Irresistible Banana Bread Pudding: A Comforting Delight

Banana bread pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm, custardy goodness that only bread pudding can provide. Imagine pulling a steaming dish from the oven, the intoxicating aroma wafting through your kitchen, instantly transporting you to a cozy café where every bite feels like a warm hug.

As I reminisce about my first encounter with banana bread pudding, I can’t help but chuckle. It was at a family gathering where my cousin claimed she had created “the best dessert ever.” Spoiler alert: she didn’t. But it sparked my journey to perfect this delightful dish that has become a staple in my home for special occasions and cozy evenings alike.

Every time I make this banana bread pudding, my friends’ eyes light up with delight as they take their first bites.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are overripe for maximum sweetness and creaminess; they should have plenty of brown spots.

• Bread: Use day-old bread or brioche for the best texture; it soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.

• Eggs: Large eggs work best for binding everything together; they also help create that lovely custard base.

• Milk: Whole milk adds richness; you can also use almond milk for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar balances out the flavors, but feel free to use brown sugar for added depth.

• Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon enhances warmth and coziness; it’s like a hug in spice form.

• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract if possible; it elevates the overall flavor profile significantly.

• Butter: Melted butter helps achieve golden-brown edges and adds richness; don’t skimp on this step!

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

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks during baking.

Prepare Your Bread: Tear or cut your day-old bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in your greased baking dish. Don’t worry about uniformity; rustic is charming!

Create the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, cinnamon, and mashed bananas until smooth. The mix should be creamy and fragrant.

Combine Bread with Custard: Pour the custard mixture over your torn bread pieces. Gently stir to coat all pieces evenly while avoiding squashing them into oblivion.

Let It Soak Up Goodness: Allow your mixture to sit for about 15 minutes so the bread can soak up all that rich custardy goodness—this is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

With each step lovingly described above, you’ll find yourself smiling as you create this delectable banana bread pudding that promises to delight everyone around you! Enjoy serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce—it’s pure happiness in every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix your ingredients thoroughly, then bake in a greased dish for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Add Your Touch

You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor. A splash of rum or bourbon adds depth to this banana bread pudding that friends and family will love.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through for best results.

Sometimes I think back to when I first made banana bread pudding—my friends devoured it so fast, I barely got a taste!

FAQ

What kind of bread works best for banana bread pudding?

Use stale or day-old bread like challah or French brioche for best texture.

Can I prepare banana bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything the night before and bake it fresh when ready to serve.

How do I know when my banana bread pudding is done?

It’s ready when the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted comes out clean.

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Banana Bread Pudding

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Banana bread pudding is the perfect comfort dessert, marrying the sweet flavors of ripe bananas with a creamy custard base nestled in soft, golden bread. This delightful dish is not only an ideal way to use up overripe bananas but also a showstopper for any gathering. Imagine serving this warm, topped with caramel sauce or ice cream, as happy memories are created with each bite.

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

Ingredients

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• 4 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 6 cups day-old bread (torn into pieces)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Place the torn bread in the greased baking dish and pour the custard mixture over it. Gently stir to coat.
4. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.

• Author: James
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 130g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 110mg