Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe
If comfort could be baked in a dish, this Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding would be it! Imagine the melding of caramelized banana sweetness, cozy cinnamon warmth, and the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt—each bite is a celebration of textures, hearts, and homes. Sweet from pure maple syrup, hearty from tender bread cubes, and delicately spiced, this pudding brings a fresh, wholesome twist to the classic dessert, making it just as perfect for brunch as for a cozy night in. Whether you’re serving it to friends or sneaking a second square for yourself, you’ll quickly understand why Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding has become our favorite for both special occasions and everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with a handful of honest, everyday ingredients that each play an essential role. From bread that soaks up all the goodness, to the luscious Greek yogurt and warming cinnamon, every element brightens the flavor and texture to create the dreamiest bread pudding imaginable.
- Day-old bread (4 cups, cubed): Slightly stale French or brioche bread does the magic of soaking up the custard, turning soft and creamy inside while giving a golden crust on top.
- Ripe bananas (2, mashed): Bananas add natural sweetness, moistness, and give the pudding its signature flavor depth.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): This brings a sublime tangy creaminess that keeps the bread pudding rich but not heavy.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the custard and ensures the perfect bake; use whole milk for more richness or plant-based milk to keep it dairy-friendly.
- Pure maple syrup (1/3 cup): Maple brings a mellow sweetness with caramel notes, beautifully tying together the fruit and yogurt.
- Eggs (2 large): Essential for binding everything together, creating a classic, luscious bread pudding texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla lifts all the other flavors, making every mouthful fragrant and a bit nostalgic.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Cinnamon gives the warm aromatic notes that taste like home.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch makes all the other flavors pop without being overwhelming.
- Chopped walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): For those who love a little crunch, toasted walnuts add texture and a nutty contrast to the creamy pudding.
- Butter or nonstick spray: Greasing the baking dish ensures serving each square is effortless and mess-free.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. This quick step makes for an easy cleanup and means every serving comes out picture-perfect. Set your baking dish aside for later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and add your mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, pure maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and fully combined. This beautiful custard base will soon envelop the bread cubes and create the spectacularly moist texture Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding is known for.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Toss the cubed day-old bread into your bowl of creamy mixture. Gently stir until every piece of bread is evenly coated, ensuring no dry crumbs are left behind. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes—this allows the bread to soak up all that custardy goodness, which is the key to a perfectly soft and tender pudding.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Pour the soaked bread mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’re using walnuts, sprinkle them evenly across the surface for a little nutty crunch with each bite. This is also your moment to add extra treats like chocolate chips or a drizzle of maple syrup if you’re feeling decadent.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center feels just set when gently pressed. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time is your cue that something truly special is in the works.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the pudding cool for several minutes. This short rest helps everything settle, making it easier to slice and serve. The pudding is delicious served warm—but if you prefer, it’s just as wonderful chilled the next day!
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding
Garnishes
A pretty presentation can elevate even the homiest dessert. Try a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt or whipped cream on top, a scattering of fresh banana slices, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. If you adore a touch of decadence, a warm drizzle of maple syrup or melted dark chocolate makes the final plate totally irresistible.
Side Dishes
This bread pudding stands elegantly on its own, yet it’s delightful alongside fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad. For an extra dose of comfort, pair a warm slice with your favorite hot coffee or chai latte. It also shines as a showstopper for brunch, nestled next to scrambled eggs and crisp bacon.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding in individual ramekins for a cute, personalized touch, or try cutting it into bite-sized cubes for a dessert buffet. A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream melting over a warm square transforms it into a decadent dinner party finale. Even repurposing leftovers as the base for a breakfast parfait with extra Greek yogurt and berries is a brilliant move!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld and deepen as it rests, making each day-after slice almost more delicious than the first.
Freezing
Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding is wonderfully freezer-friendly! Wrap cooled squares in plastic, then foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When the craving hits, you’re only moments away from cozy dessert bliss.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until warm, or pop the whole baking dish into a 325°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. A splash of milk or maple syrup on top before reheating keeps the pudding extra moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Pure honey or agave syrup work beautifully, though they will slightly change the flavor profile. Regular sugar or coconut sugar are good swaps, too. Just taste your custard base and adjust the sweetness if needed.
What’s the best type Dessert
Brioche and French bread are top picks for their tender crumb and ability to soak up the custard. Challah also works wonderfully. Day-old bread is key, as it holds up better and soaks up more flavor.
Is Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses regular bread, but you can absolutely substitute your favorite gluten-free loaf. Make sure it’s slightly stale for best results and expect a slightly different but equally delicious texture.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Swap in your favorite non-dairy yogurt and plant-based milk. Substitute flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for the eggs, and ensure your bread is vegan-friendly.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
The top should be golden brown and the center set—a gentle press with your finger should feel springy, not liquidy. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out just a bit moist, not wet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly memorable dessert that bridges comfort and freshness, look no further than this Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding. It’s inviting, easy to personalize, and always makes a sweet impression—so why not give it a try in your own kitchen? You—and anyone lucky enough to share—are sure to adore it!
Print
Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding, a wholesome and comforting dessert that combines the richness of Greek yogurt with the sweetness of bananas and maple syrup.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (such as French or brioche)
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Additional:
- butter or nonstick spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Combine with bread: Add the bread cubes to the mixture and gently stir to coat all the bread evenly. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, add chocolate chips or a drizzle of maple syrup on top before baking.
- This pudding is delicious warm or chilled and can be reheated easily.
- Use whole milk for a richer texture or plant-based milk for a dairy-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
