The Best Banana Bread Pudding Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Creamy banana bread pudding emerges as a comforting dessert that whispers sweet memories of home.

Soft custardy layers meld together with ripe fruit and tender bread chunks.

Warm spices dance through each delectable bite, creating a symphony of flavors.

Homemade comfort arrives without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Humble kitchen staples transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Rich and indulgent, this dessert feels like a warm hug on a chilly afternoon.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible treat that promises pure deliciousness.

Why Banana Bread Pudding Is a Comfort Classic

• Rescue Stale Bread: Transform leftover bread into a decadent dessert, preventing food waste while creating a delicious treat that breathes new life into forgotten bread slices.
• Comfort in a Dish: Indulge in a warm, custardy dessert that wraps you in nostalgic flavors, offering a comforting embrace with every spoonful of creamy, sweet goodness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delight guests with a versatile recipe that combines simple ingredients into an impressive dish perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations.
• Customizable Delight: Experiment with additional mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or different nuts to personalize the pudding and make it uniquely yours.

Must-Have Ingredients for Banana Bread Pudding

• Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and caramelized flavor to the bread pudding.
• Bread: Day-old bread creates a rustic texture and absorbs the rich custard base.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the custard and creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Whole Milk: Contributes to the rich and creamy texture of the pudding.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and luxurious mouthfeel to the dessert.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup: Combine to create a complex, deep sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: Provide warm, aromatic spices and balance the sweetness of the pudding.

• Walnuts: Offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to contrast the soft pudding.
• Butter: Helps promote golden browning and adds richness to the dessert.

How to Make Banana Bread Pudding from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Slice Sweet Bananas

Cut ripe bananas into thin rounds, creating a luscious base layer in the baking dish.

Step 3: Break Down the Bread

Tear day-old bread into rustic, uneven chunks that will soak up the creamy custard perfectly.

Step 4: Whip Up the Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until they become smooth and develop a light, airy texture.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Base

Pour whole milk and heavy cream into the egg mixture, stirring consistently to blend everything smoothly.

Step 6: Mix the Flavor Boosters

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk until all sugars completely dissolve and the mixture becomes aromatic.

Step 7: Combine Bread and Custard

Gently fold bread chunks into the custard, ensuring each piece gets completely saturated with the flavorful mixture.

Step 8: Layer the Deliciousness

Spread the soaked bread pieces evenly over the banana slices in the prepared baking dish.

Step 9: Add Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle chopped walnuts across the top to introduce a delightful textural contrast.

Step 10: Enhance with Butter

Dot the surface with small pieces of butter to boost richness and promote beautiful golden browning.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust with a slightly wobbly center.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the pudding rest for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting goodness.

Pro Tips for Moist Banana Bread Pudding

• Select Ripe Bananas: Choose overripe, soft bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in your pudding.
• Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for better custard absorption and richer texture.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Layer banana slices first and ensure even bread distribution to create a balanced, appetizing dessert without excess moisture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast walnuts briefly before adding to intensify their nutty profile and provide a delightful crunch against the creamy pudding.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the pudding mixture the night before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for more developed flavors and convenient preparation.

Banana Bread Pudding with a Twist

• Tropical Paradise Pudding: Replace walnuts with toasted coconut flakes and add a splash of rum for a Caribbean-inspired version.
• Chocolate Banana Bliss: Mix cocoa powder into the custard and sprinkle dark chocolate chips on top for an indulgent chocolate twist.
• Caramel Banana Dream: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the pudding before baking and sprinkle sea salt for a rich, decadent flavor.
• Berry Banana Fusion: Layer fresh mixed berries between bread chunks and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a fruity, nutty combination.

What Complements Banana Bread Pudding

• Elevate Banana Bread Pudding Pairings
• Caramel Whiskey Sauce: Drizzle smooth, aged whiskey-infused caramel sauce over warm pudding for a sophisticated adult twist that complements the dessert's rich, sweet profile.
• Spiced Chai Latte Companion: Brew a steaming chai latte with warming spices like cardamom and ginger, creating a harmonious flavor match that echoes the pudding's cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Topping: Crown the warm pudding with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the warm, custardy dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Banana Bread Pudding

• Store leftover banana bread pudding in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss for up to 3-4 days.
• Cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to protect it from absorbing other food odors and preserve its delicate texture.
• Transfer cooled pudding to a freezer-safe container or wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, keeping it frozen for up to 2 months for convenient future enjoyment.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed pudding in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain its soft, custardy consistency.

Banana Bread Pudding: Most Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work perfectly. Just drain excess liquid and pat them dry before layering in the dish.

• Is day-old bread really necessary?

While day-old bread absorbs custard best, fresh bread can be used. Just let it sit out for an hour to slightly dry out and become more porous.

• How can I tell if the banana bread pudding is fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown top and a slightly jiggly center. When you gently shake the pan, the pudding should have a subtle wobble but not appear liquid.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread, ensuring it has a similar texture and density to absorb the custard effectively.

Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible banana bread pudding whisks classic comfort into a delightful dessert masterpiece. Creamy custard and caramelized bananas meld together, promising a warm embrace of sweet satisfaction you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas
• 6 slices day-old bread
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Spices and Extras:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Slice ripe bananas into thin rounds, creating a layer of sweet, caramelized potential at the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Tear day-old bread into rustic, uneven chunks, allowing for varied textures and maximum custard absorption.
4. Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and slightly frothy, creating the foundation for the rich custard base.
5. Pour whole milk and heavy cream into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to blend ingredients thoroughly.
6. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the liquid mixture, whisking until sugars completely dissolve.
7. Gently fold bread chunks into the custard, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and saturated with the aromatic mixture.
8. Layer soaked bread pieces over the banana slices in the prepared baking dish, creating an even distribution.
9. Sprinkle chopped walnuts across the top for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor profile.
10. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter to enhance richness and promote golden browning.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the pudding rises and develops a golden-brown crust with a slightly jiggly center.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes, allowing the pudding to set and develop deeper flavors before serving warm.

Notes

• Choose ultra-ripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper caramel undertones.
• Experiment with bread varieties like brioche, challah, or sourdough to create unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty essence and prevent sogginess during baking.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular bread with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut bread.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg