The Best Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding offers a decadent twist on the classic comfort dessert, combining the creamy richness of traditional bread pudding with the caramelized depth of bananas foster. This dessert starts with cubes of buttery brioche or French bread, soaked in a lush custard made from a blend of eggs, whole milk, and a hint of vanilla. As the pudding bakes, the bread puffs up, absorbing the flavors and becoming incredibly tender.

The real magic happens with the bananas foster sauce. Ripe bananas are sliced and sautéed in a sizzling pan with butter, brown sugar, and a splash of rum. This mixture caramelizes into a sweet and slightly boozy concoction that’s drizzled over the warm, baked pudding. The heat from the pudding enhances the sauce’s flavors, creating a delightful synergy between the soft, custardy texture and the rich, syrupy topping.

Ideal for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience, blending warmth, sweetness, and a touch of sophistication. Its luxurious taste profile makes it a favorite for anyone looking to indulge in a truly special treat.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Baking Dish – To bake the bread pudding.
Saucepan – For making the bananas foster sauce.
Mixing Bowls – For preparing the custard and organizing ingredients.
Whisk – To blend the custard ingredients smoothly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of ingredients.
Knife – To slice the bananas.
Cutting Board – For chopping bread and slicing bananas.
Spatula – To mix and serve.
Oven Mitts – To handle hot dishes safely.
Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper – Optional, for lining the baking dish for easier cleanup.

Ingredients for Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Bread
- 6 cups of cubed brioche or French bread (about 1-inch cubes)
Custard Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Bananas Foster Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dash of nutmeg for garnish

How To Make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding?

Preparing the Bread Pudding Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Take your cubed brioche or French bread and spread it evenly in the prepared dish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the custard fully.

Making the Bananas Foster Sauce

While the bread is soaking, prepare the bananas foster sauce. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble. Add the sliced bananas and cinnamon to the pan, and cook for a few minutes until the bananas are soft and well-coated in the syrup. Carefully pour in the dark rum and allow it to heat up for a minute. If you’re comfortable with flambéing and have the proper setup, carefully ignite the rum with a long lighter to burn off the alcohol. Let the flames die down naturally.

Baking the Bread Pudding

Pour half of the warm bananas foster sauce over the soaked bread in the baking dish, gently stirring to distribute the bananas and caramel evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Serving

Once the bread pudding is baked, let it cool slightly before serving. Reheat the reserved bananas foster sauce if it has thickened too much during the baking process. Serve warm slices of the bread pudding drizzled with the warm bananas foster sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top, and sprinkle with a little powdered sugar or nutmeg if desired.

Enjoying Your Dessert

This rich and flavorful dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy your homemade Bananas Foster Bread Pudding as a luxurious treat after a meal or as a special weekend dessert.

What to serve with Bananas Foster Bread Pudding ?

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream complements the warm, caramelized flavors of the bread pudding perfectly, offering a cool contrast.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the dense pudding.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the bread pudding for added sweetness and a silky texture.
Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch that contrasts with the soft pudding.
Dark Chocolate Shavings: Scatter dark chocolate shavings on top for a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth addition.
Espresso or Coffee: Serve a strong espresso or a cup of coffee to balance the sweetness of the dessert with its bitter notes.
Spiced Rum or Bourbon: A small glass of spiced rum or bourbon can enhance the flavors of the rum in the bananas foster sauce.
Fresh Berries: Offer a side of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a tart, fruity element that cuts through the sweetness.
Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the dessert before serving adds warmth and spice, enhancing the existing flavors.
Mint Sprigs: A few fresh mint leaves can provide a refreshing, herbal note that lightens the overall richness of the dessert.

Health Benefits

Rich in Potassium: Bananas, a key ingredient in this dessert, are an excellent source of potassium, which is vital for maintaining proper heart function and regulating blood pressure.
Provides Energy: The carbohydrates in the bread and the natural sugars in bananas provide a quick source of energy, making it a potentially good option for a post-workout snack when you need to replenish glycogen stores.
Antioxidant Properties: Bananas contain several types of potent antioxidants, including dopamine and catecholamines. These antioxidants are crucial for reducing oxidative stress in the body, which can lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Mood Enhancement: Bananas have a high level of tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin, the brain chemical that elevates mood and can help reduce symptoms of depression.
Digestive Health: Bread, especially when made with whole grains, provides dietary fiber that aids in digestion and promotes regular bowel movements.
Dairy Benefits: The milk and cream used in the pudding are good sources of calcium and vitamin D, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Egg Protein: Eggs are used in the custard base and are a high-quality protein source, containing all the essential amino acids needed by the body to repair tissues and maintain muscle mass.

