Banana Bread Pudding

Name: Banana Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups stale brioche or challah bread, cubed; 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 4 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk (or almond milk); 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Published: October 1, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This banana bread pudding is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings
Its rich flavor profile offers a delicious balance between sweet bananas and creamy custard
The golden-brown crust adds visual appeal while the soft inside entices with its inviting aroma
Enjoy it warm or cold; it’s versatile enough to satisfy any craving!

I still chuckle at how my youngest sibling insisted he didn’t like bananas, only to eat half the pan before admitting defeat.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Stale Bread: Use any leftover bread, preferably brioche or challah, for the best texture and flavor.
Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are perfectly ripe; they should be speckled with brown spots for maximum sweetness.
Eggs: Large eggs work best here; they help create that rich custard texture we all love.
Whole Milk: For creaminess, whole milk is ideal. You can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar: It adds depth and richness to the pudding. Feel free to use light or dark brown sugar based on preference.
Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon elevates the flavors beautifully; don’t be shy about adding a little extra!
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and aroma, turning this dessert into something magical.
Butter: A good pat of butter greases the dish and adds richness. Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

Cubing the Bread: Tear your stale bread into bite-sized cubes. Aim for about 6-8 cups; uneven pieces add charm!

Mashing Bananas: In a large bowl, mash those ripe bananas until smooth. cottage cheese taco bowl The smell will make you want to dive right in!

Mixing Custard Ingredients: Whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully blended. The mixture should feel velvety smooth.

Combining Bread and Custard: Pour your custard mixture over the cubed bread in a mixing bowl. Gently fold until every piece is well-coated and soaked through.

Baking Time: Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center—a toothpick should come out clean!

This banana bread pudding will fill your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas that could turn even the grumpiest cat into a purring ball of happiness. lemon coffee cake with icing

Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream on top—or both if you’re feeling adventurous! You can even drizzle some caramel sauce over it if you want to take things up another notch (who wouldn’t want that?).

Enjoy every last gooey bite because trust me—once you start digging in, it’ll be hard to stop!

You Must Know

Banana bread pudding is a delightful twist on classic bread pudding
The sweet aroma of ripe bananas and caramelized sugar will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist
This recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas, turning them into a luscious dessert that everyone will love

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preparing your banana mixture while preheating the oven. Layer the bread in a baking dish, pour the custard over, and let it soak. Bake until golden brown and set for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Feeling adventurous? Add chocolate chips or nuts to enhance flavor and texture. You can also swap regular milk for coconut milk for a tropical twist that’ll wow your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

To store banana bread pudding, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it remains creamy and delicious. For more inspiration, check out this lemon blueberry cream cheese bread recipe.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use day-old bread for better absorption; it creates a sturdier base for your pudding
Ensure your banana mixture is well-blended to avoid lumps; nobody wants a surprise chunk!
Letting it sit before baking allows flavors to meld beautifully

Memorable feedback from my family comes to mind – they devoured this dessert faster than I could say “banana bread pudding,” leaving me with an empty dish and happy hearts. crockpot tortellini soup recipe.

FAQ

Can I use fresh bananas instead of overripe ones?

Using overripe bananas enhances sweetness and flavor, so it’s best to stick with them.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.

Can I freeze banana bread pudding?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just cover tightly and reheat after thawing for best results.

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📖 Recipe Card