Ultimate Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, cozy dessert, and this banana bread pudding delivers exactly that. Imagine the comforting flavors of homemade banana bread combined with a rich, creamy custard, all baked to golden perfection. This easy recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a truly special treat. It is perfect for a decadent breakfast or a delightful dessert, sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Pudding

This banana bread pudding recipe makes baking simple and rewarding for everyone.

• Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy skills. Just follow our straightforward steps for delicious results.
• Perfect for Ripe Bananas: It’s the best way to use up those extra-ripe bananas on your counter.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Everyone loves the comforting combination of bananas, cinnamon, and rich custard.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it warm for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy evening dessert.
• Irresistible Topping: A quick, homemade caramel sauce takes this pudding to the next level of deliciousness.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly amazing banana bread pudding and a luscious caramel topping.

For the Banana Bread Pudding:

• 1 16 oz loaf French bread, cut into 1-2 inch 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 ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts, divided

For the Easy Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Splash of milk (about 1-2 tablespoons)

Notes & Substitutions

For your ultimate banana bread pudding, choose your bread wisely; day-old French bread, brioche, or challah work wonderfully. Customize the dairy with heavy cream, whole milk, or sweetened condensed milk for richness. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice add depth.

Always use very ripe, mashed bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. Walnuts are optional, but pecans also make a great addition. Adjust the caramel sauce sweetness to your liking.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this recipe.

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Two large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microwave-safe bowl (for caramel sauce)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delightful banana bread pudding that everyone will adore.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place your cubed bread in a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
3. In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until well combined.
4. Stir the mashed bananas and 1 cup of the chopped walnuts into the custard mixture.
5. Pour this flavorful custard over your diced bread cubes and stir gently to coat thoroughly. Let the bread soak for about 20 minutes; this ensures every piece absorbs the delicious liquid for a perfect banana bread pudding.
6. Meanwhile, spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
7. Once the bread is fully soaked, spread it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of walnuts over the top. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the center is no longer jiggly and the top of the banana bread pudding is slightly toasted.
8. Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
9. For the Caramel Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and a splash of milk.
10. Microwave the mixture until it starts to bubble, stirring every 30 seconds. Alternatively, heat it on the stovetop over low heat until bubbly, stirring constantly.
11. Pour the warm caramel sauce generously over the slightly cooled banana bread pudding.
12. Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread Pudding

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your banana bread pudding is easy with these tips.

• Achieving Perfect Texture: To avoid a soggy pudding, make sure your bread is day-old or slightly stale. This allows it to absorb the custard without breaking down too much. According to culinary science, using day-old bread for bread pudding provides the ideal texture by allowing it to soak up the custard without becoming mushy.
• Baking Doneness: Bake until the center is set and no longer wobbly when gently shaken. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
• Flavor Boosters: Toasting your walnuts lightly before adding them enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the pudding.
• Customizing Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, slightly reduce the amount of brown sugar in the caramel sauce.
• Ripe Bananas are Key: Very ripe bananas with brown spots are essential for incredible banana bread pudding. They provide natural sweetness and a deep banana flavor. Bananas are a good source of potassium and other nutrients, making them a beneficial addition to baked goods, as detailed by articles on the health benefits of bananas in baking.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile banana bread pudding is wonderful in many ways.

• Serving: Enjoy your warm banana bread pudding with extra caramel sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s a delightful treat anytime!
• Storage: Store any leftover banana bread pudding covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes fantastic even the next day.
• Reheating: Gently warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze individual portions of baked banana bread pudding for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Variations:
  • Different Breads: Experiment with other rich breads like croissants or brioche for a luxurious texture.
  • Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut with the bananas for extra flavor.
  • Sauce Alternatives: Try a bourbon sauce, a simple vanilla bean crème anglaise, or a chocolate drizzle instead of caramel.

Nutrition Information

This nutrition information is an estimate based on 12 servings.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This ultimate banana bread pudding recipe combines ease of preparation with incredibly comforting flavors. It is a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into a truly memorable dish, perfect for any time of day.

So, gather those ripe bananas and get ready to bake something truly special. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful banana bread pudding with your loved ones! Tell us how it turns out in the comments below!

Ultimate Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

This delightful Ultimate Banana Bread Pudding Recipe combines cubes of French bread soaked in a rich, sweet custard with ripe bananas and walnuts, all baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious homemade caramel sauce. It’s a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Servings 8 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• 9″x13″ baking dish
• Microwave safe bowl (or saucepan)

Ingredients

  

Bread Pudding

• 1 16 oz loaf French bread cut into 1-2″ cubes
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cup milk
• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbs vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 ripe bananas mashed
• 1 1/4 cup chopped walnuts divided

Caramel Sauce

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 Tbs butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• milk splash of

Equipment

• non stick cooking spray

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Place the cubed French bread in a large bowl and set it aside.
• In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until well combined.
• Stir the mashed bananas and 1 cup of the chopped walnuts into the wet mixture.
• Pour this custard mixture over the diced bread cubes, stir to ensure all bread is coated, and let it sit for about 20 minutes to soak.
• While the bread is soaking, spray a 9″x13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Once the bread has soaked, spread it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts over the top, then bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is set and the top is lightly toasted.
• Remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
• To prepare the caramel sauce, combine brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and a splash of milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until the mixture is bubbly (alternatively, heat on the stove until bubbly).
• Pour the warm caramel sauce over the bread pudding, slice, and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best flavor and texture, ensure your bananas are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. This bread pudding is delicious served warm!