Bananas Foster Bread Pudding – A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dessert!
Get ready to fall in love with dessert all over again! 🍌✨
This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding takes two beloved desserts — the rich, custardy goodness of bread pudding and the caramelized, rum-kissed flavors of Bananas Foster — and combines them into one irresistible masterpiece. Imagine cubes of soft bread soaked in a creamy custard, layered with caramelized bananas, and finished with a glossy, buttery sauce. Yes, it’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds!
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, craving a show-stopping dessert, or looking for a cozy weekend treat, this recipe will wow your guests and satisfy every sweet tooth at the table.
If you’re a fan of bread pudding, don’t miss this Classic Bread Pudding or, for another twist, this Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding.
Let’s bake up some magic!
Ingredients
- For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups brioche or challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old is best!)
- 4 ripe bananas sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Bananas Foster Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 ripe bananas sliced
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Garnishes:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Extra caramel sauce
- Toasted pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Bread and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Pudding
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes.
- Gently press down the bread so it soaks up the custard.
- Nestle the sliced bananas between the bread cubes.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the custard fully.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden on top.
- Tip: If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil.
Step 5: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the banana slices and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened.
- Carefully add rum, and (if desired) ignite carefully with a long lighter to flambé.
- Cook until the alcohol burns off and the sauce is glossy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Spoon the warm Bananas Foster sauce over the baked bread pudding.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy the decadent, comforting flavors of this ultimate dessert!
Notes
Variations
Make your Bananas Foster Bread Pudding unique with these creative twists! 1. Chocolate Lover’s Version
Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips between the bread layers. 2. Nutty Delight
Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. 3. Boozier Sauce
Increase the rum to 1/3 cup for extra depth. 4. Vegan Option
Use coconut milk and flax eggs in the custard, and vegan butter for the sauce. 5. Cinnamon Swirl
Add a cinnamon sugar swirl between the bread layers for extra spice. 6. Tropical Twist
Add pineapple chunks or toasted coconut flakes for island flair! Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. For the oven, cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Pro Tip: Warm the Bananas Foster sauce separately and drizzle over the reheated pudding for best results! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pudding (without baking) the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next day. 2. What’s the best bread for bread pudding?
Brioche and challah are excellent because they’re rich and absorb custard well. 3. Can I skip the rum?
Yes — for a no-alcohol version, replace with apple juice or extra butter and vanilla extract. 4. Can I use frozen bananas?
Fresh bananas work best, but thawed frozen bananas can work in the sauce. 5. How do I flambé the sauce safely?
Use a long lighter and stand back when igniting. Ensure no flammable materials are nearby! 6. Can I add raisins?
Absolutely! Soak them in warm rum or water for extra flavor. 7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread. 8. Is this dessert overly sweet?
It’s rich but balanced! Serve with whipped cream or ice cream to mellow the sweetness. 9. Can I halve the recipe?
Yes — use an 8×8-inch pan and halve all ingredients. 10. What drinks pair well with this dessert?
Try dark rum cocktails, coffee, or a dessert wine like Moscato! Conclusion
This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is the ultimate fusion of two beloved classics. 🍌🍞✨ With creamy, custardy bread pudding and the irresistible caramel-rum sauce of Bananas Foster, every bite is warm, gooey, and packed with indulgent flavor. Whether you serve it for the holidays, a weekend brunch, or a cozy family dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this crowd-pleasing, comforting dessert! For more decadent desserts, check out this Caramel Bread Pudding or this Sticky Toffee Pudding. Happy baking, and enjoy every luscious bite!
Make your Bananas Foster Bread Pudding unique with these creative twists! 1. Chocolate Lover’s Version
Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips between the bread layers. 2. Nutty Delight
Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. 3. Boozier Sauce
Increase the rum to 1/3 cup for extra depth. 4. Vegan Option
Use coconut milk and flax eggs in the custard, and vegan butter for the sauce. 5. Cinnamon Swirl
Add a cinnamon sugar swirl between the bread layers for extra spice. 6. Tropical Twist
Add pineapple chunks or toasted coconut flakes for island flair! Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. For the oven, cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Pro Tip: Warm the Bananas Foster sauce separately and drizzle over the reheated pudding for best results! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pudding (without baking) the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next day. 2. What’s the best bread for bread pudding?
Brioche and challah are excellent because they’re rich and absorb custard well. 3. Can I skip the rum?
Yes — for a no-alcohol version, replace with apple juice or extra butter and vanilla extract. 4. Can I use frozen bananas?
Fresh bananas work best, but thawed frozen bananas can work in the sauce. 5. How do I flambé the sauce safely?
Use a long lighter and stand back when igniting. Ensure no flammable materials are nearby! 6. Can I add raisins?
Absolutely! Soak them in warm rum or water for extra flavor. 7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread. 8. Is this dessert overly sweet?
It’s rich but balanced! Serve with whipped cream or ice cream to mellow the sweetness. 9. Can I halve the recipe?
Yes — use an 8×8-inch pan and halve all ingredients. 10. What drinks pair well with this dessert?
Try dark rum cocktails, coffee, or a dessert wine like Moscato! Conclusion
This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is the ultimate fusion of two beloved classics. 🍌🍞✨ With creamy, custardy bread pudding and the irresistible caramel-rum sauce of Bananas Foster, every bite is warm, gooey, and packed with indulgent flavor. Whether you serve it for the holidays, a weekend brunch, or a cozy family dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this crowd-pleasing, comforting dessert! For more decadent desserts, check out this Caramel Bread Pudding or this Sticky Toffee Pudding. Happy baking, and enjoy every luscious bite!