There’s just something about bread pudding that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. And when you add bananas to the mix? Pure magic. This Banana Bread Pudding is cozy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying—the kind of dessert that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a big ol’ spoon. It’s one of those recipes that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Pudding
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—it works any time of day.
Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday staples like bread, bananas, and eggs—nothing fancy here!
Quick and Easy: Simple steps and no fancy equipment required. Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a caramel drizzle to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Banana Bread Pudding
Here’s the magic of this dessert—it’s made with basic ingredients, but the result is next-level delicious. Let’s break it down:
Bananas: Perfectly ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture. They’re the heart of this pudding.
Bread: Day-old bread is ideal—it soaks up the custard and becomes wonderfully tender.
Eggs: Help bind everything together while adding richness.
Milk: Adds creaminess and makes the custard silky-smooth.
Sugar: Sweetens the dish and helps develop that lovely golden top.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, cozy flavor.
Cinnamon: A little spice for that classic banana bread vibe.
Butter: Adds a buttery richness that makes every bite indulgent.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your pudding the perfect texture.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas, then add the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Grease a baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Assemble the Dish: Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in the dish. Pour the banana mixture over the bread and gently stir to coat everything evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still soft. A slight jiggle in the middle is totally fine—it’ll firm up as it cools.
Finishing Touches: Let the pudding cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and gives it the perfect texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel. Heavenly.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Banana Bread Pudding
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s pure comfort.
Add a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Enjoy it as a sweet brunch option alongside a strong cup of coffee or tea.
Top with fresh banana slices or berries for a fruity twist.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
If your bread is too fresh, toast it lightly in the oven to help it absorb the custard better.
Letting the pudding sit before baking helps the flavors meld and the bread soften perfectly.
Sprinkle with a little sugar before baking to create a slightly crisp top.
This dish keeps well—store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
You can make it ahead and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it fresh in the morning.
FAQ’s
- Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes! French bread, brioche, or even sandwich bread will work. Just make sure it’s a bit stale. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use almond milk or coconut milk and swap the butter for a plant-based version. - Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, go wild! Chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans all add great texture and flavor. - What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
Pop them in the oven (skin on) at 300°F for about 15 minutes to ripen them quickly. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it the next day. - How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. - Can I freeze banana bread pudding?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. - What size dish should I use?
An 8×8 inch baking dish works great, but any similar-sized dish will do. - How do I know when it’s done?
The center should be set but still slightly soft. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean. - Is this a dessert or breakfast?
Both! It’s sweet enough for dessert but cozy enough for a special breakfast treat.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Pudding is one of those cozy, no-fuss recipes that hits all the right notes. It’s sweet, soft, rich, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re whipping it up for brunch or dessert, it’s sure to bring smiles and second helpings. So grab those ripe bananas and some bread—you’re about to make something truly special.
Print
Banana Bread Pudding
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 70min
- Total Time: 85min
- Yield: 12servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that combines ripe bananas with rich custard and chunks of French bread. Infused with spices and topped with a homemade caramel sauce, it’s the perfect way to use overripe bananas for a cozy treat.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Ingredients
– 1 (16 oz) loaf French bread, cut into 1-2″ cubes
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts, divided
**For the Caramel Sauce:**
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Splash of milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until well combined.
3. Stir in the mashed bananas and 1 cup of chopped walnuts.
4. Add the bread cubes to the mixture, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of walnuts on top.
6. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and a splash of milk. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
8. Once the bread pudding is done, remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
– For a richer flavor, use day-old or slightly stale French bread.
– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1serving
- Calories: 400kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg