Spread the love

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Oh, this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen—the smell of caramelized bananas and buttery rum sauce sneaking through the air, promising something deliciously indulgent. Bread pudding was always her cozy, comforting go-to dessert, and adding that luscious Bananas Foster twist? Pure magic. The soft, custardy bread soaked in warm spices paired with the caramel glaze feels like a big, sweet hug on a chilly evening. I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it’s foolproof, packed with flavors that hit all the right nostalgic notes, and perfect for turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche work great)
3 ripe bananas, sliced
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
¾ cup heavy cream
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Bananas Foster Sauce:

¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 ripe bananas, sliced
¼ cup dark rum (optional but highly recommended!)
1 tsp vanilla extract

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and buttering a 9×9-inch baking dish. Toss the **cubed bread** gently with the **sliced bananas** so they’re evenly distributed but not squished.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, whisk together the **eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter** until smooth and fragrant. This custard is what makes your bread pudding beautifully moist and flavorful.

Step 3:

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and bananas, pressing down lightly to soak all those cubes. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb all the goodness.

Step 4:

Bake your pudding for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still a little jiggly — that’s the sweet spot for creamy texture.

Step 5:

While the pudding is baking, whisk together the **butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon** in a skillet over medium heat. Add the **banana slices** and cook for 2-3 minutes until caramelized. Carefully stir in the **rum** (if using) and **vanilla**, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly — watch for those gorgeous golden bubbles!

Step 6:

Once the bread pudding is out of the oven, drizzle that warm Bananas Foster sauce over each serving. You can’t go wrong serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Variations & Tips

Use brioche or challah for an even richer bread pudding.
Swap out rum for bourbon or brandy if preferred or omit altogether for a kid-friendly version.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch.
Toast the bread cubes lightly before soaking for a firmer texture.
Use coconut milk in place of cream for a tropical twist.
If your bread pudding browns too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.

How I Like to Serve It

This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding makes a dreamy winter dessert, especially after a holiday meal. It also shines for Sunday brunch when you want something sweet but cozy. And honestly, it’s my go-to whenever I’ve got ripe bananas begging for something special.

Notes

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; warm gently in the oven or microwave.
Use sturdy, slightly stale bread to help soak up the custard without turning mushy.

Closing: This recipe always works because it’s the perfect balance of creamy, caramelized, and comforting — like a warm hug in dessert form.