Banana Bread Pudding

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: This Banana Bread Pudding is the perfect way to turn leftover or store-bought banana bread into an indulgent treat. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast or a delicious dessert, this recipe delivers both in one dish.

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Comforting: A warm, custardy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Versatile: Works with both homemade and store-bought banana bread.
• Irresistible: Sweet, creamy, and full of banana flavor.

With the passing of time, I simply forgot how wonderful this dessert is. I’m team bread pudding all day long, but this is no ordinary pudding. Using banana bread takes it to the next level, completely changing the bread pudding game.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned:

• Let the Banana Bread Age: If possible, use banana bread that’s at least a day old—the flavor deepens, and stale bread absorbs the custard better.
• Perfect Bake: Don’t overbake! You want a slight jiggle in the middle, just like with any custard-based dessert. The eggs will continue to cook as the dessert cools, so bake it until it’s just a little saucy in the center.

Bold Bakers Loved This!

“This banana bread pudding is everything! I never thought about using banana bread before, but it makes such a difference. So rich and comforting!” — Maggie R.

“I’ve made bread pudding before, but this is on another level. The banana bread adds such a unique flavor. Definitely making this again for brunch!” — Jared P.

“I was skeptical at first, but wow! The warm, custardy middle and the banana bread? Perfection. It’s now a regular in our dessert rotation!” — Ella T.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 4/1/2025, to include NEW step-by-step photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, how to make the pudding without eggs, what to serve with banana bread pudding, FAQs, and Pro Chef Tips. 

Table of Contents

• What is Banana Bread Pudding?
• Tools You Need
• Ingredients and Substitutes
• How to Make a Banana Bread Pudding
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
• Can I Make Banana Bread Pudding Without Eggs?
• What to Serve With Banan Bread Pudding
• FAQs
• More Bread Pudding Recipes

What is Banana Bread Pudding?

Banana bread pudding is a delicious twist on the classic bread pudding, where banana bread takes center stage instead of regular white bread. It’s a rich, comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of banana bread with a creamy, custardy texture.

• Classic with a Twist: Traditional bread pudding, but made with banana bread.
• Creamy & Custardy: A perfect blend of soft, soaked bread and a velvety custard.
• Flavored with Banana: The banana bread adds a natural sweetness, enhanced by the custard.
• Versatile: Great for using up leftover banana bread, whether homemade or store-bought.

Tools You Need

• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Potato masher or fork
• Whisk
• Parchment paper
• 8*8-inch baking dish

Ingredients and Substitutes

Banana Bread

• The main base of the dessert, providing flavor, texture, and structure. The bread absorbs the custard, creating a soft, pudding-like consistency.
• Substitute: Any other type of banand bread: Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread, Sourdough BananaBread, Blueberry Banana Bread, Sour Cream Banana Bread, Almond Flour BananaBread, and more!

Eggs

• The eggs bind the ingredients together and create the custard, providing richness and structure.
• Substitute: For a dairy-free version, use flax eggs or a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.

Brown Sugar

• Adds sweetness and depth of flavor with its rich, molasses-like notes, enhancing the banana bread.
• Substitute: You can use white sugar or maple syrup, though the flavor profile may change slightly.

Whole Milk

• Provides the liquid needed for the custard, contributing to its creamy texture.
• Substitute: Any milk alternative like coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk as a non-dairy option.

Heavy Cream

• Gives the custard its rich and creamy texture, making the pudding feel indulgent.
• Substitute: You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version or use half-and-half if you prefer a lighter option.

Vanilla Extract

• Adds warmth and depth to the flavor, enhancing the overall sweetness and comforting taste.
• Substitute: You can use almond extract for a slightly different, nutty flavor or a splash of vanilla bean paste.

Salt

• Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the pudding.

Butter (for greasing the dish)

• Prevents the pudding from sticking to the baking dish and adds a slight richness to the final product.
• Substitute: You can use avocado oil, coconut oil, or even a non-dairy butter for a dairy-free version. I do not recommend using cooking spray.

How to Make a Banana Bread Pudding

1. 
   
   Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and butter an 8×8-inch baking dish.
   
   
2. 
   
   Slice bananas: Slice and cut the banana bread into small cubes. Place into the prepared baking dish (best in a single layer).
   
   
3. 
   
   Mash bananas: In a medium bowl, mash banana with a potato masher or fork until fine.
   
   
4. 
   
   Add wet ingredients: Add in the eggs, sugar, milk, cream, vanilla extract, and salt and whisk until smooth.
   
   
5. 
   
   Soak bread: Pour over the banana bread. Let soak for a minimum of 30 minutes but up to 4 hours. Push the bread down into the custard to ensure it all gets well soaked.
   
   

6. 
   
   Bake: Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a jiggle in the middle.
   
   
7. 
   
   Serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
   
   

FULL (PRINTABLE) RECIPE BELOW!

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• I used my Best-Ever Banana Bread recipe, but feel free to use any of my banana bread recipes for this.
• The custard absorbs best if your banana bread is a few days old, making it a great recipe for leftover banana bread. But, if your bread is very fresh and moist, you can toast the cubes on a baking sheet in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15 minutes to dry the bread out a bit.
• Make this recipe even more indulgent with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce!
• You can replace the sliced bananas with 1 ½ cups of fresh berries of your choice (sliced if large.)
• Chopped toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans would be delicious in this recipe!
• If you like your desserts boozy, you can stir in 1/4 cup dark rum into the custard before you pour it over the banana bread cubes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead:

• Assemble the banana bread pudding, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow the custard to soak into the bread.
• Bake as directed when ready to serve. The bread absorbs the custard even better with extra time!

Storage:

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for the best texture.
• For freezing, wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make banana bread pudding without eggs?

Yes, you can use egg substitutes such as flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) or a store-bought egg replacer to make it egg-free.

What to Serve With Banana Bread Pudding

These pairings will elevate the flavors and make your banana bread pudding even more indulgent: Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, Salted Caramel Sauce, Chocolate Sauce, and maple syrup.

FAQs

More Bread Pudding Recipes

• Brownie Bread Pudding
• Irish Bread and Butter Pudding
• Pumpkin Bread Pudding
• Panettone Bread Pudding
• Rum Raisin Breadand Butter Pudding

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 4/1/2025, to include NEW step-by-step photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, how to make the pudding without eggs, what to serve with banana bread pudding, FAQs, and Pro Chef Tips. 

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