Banana Bread Pudding Recipe: 7 Tips for a Joyful Bake

Name: Banana Bread Pudding Recipe: 7 Tips for a Joyful Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, mashed; 6 cups day-old brioche bread, cubed; 4 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

June 7, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the absolute magic of banana bread pudding! It’s this divine, creamy dessert that just wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. The rich, velvety texture combined with that beautifully caramelized top? Wow, it’s like a little piece of heaven on a plate! I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering—I could barely keep it on the table before everyone dove in, forks at the ready. The aroma of baking bananas and warm spices fills the kitchen and instantly makes you feel at home.

This banana bread pudding recipe is so wonderfully versatile, too! It’s perfect for using up those ripe bananas sitting on the counter, and trust me, dessert lovers will adore it. You can customize it to match any occasion—think holiday dinners, brunches, or just a cozy night in. I’ve had folks tell me it reminded them of their grandma’s kitchen, and that’s the kind of nostalgia that makes baking so special. So, roll up your sleeves, grab those bananas, and let’s create something delicious together!

Ingredients List

Now, let’s talk about the ingredients that come together to create this heavenly banana bread pudding. Each one plays a role in building that rich, creamy texture and incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the show! Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.
6 cups day-old brioche bread, cubed: This is where the magic happens! Brioche gives a buttery richness that’s just divine.
4 large eggs: These help to bind everything together and give the pudding its custardy texture.
2 cups whole milk: Creamy and rich, whole milk is essential for that luscious mouthfeel.
1 cup heavy cream: This adds extra richness and a velvety finish—trust me, you won’t want to skip it!
1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your bananas’ ripeness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice adds depth and coziness to the pudding.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): For a little crunch and nutty flavor—totally up to you!

Gather these ingredients, and you’re already on your way to creating something fantastic! I promise, the combination of these flavors and textures will leave everyone craving seconds.

How to Prepare the Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of preparing this mouthwatering banana bread pudding! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and the end result is incredibly rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Prepping the Ingredients

First things first, let’s get those bananas ready! You’ll want to use ripe bananas—think brown spots and a wonderfully sweet aroma. The riper, the better! Just peel and mash them in a large bowl until smooth, but don’t worry about making it perfect; a few lumps add character. While you’re at it, cube your day-old brioche bread into bite-sized pieces. This bread is the backbone of our pudding, and its buttery texture will soak up all that delicious custard!

Mixing the Custard Base

Now, let’s create that dreamy custard! In a separate large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure you whisk it until it’s nice and smooth—this is where all the magic happens! Each ingredient plays a role: the eggs bind everything together, the milk and cream add creaminess, and the sugar sweetens the deal. Trust me, this custard is going to be the heart and soul of your pudding!

Incorporating the Bread

It’s time to get our brioche bread involved! Gently fold the cubed bread and chopped walnuts (if you’re using them) into the custard mixture. Make sure every piece of bread is soaked in that luscious custard; this is key for achieving that perfect texture. Don’t be too rough; you want to keep that soft, fluffy bread intact as much as possible!

Baking the Pudding

Now, transfer your mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a spatula to scrape every last bit out of the bowl—no waste here! Pop it into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Serving Suggestions

Once it’s out of the oven, let your banana bread pudding cool slightly before serving—if you can resist! For an extra special touch, drizzle some warm caramel sauce on top or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A dollop of whipped cream works wonders too! Just imagine digging in with a spoon, the warm pudding melting in your mouth. Yum!

How to Prepare the Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

Prepping the Ingredients

Mixing the Custard Base

Incorporating the Bread

Baking the Pudding

Serving Suggestions

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to make your banana bread pudding, let me share some of my best tips for achieving that perfect dish every single time. These little nuggets of wisdom can truly elevate your baking game!

Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding will be! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots. They’re not just for looks; they pack in the sweetness!
Adjust the Sugar: If your bananas are super sweet, don’t hesitate to reduce the sugar a bit. Taste as you go! That’s the beauty of baking—you can tweak things to suit your taste.
Use Day-Old Brioche: Fresh brioche can get too soggy. Day-old bread has the perfect texture to soak up all that delicious custard without falling apart. If you’re in a pinch, you can lightly toast the bread cubes, too!
Try Flavored Brioche: Feeling adventurous? Use chocolate or cinnamon brioche for an extra layer of flavor. It’ll add a delightful twist to your classic banana bread pudding!
Let it Sit: Allowing the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes before baking helps the bread absorb all that custard goodness. Patience pays off here!
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the pudding while it bakes. Every oven is different! Look for a golden brown top and a knife inserted into the center that comes out clean.
Let it Cool: I know it’s tempting, but let the pudding cool slightly before serving. This will help it set a bit more, making it easier to slice and serve!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re on your way to making a banana bread pudding that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!). Happy baking!

Variations on the Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

Now, let’s have some fun with this banana bread pudding recipe! One of the best things about this dessert is how adaptable it is. You can easily switch things up to create a whole new experience with just a few tweaks. Here are some of my favorite variations to inspire your creativity:

Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding: If you’re a chocolate lover, add in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the custard mixture. The chocolate melts beautifully, giving you pockets of gooey goodness that pair perfectly with the bananas. Just imagine the rich, sweet, and chocolatey flavor melding with the creamy pudding—heavenly!
Nutty Banana Bread Pudding: While walnuts add a lovely crunch, try mixing in other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. Toasting the nuts beforehand brings out their natural oils and enhances the overall taste. Plus, the added texture is a delightful surprise!
Coconut Banana Bread Pudding: For a tropical twist, stir in shredded sweetened coconut into the custard. You could even swap out half of the milk for coconut milk to really amp up that coconut flavor. This version is like a vacation in dessert form!
Spiced Banana Bread Pudding: Mix things up with spices! In addition to cinnamon, consider adding nutmeg, allspice, or even a pinch of cardamom. Each spice brings its own warmth and depth, making the pudding even cozier, especially during the colder months.
Fruit-Infused Banana Bread Pudding: Want to add some fresh fruit? Try folding in chopped strawberries, blueberries, or even diced apples. The fruity bursts add a beautiful contrast to the creamy pudding, and they can brighten up the flavor profile wonderfully!
Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent touch, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top just before serving. It adds a sweet and sticky layer that elevates the entire dish—perfect for impressing guests!

Feel free to get creative! Each of these variations not only enhances the flavor but also adds a unique twist to your classic banana bread pudding. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite combination. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information Section

When it comes to enjoying a delicious dessert like banana bread pudding, it’s always good to have an idea of what’s in it, right? Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a guideline rather than a strict rule!

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Just remember, these numbers are approximate and will change based on how you make your banana bread pudding. Adjustments like using lower-fat options or substituting ingredients can affect the final nutritional values. Feel free to experiment while keeping an eye on those numbers if you’re counting!

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche is my go-to for that buttery richness, you can definitely experiment with other breads too. Challah is a fantastic alternative—it’s soft and slightly sweet, making it a delightful choice. Sourdough can also work, but keep in mind it’ll add a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the bananas. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale or day-old; this helps it soak up that luscious custard without turning into mush!

How do I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers is super easy! Just cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer the banana bread pudding to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can either serve it cold or pop it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through. Just a little reminder: the pudding may thicken as it cools, so you might want to add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back that creamy texture!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare this banana bread pudding ahead of time! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even baking. It’s a great way to save time on the day you plan to serve it, especially if you’re entertaining!

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk, although this will change the richness a bit. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works wonderfully! It adds a lovely flavor and creaminess, just be aware it may impart a hint of coconut taste. If you go the coconut route, I recommend pairing it with some shredded coconut for an extra tropical vibe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy texture that’s utterly satisfying with every bite.
Easy to prepare with straightforward steps—perfect for bakers of all levels!
Utilizes ripe bananas, making it a fantastic way to reduce food waste.
Customizable with various add-ins like chocolate, nuts, or spices to suit your taste.
Caramelized top adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pudding.
Perfect for gatherings, brunches, or cozy nights in—always a crowd-pleaser!
Can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient dessert option.
Serves beautifully warm with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of ice cream—yum!
Comforting and nostalgic, reminding everyone of home-baked goodness.

banana bread pudding recipe - detail 1

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.