If you love the comforting flavors of banana bread and the creamy richness of bread pudding, this recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine warm, custardy bites infused with sweet banana goodness, soft on the inside with a slightly crisp, caramelized top. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover bread and overripe bananas—waste not, want not, right?
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This Banana Bread Pudding is cozy, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, one thing’s for sure—each bite is pure comfort.
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Pudding
Warm & Comforting: The ultimate cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug.
Easy to Make: No fancy techniques, just mix, pour, and bake.
Perfect for Overripe Bananas: A delicious way to use up those extra bananas on the counter.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples—no expensive ingredients required.
Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Ingredients in Banana Bread Pudding
This simple yet delicious dessert comes together with a handful of basic ingredients:
Bread: Slightly stale bread works best—it soaks up the custard beautifully. Brioche, challah, or French bread are great choices.
Bananas: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and a rich banana flavor.
Eggs: Help bind the pudding and give it that luscious custard texture.
Milk & Cream: A mix of milk and heavy cream creates a rich, creamy base.
Sugar: Brown sugar adds warmth and depth, while white sugar keeps it balanced.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: A sprinkle of warm spices makes every bite extra cozy.
Butter: A bit of melted butter adds richness and depth.
Optional Mix-ins: Chocolate chips, walnuts, or raisins can be added for extra texture and flavor.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 350°F to ensure even baking.
Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into cubes and place them in a greased baking dish. If the bread is very fresh, let it sit out for a bit to dry slightly.
Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture.
Make the Custard: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the melted butter.
Combine Everything: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, gently pressing down so every piece absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to fully soak in.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
Cool & Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a scoop of ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
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Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
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How to Serve Banana Bread Pudding
This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to make it even better:
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream takes it to the next level.
- Drizzled with Sauce: Caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, or maple syrup make it extra indulgent.
- Topped with Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
- With Fresh Fruit: A few sliced bananas or berries brighten up the dish.
- Breakfast-Style: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a morning treat.
Additional Tips
Use Stale Bread: Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard better, preventing sogginess.
Make It Dairy-Free: Swap milk and cream for almond or coconut milk.
Add Some Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts or sprinkle brown sugar on top for a caramelized crust.
Reheat Like a Pro: Warm leftovers in the oven for a crisp top or microwave for quick comfort.
Make Ahead: Prep the pudding ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use any type of bread?
A1: Yes! Brioche, challah, French bread, or even sandwich bread all work well.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble the pudding, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze banana bread pudding?
A4: Yes! Freeze individual portions and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A5: Bake at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 30-second intervals until warm.
Q6: Can I add chocolate or nuts?
A6: Absolutely! Chocolate chips, pecans, or walnuts make great mix-ins.
Q7: Can I make this with plant-based milk?
A7: Yes! Almond, oat, or coconut milk can be used instead of dairy.
Q8: Is this good for breakfast?
A8: Definitely! It’s a delicious way to start the day, especially with yogurt and honey.
Q9: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A9: Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until set.
Q10: How do I prevent it from being too soggy?
A10: Use slightly stale bread, don’t oversoak, and bake until the top is set and golden.
Final Thoughts
Banana Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert—warm, creamy, and full of rich banana flavor. Whether you’re using up leftovers or craving something sweet, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Banana Bread Pudding
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy Banana Bread Pudding is made with simple pantry staples and is perfect for breakfast or dessert! With mashed bananas, honey, vanilla, and dark chocolate, this dish is warm, comforting, and naturally sweetened. A must-try recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (for greasing)
- 3 medium bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 bread loaf, cubed
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 medium banana, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with coconut oil.
- Mash bananas in a large bowl. Add eggs, milk, honey, and vanilla. Whisk until fully combined.
- Add bread cubes and half of the chopped dark chocolate to the banana mixture. Stir gently to coat.
- Transfer to the greased baking dish. Top with banana slices and sprinkle with the remaining chocolate.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and set. Serve warm!
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream, nuts, or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg