Divine Banana Bread Pudding Recipe: Sweet Comfort in Every Bite

Warm, comforting banana bread pudding emerges as a classic dessert that delights taste buds with its rich, creamy texture.

Soft bananas meld perfectly with custardy bread, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each spoonful promises a nostalgic journey of sweet memories and home-cooked goodness.

The simple ingredients blend together effortlessly, turning basic pantry staples into an extraordinary treat.

Layers of bread soaked in a luscious mixture of eggs, milk, and ripe bananas promise pure indulgence.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and vanilla weave through the dessert, elevating its humble origins.

Serve this decadent pudding warm and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

What Goes Into Comforting Banana Bread Pudding

• Bread Cubes: Slightly stale, day-old bread works best for absorbing custard without falling apart.
• Brioche, Challah: Rich, buttery breads create an indulgent texture and deeper flavor profile.

• Ripe Bananas: Provide natural sweetness and creamy texture; choose spotted, soft bananas for maximum flavor.
• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Contribute rich, velvety consistency to the pudding's base.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create multilayered sweetness with caramel undertones.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure to the pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall warmth and depth of flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Add warm, aromatic spices that complement banana's sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates golden, crispy top layer when melted.
• Fresh Banana Slices: Adds fresh fruity garnish and visual appeal.
• Pecans: Introduce delightful crunch and nutty complexity.
• Caramel Sauce, Powdered Sugar: Optional elegant toppings that elevate dessert's presentation.

Equipment Checklist for Banana Bread Pudding

• 8×8-inch baking dish: Essential for evenly baking and presenting the pudding.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking custard ingredients smoothly together.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending custard ingredients without lumps.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting bread into cubes and slicing bananas.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting board: Helps prepare bread and banana slices safely.

Steps for a Perfect Banana Bread Pudding Bake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F and lovingly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with a gentle butter layer.

• Create Bread Foundation

Scatter bread cubes across the dish like a delicious blanket, ensuring an even and inviting landscape.

• Whip Together Creamy Goodness

Blend mashed bananas, milk, cream, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and warm spices into a silky, luxurious custard that promises pure comfort.

• Merge Flavors

Cascade the luscious custard over bread cubes, gently pressing to help every morsel soak up the rich mixture. Let everything mingle and get acquainted for 10 minutes.

• Bake to Perfection

Drizzle melted butter across the top for an extra golden touch. Slide into the oven and bake until the pudding turns a gorgeous golden brown and sets beautifully, around 40-45 minutes.

• Dress and Serve

Crown your creation with fresh banana slices and crunchy pecans. Serve while still warm, optionally drizzling with caramel sauce or dusting with powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

Variations and Flavor Tips for Banana Bread Pudding

• Bread Choice Magic: Use day-old brioche, challah, or French bread for richer, more luxurious texture and deeper flavor profiles.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk to create a delicious vegan-friendly version of this classic dessert.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the pudding the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast or brunch treat.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread or cubed gluten-free muffins to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
• Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut, diced pineapple, or a splash of rum to transform this pudding into a Caribbean-inspired dessert with bold, exciting flavors.

Serving Banana Bread Pudding Warm and Cozy

• Creamy Comfort Companion: Serve this warm banana bread pudding alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast and extra indulgence.
• Breakfast Twist: Transform leftovers into a morning treat by reheating individual portions and topping with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Plate individual servings in beautiful ramekins, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar, and add a small mint leaf for a restaurant-style finish that elevates the homey dessert.
• Decadent Sauce Pairing: Create a rich bourbon caramel sauce by combining caramel, a splash of bourbon, and a pinch of sea salt, which complements the pudding's warm spices and banana flavor perfectly.

How to Keep Banana Bread Pudding Fresh for Days

• Fridge Storage Magic: Keep leftover banana bread pudding in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Chilled dessert maintains its rich, creamy texture when properly sealed.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm individual servings in microwave for 30-45 seconds. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture and restore its original luscious consistency.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before gently reheating.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble pudding mixture the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake directly from cold state, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time for perfect golden results.

Heavenly Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Grandma’s cherished banana bread pudding invites comfort and nostalgia from her Southern kitchen. Sweet caramelized bananas meld with creamy custard, offering pure culinary warmth you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 banana, sliced
• 4 cups (946 ml) cubed bread (French bread, brioche, or challah)
• 2 cups (473 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (30 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• Caramel sauce or powdered sugar (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Bread Foundation: Tear bread into rustic cubes, distributing evenly across the baking dish’s bottom to create a textured base.
3. Custard Composition: Whisk mashed bananas, milk, heavy cream, white and brown sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and fully incorporated, ensuring a luxurious and harmonious blend.
4. Moisture Infusion: Pour custard mixture over bread cubes, gently pressing to guarantee complete saturation. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes, enabling bread to absorb flavors and liquid thoroughly.
5. Baking Process: Drizzle melted butter across the surface and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the pudding achieves a golden-brown exterior and sets with a slight jiggle in the center.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and garnish with sliced bananas and toasted pecans. Serve warm, accompanied by caramel sauce or a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old or slightly stale bread for optimal texture absorption and richer flavor development.
• Banana Ripeness Tip: Use overripe bananas with dark spots for maximum natural sweetness and deeper banana flavor profile.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Let the bread cubes sit in the custard mixture for exactly 10 minutes to ensure perfect moisture balance without becoming overly wet.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, and use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 338
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg