This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is a warm and comforting dessert. With sweet bananas and a rich custard soaked into soft bread, it’s a treat you won’t want to miss!
Just thinking about it makes me smile! 🍌 I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s like a cozy hug on your plate—perfect for sharing (or not!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old Bread: Using French or challah bread gives a soft texture. But if you don’t have these, you can substitute with brioche or even bagels. Just ensure it’s a bit stale for the best absorption of liquids.
Eggs: The eggs help bind everything together. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg for a similar binding effect.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole milk provides a nice creaminess, while heavy cream adds richness. If you want a lighter version, you can opt for 2% milk or almond milk, but it may change the texture slightly.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: Using both sugars gives a nice depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-glycemic option, coconut sugar or even maple syrup can work as substitutes, adjusting the sweetness to your taste.
Dark Rum: While it adds a lovely depth, you can skip the rum or use an extra layer of flavor by replacing it with vanilla extract or apple juice for something non-alcoholic.
How Do I Ensure My Bread Pudding Turns Out Perfectly?
To create a delightful bread pudding, soaking the bread is crucial. Allow your cubed bread to soak up the egg and milk mixture thoroughly. This gives the pudding a soft, custardy interior. A 15-minute soak is generally perfect!
- Whisk the wet ingredients well to blend them smoothly before adding the bread.
- Gently fold the bread mixture so you don’t break it up too much.
- Keeping an eye on baking time is key. You want it set yet still slightly wobbly in the center when you pull it out.
How to Make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (such as French or challah)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
For the Brown Sugar Mixture:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
For Garnish:
- Additional sliced bananas for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 45-50 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need around 1 hour and 10 minutes to enjoy your delicious Bananas Foster Bread Pudding.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the pudding doesn’t stick when it’s baking.
2. Mix the Egg and Milk Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix it well until everything is nicely blended.
3. Soak the Bread:
Add the cubed bread to the bowl with the egg mixture. Gently fold the bread into the mixture until it’s all soaked up. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and soften the bread.
4. Add the Bananas:
Now, fold in the sliced bananas into the soaked bread mixture. Be gentle so you don’t mash the bananas too much. Once mixed, pour everything into your prepared baking dish.
5. Make the Brown Sugar Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter over medium heat. Stir it continuously until melted and smooth. If you like an extra kick, pour in the dark rum (if using) and let it simmer for about 1 minute. This adds a wonderful flavor!
6. Combine and Bake:
Drizzle the warm brown sugar mixture evenly over the bread pudding. Once done, place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and it’s done when the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm Bananas Foster Bread Pudding garnished with fresh banana slices and a drizzle of any extra sauce if desired. It’s the perfect treat!
Enjoy your delicious Bananas Foster Bread Pudding!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
While day-old bread works best as it absorbs liquid without becoming mushy, you can use fresh bread with a few adjustments. Simply toast the fresh bread cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to dry them out a bit before following the rest of the recipe!
How Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
If you’d like to lighten up the recipe, you can replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of whole milk. For a richer substitute, mix half milk and half sour cream or Greek yogurt. Just keep in mind that textures may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No worries! If you prefer to skip the rum, simply omit it from the recipe. You could also substitute it with a splash of vanilla extract or a little apple juice for extra flavor. For non-alcoholic options, consider adding a bit of almond extract for depth!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor!
