Banana Bread Pudding

Banana Bread Pudding: A Decadent Twist on Classic Comfort Food 🍌🍞✨

1. Introduction

Turn your leftover banana bread into a decadent and comforting treat with Banana Bread Pudding. This creamy, custardy dessert is the perfect way to repurpose stale or extra banana bread, transforming it into a warm, indulgent dish that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With pantry staples like eggs, milk, and sugar, this recipe is simple yet packed with rich flavors that everyone will love.

Discover why overripe bananas are a baking essential by visiting this link. For tips on creating the perfect bread pudding, explore our guide on bread pudding techniques here.

2. What Is Banana Bread Pudding?

Banana Bread Pudding combines the moist, sweet goodness of banana bread with the creamy richness of traditional bread pudding. Cubes of banana bread are soaked in a luscious custard mixture made from milk, cream, eggs, and spices, then baked until golden and set. The result? A dessert that’s soft, custardy, and bursting with banana flavor—perfect for serving warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.

This versatile dish bridges the gap between banana bread and bread pudding, making it suitable for breakfast, dessert, or even a midnight snack. For more dessert inspiration, browse our collection of banana dessert ideas here.

3. Ingredients List (Exact Measurements)

To create this indulgent Banana Bread Pudding, gather the following ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 4 cups cubed banana bread (about 1 loaf, slightly stale works best)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

For the Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup caramel sauce
• Whipped cream
• Fresh banana slices

These carefully measured ingredients ensure your pudding will be creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. For more ingredient ideas, explore our guide on banana bread variations here.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Banana Bread

Cut the banana bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is too fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them lightly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to dry them out slightly. This step helps the bread absorb the custard mixture better. For more prep tips, visit our guide on repurposing leftovers here.

Making the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 3 large eggs, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until smooth. Pour the mixture over the banana bread cubes in a separate bowl, gently tossing to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully. For more custard-making advice, explore our resource on perfect bread pudding here.

Assembling and Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and transfer the soaked banana bread mixture into it, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans on top if desired for added texture. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. For more baking tips, browse our collection of make-ahead desserts here.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh banana slices for added sweetness. This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee or tea. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed cold or reheated for a quick treat. For more serving ideas, explore our guide on holiday dessert inspiration here.

5. Customizing Your Pudding

To make your Banana Bread Pudding truly unique, consider these customizations:

• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Decadent Mix-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or butterscotch chips for an indulgent twist.
• Spice Variations: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Topping Ideas: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes, powdered sugar, or crushed vanilla wafers for added flair.

These tweaks ensure the recipe suits diverse tastes and dietary needs. For more customization ideas, check out our easy recipe swaps here.

6. Serving Suggestions

This pudding shines when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert pairing. It’s equally delightful as a cozy breakfast or brunch treat alongside coffee or tea. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; enjoy cold or reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick snack. For more serving suggestions, browse our collection of family-friendly baking ideas here.

7. Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free banana bread for a safe alternative.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute plant-based milk, egg replacers (like flax eggs), and dairy-free whipped cream for a fully vegan version.
• Other Sweet Breads: Replace banana bread with zucchini bread, pumpkin bread, or even cinnamon raisin bread for a unique twist.

These variations ensure everyone can enjoy the pudding. For more substitution ideas, check out our creative baking swaps here.

8. Nutritional Information

Each serving of Banana Bread Pudding contains approximately 350 calories. Here’s the macronutrient breakdown per serving:

• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fats: 18g
• Proteins: 6g

Please note these values may vary slightly based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used. Enjoy responsibly!

9. FAQs Section

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Q: Can I use fresh banana bread instead of stale bread?

Yes, but lightly toast the cubes in the oven for 5–10 minutes to prevent them from becoming soggy when soaked in the custard mixture.

Q: How do I store banana bread pudding?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving for best results.

Q: Can I freeze this dessert?

Absolutely! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut cream are excellent alternatives depending on your preference for richness and dietary needs.

10. Conclusion

Making Banana Bread Pudding is a simple yet rewarding way to transform leftover banana bread into a sweet, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and endless customization options, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with your own twists, this pudding promises to delight everyone who tries it.

We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #BananaBreadPuddingMagic and tag us for a chance to be featured. Have feedback or questions? Leave a comment below—we’re here to help! For more easy dessert recipes, explore our collection of creamy baked goods here. Happy baking! 🍌🍞✨

Print