Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe

There is something truly magical about the comfort of a classic bread pudding elevated with a luscious, caramelized twist—that’s exactly what you get with this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe. This dessert is the perfect blend of warm, custardy bread soaked in a cinnamon-scented custard and topped with a rich, buttery Bananas Foster sauce that brings a sophisticated sweetness and a touch of rum-infused flair. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds with its irresistible flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward but essential to creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a key role—from the creamy custard soaking the bread to the caramelized bananas that crown the dish.

• 4 cups cubed stale French bread or brioche: Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the custard perfectly without turning mushy.
• 2 cups whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the custard base.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Enhances creaminess for a luscious texture.
• 4 large eggs: Bind the custard and give the dish its body and structure.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the custard.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements the bananas beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
• 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional): Introduces a touch of decadent richness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for sauce): Creates the silky base of the Bananas Foster sauce.
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (for sauce): Gives the sauce a deep caramel flavor and beautiful color.
• 1/4 cup dark rum (for sauce): Infuses the sauce with that classic boozy kick and complexity.
• 2 large bananas, sliced (for sauce): Offer the signature fruity sweetness and soft texture.

How to Make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish well to ensure your pudding doesn’t stick and achieves a nice golden crust on the edges. This simple prep sets the stage for baking the custard-soaked bread perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Custard Base

Whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and combined. This custard mixture is the heart of your bread pudding, delivering that silky, flavorful soak every piece of bread will absorb.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Add your cubed stale French bread or brioche to the custard bowl and gently toss everything together. Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes, allowing each piece to fully absorb the rich custard. If you’re adding walnuts or dark chocolate, fold them in now for extra texture and bursts of flavor throughout the dessert.

Step 4: Bake the Pudding

Pour this custard-soaked bread mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the custard is set but still jiggly in the center. The aroma at this point is irresistible and signals that you’re well on your way to a perfect Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe.

Step 5: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce

While the pudding bakes, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar together in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles gently. This melting process is crucial for developing that signature caramel flavor and silky, glossy texture.

Step 6: Add Rum and Caramelize

Carefully pour in the dark rum. Be extra cautious since it may flame due to the alcohol content—this step adds smoky nuance and warmth. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly to meld the flavors and let some alcohol cook off.

Step 7: Cook the Bananas

Add the sliced bananas to the bubbling sauce, letting them cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they soften and caramelize beautifully. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the caramel sauce, creating a luscious topping that makes every bite spectacular.

Step 8: Finish with Vanilla

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This final touch enhances the aroma and deepens the flavor, rounding out your Bananas Foster sauce perfectly.

Step 9: Serve It Up

Plate warm portions of the bread pudding and generously ladle over the hot Bananas Foster sauce with the caramelized bananas. Serve immediately for the best experience, where warm custard meets sticky-sweet sauce in every bite.

How to Serve Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the top for a crunchy counterpoint, or add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to cool and complement the warm sauce. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also add a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to pair it with something savory, think light and simple: a fresh berry salad, a crisp green side with citrus vinaigrette, or even a cup of rich coffee or dark roast tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in elegant ramekins, topped with banana slices and a mint leaf for a pop of color. You can also layer the bread pudding and sauce in parfait glasses for a stunning visual effect that’s perfect for entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the magic of this recipe even after the initial feast.

Freezing

You can freeze baked bread pudding by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat portions gently in the microwave until warm or pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes. If possible, reheat the Bananas Foster sauce separately on the stovetop for optimal flavor and consistency before pouring over the pudding.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for this recipe?

Fresh bread can work, but stale bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If using fresh bread, consider toasting it lightly to dry it out before mixing.

Is it necessary to use dark rum in the Bananas Foster sauce?

Dark rum adds authentic depth and a signature flavor to the sauce, but you can substitute with bourbon or even omit the alcohol for a kid-friendly version while still enjoying a delicious sauce.

Can I make the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite dairy-free alternatives, and use a dairy-free butter substitute in the sauce for a creamy, luscious result.

How do I prevent the bread pudding from becoming too soggy?

Allow the bread to soak just until it absorbs the custard well, about 10 minutes, and be sure your baking dish is greased well. Also, baking long enough until the custard is set helps maintain a good texture.

What types of bread work best in this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe?

French bread or brioche is best for its sturdy texture and slight sweetness, which complements the custard and sauce beautifully. Avoid very dense or heavy breads that may not absorb as well.

Final Thoughts

There is a special kind of joy in indulging in a warm, comforting slice of this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe. Its balance of creamy custard, sweet caramelized bananas, and a hint of rum makes it a standout dessert that feels both classic and luxurious. Give it a try—you’ll be sharing this treasured recipe with all your friends in no time!

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This decadent Bananas Foster Bread Pudding combines the warm, comforting texture of classic bread pudding with the rich, caramelized flavors of a traditional Bananas Foster sauce. Cubed stale French bread is soaked in a creamy custard mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a buttery, rum-infused banana sauce that adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor. Ideal for a cozy dessert or special occasion treat.

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Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Custard Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
3. Soak Bread: Add the cubed stale French bread or brioche to the custard mixture. Gently fold to combine, ensuring all bread pieces are soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the custard. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or chopped dark chocolate for added texture and flavor.
4. Bake Bread Pudding: Pour the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown on top and set in the center (a knife inserted should come out clean).
5. Prepare Bananas Foster Sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, melt the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar together in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble gently.
6. Add Rum: Carefully add the dark rum to the skillet; be cautious as it may flame. Stir constantly and allow the alcohol to cook off for 2 to 3 minutes, leaving behind a rich flavor.
7. Caramelize Bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, gently stirring, until the bananas soften and become caramelized but not mushy.
8. Finish Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
9. Serve: Spoon generous portions of the warm bread pudding onto serving plates. Top each with a healthy helping of the warm Bananas Foster sauce and caramelized bananas.
10. Enjoy Immediately: Serve immediately to enjoy the pudding warm and the sauce at its best.

Notes

• Use stale or day-old bread for the best texture as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
• For a nut-free or dairy-free version, omit walnuts and substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives.
• Dark rum can be substituted with brandy or bourbon if preferred, or omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
• Ensure to monitor the bananas when cooking in the sauce to prevent them from turning mushy or burnt.
• Leftover bread pudding can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American