If you’ve ever dreamed of transforming classic comfort food into a show-stopping dessert, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is the recipe you need in your kitchen. Imagine golden, custard-soaked cubes of French bread swirled with ribbons of caramelized bananas, a whisper of warm spices, and a luscious, boozy sauce drizzled over the top. Whether you’re looking for a sweet ending to a family gathering or a treat for an ordinary Tuesday night, this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding brings a bit of New Orleans magic right to your table and will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding comes together with simple, familiar ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in creating its signature flavor and decadent texture. Here’s how each component works its magic in this dessert:
- French Bread: Day-old cubes soak up the custard beautifully, giving structure and body to the pudding.
- Ripe Bananas: Sweet, ripe bananas add tropical flavor and a melting tenderness throughout.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the bananas for that signature Foster flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes that make every bite warm and indulgent.
- Cinnamon: Lends cozy spice and enhances the dessert’s warm aroma.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds complexity and warmth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
- Eggs: Create a silky custard to hold the pudding together.
- Whole Milk: Enriches the custard, giving each bite a creamy finish.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with floral, comforting notes.
- Dark Rum (optional): Infuses the pudding with classic Bananas Foster flair, but can be omitted for an alcohol-free version.
- Pecans (optional): For a nutty crunch that’s absolutely delightful in every forkful.
- For the Sauce: Butter, brown sugar, mashed banana, heavy cream, more dark rum (if you like), and a pinch of salt create a dreamy, pourable topping you’ll want to put on everything.
How to Make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start with six cups of day-old French bread and cut it into hearty cubes. Slightly stale bread works best; it soaks up the custard without turning soggy, giving you a pudding that’s plush in the center with just enough structure around the edges.
Step 2: Caramelize the Bananas
Melt four tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth, then gently stir in your sliced bananas. Let them cook for two or three minutes until they are softened and beautifully coated. This step creates that signature Bananas Foster Bread Pudding flavor and a caramel base you’ll want to scoop right from the pan.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and rum if you’re using it. This forms the creamy custard that makes the bread pudding so luxurious. Pour the bread cubes in, tossing gently to coat them evenly.
Step 4: Combine and Rest
Fold in your warm banana mixture along with pecans if you choose to use them. Give it all a gentle toss so every bread cube is kissed by custard and caramelized bananas. Let the mixture rest for about ten minutes so the bread fully absorbs all that goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the soaked bread mixture to the pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the pudding is golden and the center is set, but still tender. Your kitchen will smell irresistible at this point!
Step 6: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce
As the pudding bakes, prepare the sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan, then stir in brown sugar, mashed banana, and salt. Cook until the banana melts into the sauce, then pour in heavy cream and rum if you wish. Stir until silky smooth and heated through. This sauce is pure magic poured over the warm Bananas Foster Bread Pudding.
How to Serve Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
Garnishes
For the ultimate finishing touch, serve your Bananas Foster Bread Pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a billow of freshly whipped cream. A light dusting of cinnamon, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or even a little extra drizzle of the banana-caramel sauce take things over the top.
Side Dishes
This decadent dessert stands strong on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh berries, a cool fruit salad, or a mug of strong coffee to balance out all the sweetness. For brunch, try serving smaller portions alongside savory egg dishes to wow your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, portion individual servings of Bananas Foster Bread Pudding into ramekins and drizzle with sauce tableside. Or go big with a family-style bake and let guests serve themselves. You can even make mini versions using a muffin tin for a fun, grab-and-go spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Bananas Foster Bread Pudding keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Allow it to cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. The flavors deepen beautifully as it rests, making those leftovers extra irresistible.
Freezing
If you want to make it ahead, freeze the bread pudding (without the sauce) after baking and cooling. Wrap it well in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving with fresh sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the bread pudding with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works too. Always reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan so it stays smooth and pourable.
FAQs
Can I make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding without rum?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the rum in both the pudding and the sauce. For a flavor boost, you can add a dash of maple syrup or a drop of banana extract instead.
What’s the best bread to use for this recipe?
Day-old French bread works best since it holds its shape and soaks up the custard nicely. Brioche or challah are fantastic, rich alternatives if you want an even more decadent texture.
Can I prepare Bananas Foster Bread Pudding in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pudding the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake it off before serving for a freshly-baked, stress-free dessert.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
You can easily make this plant-based by using a dairy-free milk substitute, vegan butter, flax eggs, and omitting the cream or swapping it for full-fat coconut milk in the sauce. It won’t be quite the same, but will still be delicious!
Why does my bread pudding turn out soggy?
This usually means the bread was too fresh or not enough liquid baked off. Always use day-old bread and give it enough time in the oven to set in the center. If in doubt, a few extra minutes in the oven will help!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Each spoonful is a mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spiced goodness that’s impossible to resist. Give it a try—you might just make it a new family tradition!
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Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, a delightful twist on a classic dessert. This recipe combines the lusciousness of bananas foster with the decadence of bread pudding, creating a perfect marriage of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old French bread, cubed
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 banana (mashed)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the banana mixture: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until smooth. Add sliced bananas and cook until softened.
- Combine custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and rum. Add bread cubes and stir to coat. Fold in the banana mixture and pecans.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish and bake for 40–45 minutes until set.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, then add brown sugar, mashed banana, and salt. Cook briefly, then add cream and rum. Stir until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle warm sauce over bread pudding before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- If omitting rum, consider adding maple syrup or banana extract for flavor
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
