Banana Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the deliciously rich flavors of banana bread with a creamy, custardy base. This easy recipe is the perfect way to repurpose leftover banana bread into a decadent treat, making it an ideal choice for using up extra slices. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the richness of eggs and milk, and the warmth of cinnamon, Banana Bread Pudding is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re serving it as a family dessert or bringing it to a gathering, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite!
Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients For Banana Bread Pudding
- 4 cups of banana bread (cubed)
- You can use leftover banana bread or make fresh banana bread specifically for this recipe. Slice the banana bread into cubes for an even soak.
- 2 ripe bananas (sliced)
- Choose bananas that are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- 3 large eggs
- The eggs help bind the pudding together, creating a rich, custardy texture.
- 2 cups of whole milk
- Whole milk gives the pudding a creamier consistency. You can substitute with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer taste.
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- Adds sweetness to balance the banana and the egg custard. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- For depth of flavor and an aromatic essence.
- 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
- Adds warmth and a cozy spice that complements the bananas and bread.
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- A pinch of salt helps bring out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Optional: 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Adds crunch and texture to the pudding, enhancing its richness.
- Optional: 1/4 cup of chocolate chips
- For a chocolatey twist, chocolate chips blend well with the bananas and bread.
- Optional: Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- For extra indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce on top before serving.
These ingredients come together to create a decadent, sweet, and comforting dessert that’s easy to make yet full of flavor!
Directions For Banana Bread Pudding
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pudding bakes evenly and comes out golden brown and set.
- Prepare the Banana Bread:
- Take your leftover banana bread (or freshly baked banana bread) and cut it into approximately 1-inch cubes. Arrange the cubes in a large mixing bowl. This will allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture thoroughly during the baking process.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely and the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- Combine the Wet Mixture with Banana Bread:
- Pour the wet egg and milk mixture over the cubed banana bread. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss and stir, making sure all the bread cubes are fully coated with the liquid mixture. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard, becoming soft and slightly soggy.
- Add the Sliced Bananas:
- While the bread is soaking, slice the 2 ripe bananas into thin rounds. Once the bread has soaked up the custard, gently fold the banana slices into the mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the pudding. If you’re adding optional ingredients, like chopped nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this point as well.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or any similar-sized dish) with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Pour the banana bread mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Banana Bread Pudding:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The pudding is done when the top is golden brown, the edges are slightly crisp, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The center should be firm but custardy.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set further and makes it easier to slice.
- Optional Toppings:
- For extra indulgence, drizzle the banana bread pudding with warm caramel sauce or top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serve and enjoy the warm, comforting, and delicious Banana Bread Pudding! Perfect for a cozy dessert or a special breakfast treat.
Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls For combining the custard mixture and soaking the banana bread cubes.
- Whisk To whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Knife To slice the bananas and cut the banana bread into cubes.
- Cutting board For chopping the banana bread and slicing the bananas.
- Baking dish (9x9-inch or similar) To bake the pudding in.
Ingredients
- 4 cups banana bread
- 2 ripe bananas
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cube banana bread into a 9x9-inch greased baking dish.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Pour the custard mixture over the cubed banana bread, letting it soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Gently fold in sliced bananas and optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and set, then cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
-
Banana Bread Freshness:
- The pudding works best with slightly stale banana bread. Fresh banana bread is too soft and won’t absorb the custard as well, resulting in a mushy texture. Let the banana bread sit out for a few hours if it's fresh, or use leftovers for the best results.
-
Adjusting Sweetness:
- Depending on the sweetness of your banana bread, you may want to adjust the sugar in the custard mixture. If your banana bread is very sweet, you can reduce the sugar by a few tablespoons.
-
Soaking Time:
- Make sure to give the bread cubes enough time to soak in the custard. Let the mixture sit for at least 5-10 minutes to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid, which helps create a creamy, custardy texture.
-
Ripeness of Bananas:
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. Overripe bananas will give the pudding a richer taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
-
Customization:
- Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even raisins. These additions can enhance the texture and flavor of the pudding, but they’re optional.
-
Baking Time:
- Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the pudding at the 40-minute mark. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and the pudding is set, with a slight jiggle in the center.
-
Make-Ahead Option:
- You can prepare this pudding ahead of time by assembling it the night before and refrigerating it overnight. Bake it fresh the next day for a warm, comforting dessert.
-
Serving Tips:
- Serve the pudding warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Banana Bread Pudding
- Use Slightly Stale Banana Bread:
- If your banana bread is a day or two old, it will soak up the custard mixture better than fresh, soft bread. Stale bread has the perfect texture for creating a rich, custardy pudding.
- Don’t Skip the Soaking Time:
- Make sure to allow the banana bread cubes to soak in the custard mixture for at least 5-10 minutes. This ensures the bread absorbs the liquid, resulting in a moist, flavorful pudding. You can even let it soak for longer if you want a more custardy texture.
- Customize Your Add-ins:
- Get creative with your additions! Add-ins like chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), chocolate chips, or even raisins can enhance the flavor and texture. For a tropical twist, try adding shredded coconut.
- Banana Ripeness Matters:
- The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the pudding will be. Use bananas that are fully ripe, with brown spots, for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Make It Ahead of Time:
- This recipe can be prepared the night before. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, just bake it off as directed, allowing an extra 5-10 minutes if baking from the fridge.
- Control the Sweetness:
- Adjust the sugar in the recipe depending on the sweetness of your banana bread and bananas. If your banana bread is already quite sweet, you can reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
- Experiment with Dairy Options:
- If you want a richer pudding, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk. For a lighter option, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Serve with Toppings:
- Top your Banana Bread Pudding with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Don’t Overbake:
- Keep an eye on the pudding as it bakes. If you overbake it, it may become dry. The perfect banana bread pudding should be soft in the middle with a golden, slightly crisp top.
- Serving Suggestion:
- This dessert can be served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. It’s also delicious the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
With these tips, you’ll be able to make a perfect Banana Bread Pudding every time! Enjoy experimenting with the flavors and making this dessert your own.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Banana Bread Pudding is an incredibly easy and satisfying dessert that transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a deliciously comforting treat. With just a few basic items like ripe bananas, leftover banana bread, eggs, and milk, you can create a rich, custardy pudding that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover bread or simply craving a cozy, indulgent dessert, this recipe offers a foolproof way to enjoy a sweet, homemade dish with minimal effort. Its versatility allows for endless customization, making it a go-to dessert for all tastes and preferences.
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!