Bananas Foster Bread Pudding – A Warm, Decadent Dessert You’ll Love!
If you’re a fan of comforting, indulgent, and brunch-worthy desserts, you’re in for a real treat with this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding! 🍌✨
Imagine soft, custard-soaked bread baked to golden perfection, layered with sweet, caramelized bananas, and finished with a buttery, boozy caramel sauce inspired by the classic Bananas Foster dessert. This dish is the perfect marriage between a rich bread pudding and the flair of a flambéed banana masterpiece.
Whether you’re serving this as a show-stopping brunch centerpiece, a cozy family dessert, or a luxurious holiday treat, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is bound to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make — with no fancy equipment required!
If you’re a fan of warm, comforting desserts, you should also try this Classic Bread Pudding or elevate your dessert table with Caramel Apple Bread Pudding.
Ingredients
- For the Bread Pudding:
- 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread cubed (about 6 cups)
- 4 ripe bananas sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- For the Bananas Foster Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dark rum or substitute with water if desired
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas sliced
- Pinch of salt
- Optional for Serving:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Extra sauce drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Bread
- Cube your day-old bread into bite-sized pieces.
- Spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes.
- Gently press the bread down so it soaks up the liquid.
Step 3: Add the Bananas
- Tuck banana slices in between the soaked bread cubes.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top for extra richness.
Step 4: Soak and Bake
- Let the assembled pudding sit for 20–30 minutes to fully absorb the custard.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Tip: If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce
- While the pudding bakes, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar, cream, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until smooth and bubbling, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add sliced bananas and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Carefully pour in rum and, if desired, flambé by lighting it briefly (optional but dramatic!).
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Serve
- Drizzle the warm Bananas Foster sauce over the freshly baked bread pudding.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent touch!
Notes
Variations
Want to give your Bananas Foster Bread Pudding a creative twist? Try these ideas! 1. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding
Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips for melty pockets of chocolate. 2. Nutty Banana Pudding
Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts into the pudding for crunch. 3. Spiced Rum Sauce
Swap dark rum for spiced rum for an extra flavor boost. 4. Caramel Apple Version
Add thin slices of apple alongside the bananas for a fruit medley. 5. Bourbon Banana Bread Pudding
Substitute bourbon for rum in the sauce for a smoky twist. 6. Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly dessert. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Cool completely, then store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Or, warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Freezing:
Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Tip: Warm extra sauce separately and drizzle over the top after reheating for fresh flavor! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Yes, but day-old bread holds up better and absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy. 2. Do I have to use alcohol in the sauce?
No! Simply replace the rum with water or additional cream for an alcohol-free version. 3. What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Brioche or challah are ideal for their soft, rich texture. 4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving. 5. Is flambéing the sauce necessary?
No, it’s optional — but it does add a dramatic flair and a deeper flavor. 6. Can I add raisins or other dried fruit?
Absolutely! Add 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist. 7. How do I prevent the pudding from being too wet?
Let the bread soak for 20–30 minutes before baking and use the correct bread-to-custard ratio. 8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free bread. 9. What ice cream pairs best with this?
Vanilla bean is a classic choice, but caramel swirl or butter pecan are also delicious! 10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely — just bake in a larger dish and extend the baking time by about 10–15 minutes. Conclusion
This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is comfort food at its finest. 🍌🍞✨
From its silky, custard-soaked bread to the rich, buttery caramel sauce, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions, yet simple enough to make any day feel like a celebration. Whether you serve it as a holiday brunch centerpiece, a cozy family dessert, or a dinner party showstopper, this recipe will earn rave reviews. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings and enjoy every irresistible, caramel-drizzled bite! If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy this Easy Caramel Banana Upside-Down Cake or this delightful Classic French Toast Casserole. Happy baking! 🎉
Want to give your Bananas Foster Bread Pudding a creative twist? Try these ideas! 1. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding
Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips for melty pockets of chocolate. 2. Nutty Banana Pudding
Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts into the pudding for crunch. 3. Spiced Rum Sauce
Swap dark rum for spiced rum for an extra flavor boost. 4. Caramel Apple Version
Add thin slices of apple alongside the bananas for a fruit medley. 5. Bourbon Banana Bread Pudding
Substitute bourbon for rum in the sauce for a smoky twist. 6. Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly dessert. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Cool completely, then store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Or, warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Freezing:
Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Tip: Warm extra sauce separately and drizzle over the top after reheating for fresh flavor! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Yes, but day-old bread holds up better and absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy. 2. Do I have to use alcohol in the sauce?
No! Simply replace the rum with water or additional cream for an alcohol-free version. 3. What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Brioche or challah are ideal for their soft, rich texture. 4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving. 5. Is flambéing the sauce necessary?
No, it’s optional — but it does add a dramatic flair and a deeper flavor. 6. Can I add raisins or other dried fruit?
Absolutely! Add 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist. 7. How do I prevent the pudding from being too wet?
Let the bread soak for 20–30 minutes before baking and use the correct bread-to-custard ratio. 8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free bread. 9. What ice cream pairs best with this?
Vanilla bean is a classic choice, but caramel swirl or butter pecan are also delicious! 10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely — just bake in a larger dish and extend the baking time by about 10–15 minutes. Conclusion
This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is comfort food at its finest. 🍌🍞✨
From its silky, custard-soaked bread to the rich, buttery caramel sauce, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions, yet simple enough to make any day feel like a celebration. Whether you serve it as a holiday brunch centerpiece, a cozy family dessert, or a dinner party showstopper, this recipe will earn rave reviews. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings and enjoy every irresistible, caramel-drizzled bite! If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy this Easy Caramel Banana Upside-Down Cake or this delightful Classic French Toast Casserole. Happy baking! 🎉