Tips and Tricks

Bread Selection: Opt for dense, rich breads like brioche or challah to ensure your pudding has a luxurious texture. These types of bread absorb the custard mixture well without falling apart.
Stale Bread is Best: Use day-old bread or bake your fresh bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out slightly. This helps the bread absorb more of the delicious custard without becoming too soggy.
Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of salt to the custard mixture to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
Customize Your Spices: While cinnamon is traditional, consider adding nutmeg or allspice to the custard for additional warmth and complexity.
Layer the Bananas: Instead of mixing all the bananas into the sauce, layer some slices between the bread cubes for pockets of gooey banana in every bite.
Control the Rum: Adjust the amount of rum based on your preference. You can even substitute with rum extract for a non-alcoholic version, adding it to the custard instead of the sauce.
Prevent Overcooking: Keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes. Overcooking can dry it out, so remove it from the oven when it’s just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and warmth, serve the bread pudding shortly after it comes out of the oven. If you’re preparing in advance, gently reheat it before serving.
Flambé with Caution: If you choose to flambé the bananas, do so with caution. Make sure there are no flammable materials nearby, and always keep a lid handy to extinguish the flame if needed.
Add a Crunch: Garnish with toasted nuts or a sprinkle of granola to add a satisfying crunch that contrasts the softness of the pudding.
Experiment with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like salted caramel, chocolate sauce, or even coconut flakes to give each serving a unique twist.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding: Add chocolate chips to the bread and banana layers for a delightful chocolate twist.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread Pudding: Swirl peanut butter into the custard mixture before baking for a nutty flavor that complements the bananas.
Tropical Banana Bread Pudding: Incorporate coconut milk in the custard and top with toasted coconut flakes and pineapple chunks for a tropical flair.
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Substitute apples for bananas and add extra cinnamon to capture the essence of apple pie in a bread pudding form.
Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Pudding: Mix in a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin spice into the custard for a fall-inspired variation.
Vegan Banana Bread Pudding: Use almond or coconut milk, vegan bread, and a flaxseed or chia seed mixture as an egg substitute.

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Bread: Use gluten-free bread to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Dairy-Free Alternatives: Replace the milk and cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Sugar Alternatives: Substitute the granulated sugar and brown sugar with maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar for a natural sweetness.
Non-Alcoholic Option: Instead of rum, use a non-alcoholic rum extract or vanilla extract to maintain the flavor profile without the alcohol.
Egg-Free Custard: Use a commercial egg replacer or a silken tofu blend to create a custard-like consistency without using eggs.
Different Fruits: While bananas are central to the dish, feel free to add or substitute with other fruits like berries, peaches, or mangos for different flavors and textures.

Making Ahead

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding can be prepared a day in advance to ease your kitchen efforts, especially when planning for guests. Assemble the dish as per the recipe but hold off on baking until you’re ready to serve. Cover the unbaked pudding tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

This resting period allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive dessert. Just remember to remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature.

Storage

Leftover Bananas Foster Bread Pudding should be stored properly to maintain its best quality. Cool the pudding completely at room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pudding.

Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for about 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the desired amount of pudding in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

If reheating a thawed, frozen portion, you may need to extend the reheating time slightly. For a quicker method, individual servings can be microwaved on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking periodically to ensure it heats evenly.

Nutritional Facts per Serving

Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories
Total Fat: 20-25 grams
Saturated Fat: 12-15 grams
Cholesterol: 150-200 milligrams
Sodium: 200-300 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 70-85 grams
Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
Sugars: 40-50 grams (includes both added sugars and natural sugars from bananas)
Protein: 10-12 grams
Vitamins and Minerals:
Potassium: 400-500 milligrams
Calcium: 10-15% of the Daily Value
Iron: 10-12% of the Daily Value
Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 5-8% of the Daily Value

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s

For the best results, opt for a dense, buttery bread such as brioche or challah. These types absorb the custard well without becoming too soggy, and their rich flavor complements the sweetness of the bananas foster sauce.

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the rum in the bananas foster sauce with rum extract mixed with a little water or apple juice. This provides a similar flavor profile without the alcohol content.

To ensure your bread pudding stays moist, make sure to use enough custard mixture and allow the bread to soak thoroughly before baking. Also, covering the pudding with foil during the first half of baking helps retain moisture.

Yes, it’s quite simple to make this dessert dairy-free by substituting the milk and cream with your preferred plant-based alternatives such as coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk, which also add a nice flavor.

While the dessert is flavorful on its own, you can enhance it with toppings like a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and taste.

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Recipe by JesseCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

550

kcal

Ingredients

Bread:
6 cups of cubed brioche or French bread (about 1-inch cubes)
Custard Mixture:
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Bananas Foster Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 ripe bananas, sliced
1/4 cup dark rum
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dash of nutmeg for garnish

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Take your cubed brioche or French bread and spread it evenly in the prepared dish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the custard fully.
While the bread is soaking, prepare the bananas foster sauce. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble. Add the sliced bananas and cinnamon to the pan, and cook for a few minutes until the bananas are soft and well-coated in the syrup. Carefully pour in the dark rum and allow it to heat up for a minute. If you’re comfortable with flambéing and have the proper setup, carefully ignite the rum with a long lighter to burn off the alcohol. Let the flames die down naturally.
Pour half of the warm bananas foster sauce over the soaked bread in the baking dish, gently stirring to distribute the bananas and caramel evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Once the bread pudding is baked, let it cool slightly before serving. Reheat the reserved bananas foster sauce if it has thickened too much during the baking process. Serve warm slices of the bread pudding drizzled with the warm bananas foster sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top, and sprinkle with a little powdered sugar or nutmeg if desired.
This rich and flavorful dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy your homemade Bananas Foster Bread Pudding as a luxurious treat after a meal or as a special weekend dessert.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that marries the creamy, comforting texture of traditional bread pudding with the rich, caramelized sweetness of bananas foster. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate a sophisticated twist on classic desserts.

Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a warm treat on a quiet evening, it promises a mouthwatering experience. By customizing the recipe with various substitutions and toppings, you can tailor it to suit any dietary needs or personal tastes, making it a versatile choice for any dessert table.

The Best Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe

Kitchen Tools Needed

Ingredients for Bananas Foster Bread Pudding