Indulge your senses with a dessert that promises to be the highlight of any gathering: Banana Bread Pudding with Chocolate Grand Marnier Sauce! Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of ripe bananas and freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. This delightful American classic transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious treat, perfect for impressing guests or savoring on a cozy night in. With a rich, chocolatey sauce infused with the elegance of Grand Marnier, this recipe is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the pudding from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 4 ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this task. Make sure there are no large lumps remaining.
- Add the 4 eggs to the mashed bananas and whisk them together until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- Gradually pour the milk mixture into the banana and egg mixture, stirring continuously to ensure everything is well combined.
- Fold in the cubed loaf of bread, ensuring all the pieces are soaked in the custard mixture. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the Chocolate Grand Marnier Sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1/4 cup of Grand Marnier and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently until the mixture is heated through but not boiling.
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the saucepan and stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Once the bread pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, drizzled with the Chocolate Grand Marnier Sauce.
- Enjoy your delicious Banana Bread Pudding with Chocolate Grand Marnier Sauce!
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Use a loaf of bread that’s slightly stale for the best texture. Challah or brioche works wonderfully, as they soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
- Soaking Time: Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes. This ensures that every bite is rich and creamy.
- Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips—dark, milk, or even white chocolate can add a unique twist to your sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, serve your bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside the Chocolate Grand Marnier Sauce.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Assemble the pudding and cover it with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes. You want a golden top and a set center, so check for doneness with a toothpick. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
