If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that brings together the comforting richness of bread pudding with the caramelized magic of Bananas Foster, look no further than this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a warm, custardy treat, swirling in hints of cinnamon, brown sugar, ripe bananas, and a buttery, rum-kissed sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to make a weeknight feel special, this is the kind of dessert that earns rave reviews and second helpings every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is chosen for a reason—some provide structure, others add deep flavor or a pop of creaminess. Trust me, the magic happens when they all come together!
- French bread (1 loaf, about 14 oz): Day-old bread works best—it soaks up the custard without getting mushy.
- Ripe bananas (3, sliced): These add natural sweetness and the signature banana flavor to every bite.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs help bind the pudding and give it that classic, custardy texture.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess while keeping the pudding light.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For added richness and a super-luxurious mouthfeel.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the custard and adds a caramel note.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings warmth and depth to the custard.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Gives the pudding a cozy, spicy undertone.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Essential for the Bananas Foster sauce, adding richness and sheen.
- Dark brown sugar (1/2 cup, for sauce): Creates a deep, caramel base for the sauce.
- Dark rum (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a classic Bananas Foster flair—skip it for a family-friendly version.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, for sauce): Echoes the pudding’s spice in the sauce.
- Banana extract or mashed banana (1 teaspoon or 1 banana, optional): Intensifies the banana essence in the sauce.
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: The perfect finishing touch for serving warm.
How to Make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Bananas
Start by cubing your French bread into bite-sized pieces—if it’s a day old or slightly stale, even better, as it’ll soak up the custard beautifully. Slice the bananas just before assembling to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This custard is the heart of Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, ensuring every bread cube gets coated in creamy, sweet goodness.
Step 3: Combine and Soak
Add the bread cubes and banana slices into the custard mixture. Gently fold everything together so the bread absorbs all that luscious custard. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes—this is the secret to a perfectly moist bread pudding.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the soaked bread and banana mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still a little soft.
Step 5: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce
While the pudding bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the dark brown sugar and cinnamon, letting it bubble for a couple of minutes. Add banana extract or a mashed banana for extra flavor, then carefully pour in the rum if using. Simmer until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is out of the oven, spoon the warm sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for that irresistible hot-and-cold contrast.
How to Serve Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
Garnishes
Take this dessert over the top with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans can add extra flair and crunch, making each serving look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Since Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is rich and decadent, pair it with light, fresh sides like a citrusy fruit salad or a simple black coffee. These options balance the sweetness and let the star flavors shine through.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try baking your Bananas Foster Bread Pudding in individual ramekins. Or, layer it parfait-style in glasses with alternating spoonfuls of pudding and sauce. You can even turn leftovers into a luxurious breakfast treat with a drizzle of extra sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Bananas Foster Bread Pudding completely before covering and refrigerating it. It’ll keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day indulgence or sneaky midnight snacking.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in an airtight container for up to two months. The sauce can be frozen separately in a small container—just thaw both overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds, or reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. Gently warm the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave before pouring over the pudding.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Brioche or challah work beautifully in place of French bread, both lending extra richness. Just avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it can turn mushy.
Do I have to use rum in the sauce?
No, the rum is totally optional. You can leave it out for a kid-friendly version of Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, or substitute with a splash of vanilla for added depth.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
The top should be golden and set, and a knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean (a little custardy is fine). The pudding will firm up more as it cools.
Can I make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pudding (without baking) and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh the next day and prepare the sauce just before serving for best results.
What’s the best way to keep the bananas from browning?
Slice the bananas just before assembling the pudding, and make sure they’re well-coated in custard. Once baked, their flavor and color shine through the finished dish.
Final Thoughts
If you love the nostalgic comfort of bread pudding and the signature flair of Bananas Foster, you simply can’t go wrong with this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding. It’s cozy, impressive, and surprisingly easy—just the kind of dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch it disappear!
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Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and comforting Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, a classic American dessert combining tender French bread soaked in a luscious custard infused with ripe bananas and warm spices, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a decadent buttery brown sugar and rum sauce. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat, it’s served best with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) French bread, cubed
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Bananas Foster Sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup dark rum (optional)
- 1 teaspoon banana extract or 1 mashed banana (optional for extra flavor)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the bread pudding doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Bread and Bananas: Add the cubed French bread and sliced ripe bananas to the custard mixture. Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly with the custard. Allow the mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard well for a soft texture.
- Bake: Pour the soaked bread and banana mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still moist.
- Make Bananas Foster Sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in dark brown sugar and cinnamon, cooking for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves. If using banana extract or mashed banana, add it now and stir to combine. Slowly add the dark rum if using, and simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and immediately spoon the warm Bananas Foster sauce over the top. Serve with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- Omit the rum to make a kid-friendly version of this dessert.
- For the best texture, use day-old French bread which absorbs the custard better.
- Toast the bread cubes beforehand if you prefer a firmer pudding texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
