Banana Foster Bread Pudding

Name: Banana Foster Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread, cubed; 3 large ripe bananas, sliced; 4 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup dark rum; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 55 min

🍽 Serves: 8

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This Banana Foster Bread Pudding combines the classic New Orleans dessert with a comforting bread pudding. It's perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with a decadent twist on a beloved treat.

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Ingredients for Banana Foster Bread Pudding

The base of this recipe is a loaf of French bread, which absorbs the custard beautifully, creating a rich texture. Bananas are the star here, providing natural sweetness and flavor. We need eggs for the custard, giving it that luscious, creamy consistency. Whole milk and heavy cream make the custard rich and indulgent. Granulated sugar sweetens the custard, while dark brown sugar adds a caramel note to the bananas. Unsalted butter is used to caramelize the bananas, enhancing their flavor. A splash of dark rum infuses the pudding with a warm, rich aroma. We add vanilla extract and cinnamon for depth and warmth. Finally, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

Use day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too mushy.
If you don't have rum, bourbon or brandy can be a good substitute.
To avoid over-browning, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes if needed.
Make sure the bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce. Serve it warm for the best experience, as the flavors really shine when it's fresh from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the pudding ahead and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently in the oven before serving.
What if I don't have French bread?: Any sturdy, crusty bread will work, like a baguette or challah.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for rum?: You can use rum extract or simply omit it for a non-alcoholic version.

Banana Foster Bread Pudding Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This is essential so your pudding doesn't stick. Now, grab a large bowl, and whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture forms the custard base of your pudding.

Add the cubed French bread to the bowl. Gently fold the bread into the custard until it's fully soaked. This step ensures every piece of bread is saturated with flavor.

Move to the stovetop and heat a saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter and brown sugar together until they're bubbling. Stir in the sliced bananas and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they're beautifully caramelized.

Carefully add the rum to the pan. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then, fold this fragrant banana mixture into your bread and custard bowl.

Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it cool slightly before serving it warm, so the flavors are at their peak.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's a delicious fusion of banana foster and bread pudding.
Brings a touch of elegance to any dessert table.
Uses simple, everyday ingredients for a gourmet result.
Perfect for using up leftover bread and ripe bananas.

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread, cubed

3 large ripe bananas, sliced

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup dark rum

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Add the cubed French bread to the bowl and gently fold until the bread is fully soaked in the mixture.

4. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar until bubbling.

5. Add the sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.

6. Carefully add the rum and simmer for another 2 minutes.

7. Fold the caramelized banana mixture into the bread mixture.

8. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.

9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

10. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

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