Why Make This Recipe
Banana Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and warm, custard-soaked bread. It’s perfect for using up leftover French bread and overripe bananas. The result is a sweet, rich treat that’s great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Plus, it’s easy to make and is sure to please everyone at the table!
How to Make Banana Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for sauce)
- 3 Tbs butter (for sauce)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla (for sauce)
- Splash of milk (for sauce)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cubed French bread in a large bowl and set 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 in the mashed bananas and 1 cup of the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the mixture over the diced bread cubes and stir to coat them evenly. Let it sit for about 20 minutes to soak in.
- Spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Once the bread is soaked, spread it evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining walnuts.
- Bake in the oven for about 1 hour or until the center is no longer jiggly and the top is slightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- To make the sauce, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and a splash of milk. Microwave until it starts to bubble, or heat on the stove until it bubbles, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Pour the sauce over the bread pudding, slice, and serve warm.
How to Serve Banana Bread Pudding
Serve the banana bread pudding warm, drizzled with the sweet sauce. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra treat. It makes a wonderful dessert or even a special breakfast.
How to Store Banana Bread Pudding
To store leftover banana bread pudding, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving again.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Pudding
- Use day-old French bread for better texture, as it will absorb the custard better.
- Feel free to mix in other ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruits for added flavor.
- If you like it more indulgent, add more heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese to the custard mix.
Variation
You can create a chocolate banana bread pudding by adding chocolate chips to the mixture. You can also use different types of bread, such as challah or brioche, for a richer flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make Banana Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day when you are ready to serve.
2. Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can work great as a substitute.
3. What can I do if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can replace it with an equal amount of milk and a bit more sugar to achieve a similar sweetness.