultimate sweet dish for any occasion. Soft and slightly crispy on top, with a smooth, rich interior, it’s an ideal way to use up overripe bananas while creating something irresistible. The combination of sweet, caramelized bananas and a perfectly spiced bread pudding base will make your taste buds dance with joy.
What I absolutely adore about this dessert is how versatile it is. You can play around with the spices, maybe add a hint of nutmeg, cinnamon, or even a splash of vanilla extract, all of which add layers of flavor to the pudding. I first made this Banana Bread Pudding during a family gathering, and it was such a hit that everyone asked for the recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s so comforting, it feels like a warm embrace on a cold evening.
What’s even more amazing is how easy it is to adapt to your taste. If you’re in the mood for extra richness, try adding a scoop of chocolate chips, or if you like a little crunch, consider topping it with some toasted nuts or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. This dessert doesn’t just hit the sweet spot; it can also be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—making it perfect for any time of day. Once you try this Banana Bread Pudding, it’s sure to become a favorite that you’ll want to make time and again.
Perfect For
Banana Bread Pudding is ideal for dessert after dinner, family gatherings, or as a special treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also great for using up overripe bananas, turning them into a delicious dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Sweet: The ripe bananas in this dish are naturally sweet and help balance out the custard’s richness, making each bite delightfully flavorful. As the bananas bake, their sweetness intensifies, creating pockets of melted goodness that meld perfectly with the vanilla-spiced custard. It’s the ideal level of sweetness—pleasantly sweet, but not overwhelming—making each bite a treat.
- Comforting & Cozy: This banana bread pudding offers the perfect cozy, comforting experience, whether it’s served fresh from the oven or warmed up later. The soft, pillowy bread soaks up the creamy custard, while the warm banana slices add a gentle, fragrant sweetness. It’s a hearty dish that envelops you in a comforting warmth, making it perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or when you need a satisfying dessert to end the day.
- Versatile: This banana bread pudding is wonderfully adaptable. You can enjoy it on its own as a simple yet delicious dessert, or take it up a notch by pairing it with decadent toppings such as rich caramel sauce, light whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The variety of toppings gives you endless options to tailor the dish to suit your preferences or the season. For an added flair, sprinkle some toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top for texture and extra flavor.
- Great for Leftovers: This recipe is an excellent way to minimize waste and give leftover bread and overripe bananas a second life. Rather than tossing old bread or bananas that have seen better days, this dish repurposes them into something incredibly delicious. The pudding allows you to be creative and resourceful while enjoying a tasty treat. You can even make a big batch and have plenty to enjoy as breakfast or dessert over the next couple of days.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 250 calories
- Key Nutrients Per Serving:
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Potassium: High
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (white or whole wheat)
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the dish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Bananas: Naturally sweet and full of potassium, bananas add moisture and flavor to this pudding.
- Bread: The cubed bread absorbs the custard, creating a soft, custard-like texture with a slightly crispy top.
- Spices: A combination of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the dessert.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the custard.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread and Bananas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place the cubed bread into the dish and top it with sliced bananas.
2. Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
3. Pour the Custard Over the Bread
Evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread and bananas, making sure the bread cubes are fully soaked. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
4. Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden on top.
5. Serve
Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm as is, or topped with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Serve
Banana Bread Pudding is delicious when served warm from the oven. It’s perfect on its own or with a variety of toppings. Try it with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Additional Tips
- Make-Ahead: This pudding can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator, then baked the next day.
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread works best since it will absorb the custard better and result in a thicker, fluffier pudding.
- Try Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with different fruits, such as berries or apples, for a fun twist on the recipe.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and a flax egg mixture as a substitute for the dairy and eggs.
Recipe Variations
- Add Nuts: For an added layer of flavor and texture, toss in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or any nut of your choice into the pudding mixture before baking. The nuts will toast slightly during baking, adding a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor that balances out the softness of the bread and bananas. Plus, nuts like walnuts or almonds add a rich, buttery taste that complements the sweetness of the pudding perfectly.
- Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding: Take your dessert to the next level with a chocolate twist! Sprinkle a generous handful of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or even white chocolate) over the bread and banana layers just before baking. The chocolate will melt into the pudding, creating decadent pockets of gooey chocolate and adding an irresistible richness that pairs wonderfully with the bananas. This version is a great option for any chocolate lovers looking for extra indulgence.
- Caramelized Banana: If you want to elevate the natural sweetness of the bananas, try caramelizing them before adding them to the pudding. Simply slice the bananas and cook them in a pan with a little butter and brown sugar. The caramelization process intensifies the banana’s natural sweetness, creating a rich, syrupy coating that adds complexity to the flavor profile. Once added to the pudding, these caramelized bananas will melt into the dish, creating a beautifully sweet and velvety texture.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the leftover bread pudding in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat by baking in the oven.
Special Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, including brioche, challah, or even a gluten-free option. Just make sure it’s day-old bread for the best texture.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven the next day.
Q: Can I substitute the bananas?
A: While bananas are key to the flavor of this dish, you can replace them with other fruits such as apples, pears, or berries for a different twist.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Pudding is a comforting, indulgent dessert that combines the familiar warmth of banana bread with the creamy, custardy goodness of bread pudding. This delicious treat makes use of overripe bananas, creating a sweet, moist base that’s both rich and satisfying. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, it’s a dish that everyone will love—whether you’re a fan of banana bread or bread pudding.
This dessert is incredibly versatile and can be customized by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for an extra burst of flavor. It’s equally delightful when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Give it a try today, and let your kitchen fill with the sweet fragrance of banana and cinnamon! Snap a photo and share your success on Instagram—be sure to tag me so I can join in celebrating your baking achievement. Happy baking!