Oh, banana bread pudding—it’s like a warm hug in dessert form! This simple banana bread pudding recipe is one of my absolute favorites, and trust me, anyone can whip it up. Picture this: a cozy family gathering with the smell of sweet, baked bananas wafting through the air, everyone eagerly anticipating that first bite. That’s the magic of this dish! It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, whether it’s a holiday feast or just a lazy Sunday afternoon. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to impress your loved ones. Grab a few ripe bananas, and let’s get started on something delicious that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients for Banana Bread Pudding
- 4 ripe bananas
- 4 cups of cubed bread
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
How to Prepare the Banana Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a hot oven helps the pudding bake evenly and rise beautifully. So, set it and forget it for a few minutes while you prep everything else!
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Now, grab those ripe bananas! Place them in a large bowl and start mashing away. I usually use a fork, but you can also use a potato masher if you have one. Mash until it’s nice and smooth—some little lumps are totally okay, but you want to break it down enough to mix well with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once your bananas are mashed, it’s time to add the rest of the goodies! Pour in the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything together really well. You want to make sure the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is nice and smooth. It’s going to smell heavenly already!
Step 4: Fold in the Bread
Now, gently fold in the cubed bread. This is where you want to be a bit careful—don’t overmix! Just stir until the bread is well-coated with the banana mixture. You want those little pieces of bread to soak up all that deliciousness without turning into mush. Trust me, it’ll make a difference!
Step 5: Bake the Mixture
Next, pour everything into a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly so it bakes nicely. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown top. That’s how you know it’s good to go!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool down. It’s hard to resist digging in right away, but letting it sit just a bit helps it set up nicely. Serve it warm, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum!
Tips for Success
To make this banana bread pudding truly shine, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, using stale bread is a game-changer—it helps create that perfect texture, soaking up all the delicious flavors without getting soggy. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise; they melt beautifully and add a rich, gooey touch. And don’t skip on the ice cream when serving! A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on warm pudding is simply divine. Oh, and if you have any leftover pudding, it tastes amazing the next day—just pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
FAQ about Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Let’s tackle some of the most common ones about this delightful banana bread pudding.
Can I use different types of bread? Absolutely! While I love using white or whole wheat bread, you can experiment with brioche, challah, or even croissants for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture might change a bit depending on the bread you choose.
How can I store leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up to preserve that yummy flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just pour it into the baking dish and bake it the next day. It’s perfect for busy days or when you’re planning a gathering!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I’m here to help you make this delicious dessert!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, it’s good to know what you’re getting with this banana bread pudding recipe! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just an estimate to guide you.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 5g
So there you have it! Enjoy this comforting dessert knowing it’s packed with flavor and sweetness, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, even beginner cooks can nail this recipe!
- Deliciously Comforting: The warm, sweet aroma of bananas and cinnamon filling your kitchen is pure comfort food bliss.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy night in, or a holiday feast, this dish always brings smiles.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a personal touch!
- Great for Leftovers: It tastes amazing the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
- Served Warm with Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of banana bread pudding topped with cold ice cream—it’s a match made in heaven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious banana bread pudding fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s so tasty you might not have any left! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes if you prefer that method. Just be sure to cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy it warm for that cozy, comforting experience all over again!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this banana bread pudding recipe!
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Banana Bread Pudding Recipe: 6 Steps to Sweet Success!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious banana bread pudding recipe that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- 4 cups of cubed bread
- 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, mash the ripe bananas.
- Add the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed bananas. Mix well.
- Fold in the cubed bread until everything is combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Try adding chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: banana bread pudding recipe
