If you are looking to impress friends or simply indulge in a soul-warming dessert, this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine rich, custardy bread pudding made with tender chunks of stale brioche, infused with just the right amount of cinnamon and vanilla, then crowned with a decadent, buttery bananas foster sauce that’s caramelized to perfection. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights in or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from creating the creamy custard base to adding depth and sweetness in the sauce, every element you add will enhance the final dish’s texture and flavor.
- 4 cups cubed stale French bread or brioche: Provides a sturdy yet tender base that soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to keep the pudding rich but balanced.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Elevates the pudding’s texture to silky perfection.
- 4 large eggs: The binding agent that helps set the pudding into a luscious custard.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard, balancing the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to both pudding and sauce.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings a gentle spiced aroma that complements bananas beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and creamy layers.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast if you love texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional): Melts into pockets of richness for chocolate lovers.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Essential for the rich, glossy Bananas Foster sauce.
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar: Creates a deep caramel flavor in the sauce.
- 1/4 cup dark rum: Adds that iconic Bananas Foster zing and complexity.
- 2 large bananas, sliced: The star fruit that softens and caramelizes perfectly in the sauce.
How to Make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Custard Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until everything is fully combined and smooth. This custard is what will soak into the bread, turning it tender yet holding its shape.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Gently fold in the cubed stale bread, making sure every piece gets coated and soaked with the custard mixture. Let it rest for about 10 minutes—this allows the custard to sink deep into the bread. If you want to add some texture and decadence, now is the time to fold in the chopped walnuts or dark chocolate before transferring the mixture to your baking dish.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the custard-soaked bread into your prepared dish, smoothing out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crust on top and a custard that’s set in the middle but still soft and creamy. That gorgeous color and firm-yet-tender texture make the magic happen.
Step 4: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce
While the bread pudding bakes, start your Bananas Foster sauce. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the dark brown sugar until it dissolves and starts bubbling nicely. Carefully add the dark rum—watch out as it might flame up for a moment, giving that extra depth of flavor. Cook while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce and intensify the sauce.
Step 5: Add Bananas and Finish the Sauce
Now, gently fold in your sliced bananas and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they soften and caramelize slightly in the sauce, creating irresistible little pockets of sweetness. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a warming finish. Your sauce is now ready to transform your bread pudding.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Spoon generous portions of the warm bread pudding onto plates, then lavish each serving with the luscious Bananas Foster sauce and caramelized bananas. This is the moment where everyone sighs with delight—the sauce’s buttery richness perfectly complements the cozy custardy bread. Serve right away and watch your guests fall in love with this classic dessert.
How to Serve Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe even further, consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. A sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon can also add texture and visual appeal, making your dessert feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This bread pudding is quite rich on its own, so light accompaniments work best. Serve it alongside a fresh berry salad or a crisp apple slaw to cut through the sweetness and refresh the palate between bites. A cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte also pairs beautifully with this dessert for an extra cozy touch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for a dinner party or celebration, consider plating the pudding in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Drizzle the bananas foster sauce artistically around the plate and garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves for that wow factor. You could even create mini layers in a glass parfait dish to showcase the pudding and sauce in all their glory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Bananas Foster Bread Pudding wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its wonderful texture or flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully for longer storage. Portion the bread pudding into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish and warm for about 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Don’t forget to reheat the Bananas Foster sauce separately on the stove, then pour it warm over the pudding before serving.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than French bread or brioche?
Absolutely! While French bread or brioche work best because of their texture and flavor, you can use other types like challah or even a sturdy sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale so it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.
Is it okay to omit the alcohol in the sauce?
Yes, you can skip the rum if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Simply increase the vanilla extract slightly and add a splash of rum extract for a faint aroma without the alcohol content.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut or almond milk, use flax or chia eggs instead of regular eggs, and swap butter with vegan margarine. Keep in mind that this will alter the texture slightly but still result in a delicious dessert.
What’s the best way to get the bananas perfectly caramelized?
Make sure the sauce is bubbling gently before adding the bananas, and cook them without stirring too much so they hold their shape as they soften and get beautifully caramelized in the brown sugar and butter mixture.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! While bananas are the star here, you can try adding sliced apples or pears to the pudding, or serve the bread pudding with a mixed berry compote for a fruity twist on the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe is the kind of dessert that makes you want to bake it again and again. It combines comfort and elegance in every spoonful, bringing together familiar flavors with a touch of indulgence that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it quietly on your own, this recipe will quickly become one of your most treasured go-to desserts. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A decadent Bananas Foster Bread Pudding recipe that combines tender, custardy baked bread with a rich, caramelized bananas foster sauce. This comforting dessert features cubes of stale French bread soaked in a spiced custard, baked until golden, then topped with a buttery rum sauce with caramelized bananas. Perfect for a cozy gathering or special treat.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups cubed stale French bread or brioche
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional)
For the Bananas Foster Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Make the Bread Pudding: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Add the cubed bread into the custard mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Allow it to soak for about 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard deeply. If desired, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or chopped dark chocolate to add texture and pockets of flavor.
- Bake the Bread Pudding: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly moist.
- Make the Bananas Foster Sauce: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the dark brown sugar, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.
- Add the Rum: Carefully add the dark rum to the skillet. Be cautious as it may ignite (flambé). Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring continuously to blend flavors and reduce slightly.
- Caramelize the Bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the bananas soften and become nicely caramelized.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Serve the Dessert: Spoon warm portions of the bread pudding onto serving plates and generously top each with the bananas foster sauce and caramelized bananas.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience. Enjoy this rich, comforting dessert!
Notes
- Use stale or day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread may make the pudding too mushy.
- Optional walnuts and chocolate add wonderful crunch and bursts of flavor but can be omitted for simplicity or allergy considerations.
- Be very cautious when adding rum to the hot butter-sugar mixture as it may flame up.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and use vanilla extract or rum flavoring instead.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead; reheat gently before serving.
