Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Banana Bread Pudding is a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines leftover banana bread with a creamy custard base. Made with ingredients like ripe bananas, eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, this easy recipe results in a rich, comforting pudding. It’s the perfect way to use up stale banana bread, and you can customize it with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Baked to golden perfection, Banana Bread Pudding can be served warm with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of ice cream, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Serving Tips:
- Serve the pudding warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.