Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Bread Pudding is a comforting, indulgent dessert that transforms day-old bread and ripe bananas into a warm, custardy treat. With its soft texture, caramelized edges, and sweet banana flavor, it’s perfect for using up pantry staples while creating something truly special. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a cozy favorite for any time of year.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

day-old bread (French, brioche, or sandwich bread)ripe bananaseggsmilkheavy creamgranulated sugarsaltvanilla extractground cinnamonnutmegbutter

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.

Cut the bread into cubes and place them in the prepared dish.

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

Whisk in the eggs, followed by the milk, cream, sugar, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Pour the banana custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing lightly to help the bread absorb the liquid.

Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to fully soak.

Dot the top with small pieces of butter for a rich finish.

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6–8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesSoaking time: 15 minutesBaking time: 45–55 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Use coconut milk instead of cream for a tropical twist.

Top with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream when serving.

Stir in raisins or dried fruit for a classic bread pudding touch.

Use banana bread instead of plain bread for an intensified banana flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or cover and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.You can also freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?

Yes, but toast the bread cubes slightly to help them absorb the custard.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pudding and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.

Do I have to mash the bananas?

Mashing creates a smoother custard, but you can also slice them for a chunkier texture.

Is it very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet. You can reduce sugar to suit your taste.

What type of bread is best?

Brioche or challah adds richness, but any sturdy bread works.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly.

Why is my pudding soggy?

It may need more baking time, or the bread wasn’t stale enough to absorb the custard.

Is this served hot or cold?

It’s delicious both ways—serve warm for comfort or chilled for a firmer texture.

Can I add a topping?

Yes, brown sugar and cinnamon or a crumble topping works wonderfully.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Pudding is a delightful way to turn simple ingredients into a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. Whether enjoyed warm with a drizzle of caramel or cold with whipped cream, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again for its ease, flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal.