Oh, let me tell you about the joy of baking banana bread pudding! There’s just something so comforting about this dessert that warms the heart and soul. Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe bananas filling your kitchen as you whip up this easy recipe. What I love most is how simple it is—just a few ingredients come together to create a delightful, custardy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you have some overripe bananas lying around or you just want to impress your family with a delicious dessert, banana bread pudding is the way to go! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on its creamy texture and sweet flavor. It’s truly a slice of happiness on a plate!
Ingredients for Banana Bread Pudding
Now, let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful banana bread pudding! You’ll find that these items are simple and likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper, the better! They should be soft and sweet, perfect for mashing into a creamy base.
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed: Stale bread works best here. It soaks up the custard beautifully without getting too mushy. You can use any bread you have on hand!
- 2 cups of milk: Whole milk is ideal for a rich flavor, but you can use any milk you prefer.
- 1 cup of sugar: This adds the sweetness! You can adjust it based on how sweet you like your pudding.
- 4 eggs: They help bind everything together and create that lovely custardy texture.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: This adds a wonderful depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the overall flavor. You’ll love the aroma!
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious dessert that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Banana Bread Pudding
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part—preparing the banana bread pudding! This step-by-step guide will have you baking like a pro in no time. Just follow these simple instructions, and you’ll be rewarded with a cozy dessert the whole family will adore.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, so don’t skip it! A hot oven ensures even baking.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. You want all those flavors to meld beautifully!
- Once your mixture is smooth, gently fold in the cubed bread. Here’s a little tip: make sure every piece of bread is soaked in the mixture. It should look like a deliciously soggy mess—don’t worry, that’s a good thing!
- Now, pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. I love using a 9×13-inch dish, but whatever you have will work. Just make sure it’s greased well to prevent sticking.
- Bake your banana bread pudding in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a little puffed up. Trust me; the smell will be irresistible!
- Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit more, making it easier to slice.
And there you have it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll create a warm, comforting banana bread pudding that’s sure to impress.
Tips for Success
To make sure your banana bread pudding turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I swear by! First, always use ripe bananas; the more speckles, the sweeter and better they’ll mash. Don’t skimp on letting the bread soak in the mixture—this ensures every bite is deliciously custardy. If you can, use day-old bread; it really makes a difference in texture. And here’s a fun tip: try mixing different types of bread for added flavor! A little brioche or challah can elevate your pudding to a whole new level. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check for that golden top around the 45-minute mark. You want it just set, not overbaked! With these tips, you’ll be a banana bread pudding pro in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why banana bread pudding has become a favorite in my kitchen! It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make. You’ll find that this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore making this delightful dessert:
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this comforting treat in no time.
- Minimal ingredients: Using basic pantry staples, you’ll create something extraordinary!
- Perfect for leftovers: Got some overripe bananas? This recipe is the ideal way to use them up!
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to make it your own.
- Family-approved: It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone, from kids to adults, will love.
Trust me, after one bite, you’ll understand why this banana bread pudding recipe is a go-to in my home!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked this dreamy banana bread pudding, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! I love serving it warm, just out of the oven, which really brings out those cozy flavors. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is my absolute favorite—it melts slightly and creates a creamy, dreamy contrast with the warm pudding. Yum! If ice cream isn’t your thing, a dollop of whipped cream works wonders too, adding a light and fluffy touch.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider drizzling some caramel sauce or chocolate sauce over the top. Oh, and don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped nuts or even some sliced fresh bananas for a lovely garnish. It not only makes the dish look beautiful but adds a delightful crunch too! Serve it with a cup of coffee or a warm cup of tea, and you’re all set for a delightful dessert experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some leftover banana bread pudding—lucky you! To store it properly, let it cool completely and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the next day!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple. Just pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pudding for about 10-15 minutes. This way, it’ll be warm and cozy without losing its delightful texture. Just be sure to keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t dry out. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in your delicious banana bread pudding? Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (about one slice). Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on specific ingredients, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
These estimates are based on common ingredients used in the recipe, making it a sweet treat that’s still quite manageable within your daily diet. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dessert, knowing it’s packed with flavor and goodness!
FAQ About Banana Bread Pudding
Got questions about banana bread pudding? I totally understand! Here are some common queries I get, along with my best answers to help you out.
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
While fresh bread can work, I highly recommend using day-old bread. It absorbs the custard better without getting too mushy, giving you that perfect texture!
What types of bread work best?
You can use almost any bread you have on hand, but brioche, challah, or even sourdough can add delicious flavor. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for the best results.
Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to customize your banana bread pudding. Just keep in mind that this might change the baking time slightly.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Your pudding is done when the top is golden brown and slightly puffed up. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture the day before and store it in the fridge. Just pour it into the baking dish and bake it the next day. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!
I hope these answers help you feel more confident in making your banana bread pudding. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Banana Bread Pudding: 5 Easy Steps to Comfort Delight!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious banana bread pudding that is easy to make and perfect for dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Add the cubed bread to the mixture and gently fold until all the bread is soaked.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Make sure the bread is fully soaked in the mixture.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: banana bread pudding, easy dessert, banana recipe