Imagine a dessert so irresistibly creamy, so wonderfully comforting that it transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. This Banana Bread Pudding is not just a recipe—it's a warm hug on a plate that combines the rich, nostalgic flavors of ripe bananas with the custardy goodness of classic bread pudding. Whether you're looking to impress your family or create a show-stopping dessert that requires minimal effort, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your banana bread pudding bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Gather all your ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, 4 cups of bread cubes (preferably day-old bread), 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 4 ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. This will be the base of your pudding and will add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Add the 2 cups of milk to the mashed bananas and mix well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
- Combine the banana-milk mixture with the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- In a large baking dish, add the 4 cups of bread cubes. Pour the combined banana and egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is soaked in the mixture. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they absorb the liquid.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
- Once soaked, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- After baking, remove the banana bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit more.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce or topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy your delicious Banana Bread Pudding!
Tips
- Choose Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding will be. Look for bananas with dark brown or black spots.
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better and creates a more authentic texture.
- Let It Soak: Allowing the bread to sit in the custard mixture for 10 minutes ensures maximum flavor absorption and a more consistent texture.
- Check for Doneness: A knife inserted in the center should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown.
- Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed slightly warm, which enhances its creamy texture and rich flavors.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
