Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding: A Warm and Indulgent Dessert
Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding is the perfect combination of warm, velvety custard and indulgent caramelized bananas. Made with day-old bread soaked in a creamy, spiced custard, and topped with bananas that have been pan-caramelized to a golden brown, this dessert is rich, comforting, and incredibly flavorful. Whether served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this banana bread pudding is sure to please every dessert lover.
This banana bread pudding is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread while creating an impressive dessert. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas blends beautifully with brown sugar and cinnamon, creating a depth of flavor that enhances every bite. The soft, custard-soaked bread and slightly crispy, caramelized banana topping make for a satisfying textural contrast that will leave you craving more.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A rich blend of caramel, warm spices, and deep banana flavors.
- Texture: Smooth and creamy custard with a slightly crispy top layer.
- Aroma: Sweet caramel notes combined with cinnamon and baked bread.
- Visual Appeal: Golden brown top with slightly crisp edges and velvety smooth custard beneath.
- Skill Level Needed: Moderate—requires caramelizing bananas and creating a smooth custard.
- Special Equipment: Oven-safe baking dish, whisk, and sauté pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding is the epitome of comfort food. The blend of soft custard-soaked bread, caramelized bananas, and warm spices creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or slightly cooled, this dessert delivers a balance of sweetness and comfort with every bite.
Preparing this bread pudding is simple, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal preparation time. The caramelized banana topping adds an elegant touch, transforming an ordinary dessert into something restaurant-worthy. Plus, this recipe is excellent for using up leftover bread, reducing food waste while creating an irresistible dish.
Nutritionally, this banana bread pudding provides a good source of potassium from the bananas and protein from the eggs used in the custard. While it is a dessert, small tweaks such as using whole grain bread or reducing sugar can make it a more balanced treat.
This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or casual dinner parties. Its impressive presentation and cozy flavors make it an ideal dessert for special occasions while being incredibly easy to prepare.
Since it’s made from simple, affordable ingredients, this banana bread pudding is budget-friendly while still tasting like a gourmet dessert. Whether served alone or with a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
The Recipe
Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sauté pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, ½ cup brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Place cubed bread into the baking dish and pour the mixture over, ensuring all bread is soaked.
- In a sauté pan, melt butter and add sliced bananas with remaining brown sugar. Cook until caramelized.
- Layer caramelized bananas over the bread pudding.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Recipe Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of rum to the caramelized bananas.
- If using fresh bread, toast it slightly before using to absorb the custard better.
- Serve with caramel sauce for an added indulgence.