Banana Bread Pudding Recipe Topped With Vanilla Cream Sauce

Banana bread pudding is a great way to change up a traditional bread recipe and give it a new twist. This recipe is done in two parts and really does change the flavor profile of the dish.

First, you need to start off with my banana bread recipe. When you print the final directions, I will include everything you need in one place, but plan to have the following ingredients on hand:

• Flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar – foundation of the recipe
• Seasoning – salt, cinnamon, nutmeg
• Bananas – they need to be mashed for this recipe
• Eggs – Bring them to room temperature before mixing
• Oil

Once your banana bread has baked, it’s time to make the banana bread pudding – the second part of the process. Alternatively, you could always start with a store-bought loaf to cut down on time.

Banana Bread Pudding Ingredients:

For this portion you will chop up the banana bread you just cooked. Give it some time to cool before handling. Then you will need to grab:

• Walnuts – This nut goes best with this recipe, but feel free to swap it out with one of your favorites
• Milk, eggs, sugar, butter – the foundation of the pudding
• Seasoning – Cinnamon, salt

Banana Bread Pudding Directions:

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 and grease a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and add bread cubes. (I used a 2.25 qt casserole dish) Sprinkle with walnuts and set aside.

Step 2 – In a mixing bowl, add milk and eggs and whisk well. Sir in sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter and mix well. Pour over the bread mixture.

Step 3 – Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let set to cool until warm and as an added bonus, serve topped with my Tahitian Vanilla Sauce (omit the macadamia nuts).

This recipe serves 8-10.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of bread for banana bread pudding?
   • Yes, you can use different types of bread for banana bread pudding. However, using a sweet bread like brioche or challah can enhance the overall flavor.
2. How ripe should the bananas be for banana bread pudding?
   • The bananas should be ripe, with brown spots on the peel. Overripe bananas will provide a sweeter flavor and smoother texture to the pudding.
3. Can I use store-bought banana bread for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use store-bought banana bread if you’re short on time. Just ensure it’s not overly sweet, as the pudding itself will have added sweetness.
4. Can I make banana bread pudding ahead of time?
   • Yes, banana bread pudding can be made ahead of time. You can assemble it and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it when ready to serve.
5. Can I freeze banana bread pudding?
   • Yes, you can freeze banana bread pudding. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
6. What type of sauce goes well with banana bread pudding?
   • Caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a simple vanilla custard are popular choices to drizzle over banana bread pudding.
7. Can I make banana bread pudding without eggs?
   • Yes, you can make eggless banana bread pudding by using egg substitutes like mashed bananas, applesauce, or yogurt.
8. How do I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy?
   • To prevent sogginess, ensure that the bread is stale or slightly dried out before using. Additionally, avoid adding too much liquid or over-soaking the bread in the custard mixture.
9. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the banana bread pudding?
   • Yes, you can customize your banana bread pudding by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
10. What is the best way to serve banana bread pudding?
    • Banana bread pudding is often served warm. You can dust it with powdered sugar, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle it with your favorite sauce before serving.

Common Problems That Occur With Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

While making banana bread pudding is generally straightforward, some common problems might arise. Here are a few issues that people may encounter and suggestions on how to address them:

1. Soggy Texture:
   • Problem: The bread pudding turns out too soggy.
   • Solution: Ensure that the bread is slightly stale or toasted before using. Additionally, be cautious with the amount of liquid in the custard mixture. Over-soaking the bread can result in a mushy texture.
2. Burnt Top:
   • Problem: The top of the banana bread pudding becomes overly browned or burnt.
   • Solution: Cover the pudding with foil during the baking process to prevent excessive browning. This will allow the center to cook without the top getting too dark.
3. Uneven Cooking:
   • Problem: The pudding is unevenly cooked, with some parts being too dry and others too wet.
   • Solution: Make sure to mix the custard thoroughly and evenly distribute it over the bread cubes. Also, consider cutting the bread into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
4. Lack of Banana Flavor:
   • Problem: The banana flavor is not pronounced.
   • Solution: Ensure that you use ripe bananas with brown spots for a more intense banana flavor. You can also add an extra banana or increase the amount of banana extract in the custard mixture.
5. Custard Not Setting:
   • Problem: The custard doesn’t set properly, leaving the pudding too wet.
   • Solution: Be sure to use the correct ratio of eggs to liquid in the custard. Adjust the baking time if needed, and make sure the pudding is fully set in the center before removing it from the oven.
6. Bread Floating at the Top:
   • Problem: The bread pieces float to the top, resulting in an uneven distribution.
   • Solution: Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for a few minutes before baking. Press down gently to ensure the bread is evenly saturated.
7. Overly Sweet:
   • Problem: The banana bread pudding is too sweet.
   • Solution: Adjust the amount of sugar in the custard mixture or choose a less sweet bread. Additionally, be mindful of any sweet add-ins like chocolate chips or caramel sauce.
8. Crust Too Hard:
   • Problem: The crust becomes too hard or tough.
   • Solution: Ensure the bread is evenly coated with the custard mixture, and don’t overbake the pudding. If necessary, cover the top with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Variations for this recipe

Banana bread pudding is a versatile dessert, and you can customize it in various ways to suit your preferences. Here are some creative variations to try:

1. Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding:
   • Add chocolate chips or chunks to the bread pudding mixture for a delightful chocolatey twist. You can also drizzle chocolate sauce over the top before serving.
2. Nutty Banana Bread Pudding:
   • Mix chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the bread pudding for added crunch and flavor. Toast the nuts for an extra layer of richness.
3. Coconut Banana Bread Pudding:
   • Incorporate shredded coconut into the custard mixture or sprinkle it on top before baking. This adds a tropical flair to your banana bread pudding.
4. Caramel Banana Bread Pudding:
   • Swirl caramel sauce into the custard or pour it over the top before baking. This adds a sweet and gooey caramel layer to your pudding.
5. Banana Foster Bread Pudding:
   • Sauté sliced bananas in butter and brown sugar until caramelized. Layer the caramelized bananas between the bread cubes and proceed with the usual custard mixture.
6. Peanut Butter Banana Bread Pudding:
   • Swirl peanut butter into the custard mixture for a deliciously nutty and creamy flavor. You can also add a handful of peanut butter chips for extra indulgence.
7. Rum or Bourbon Banana Bread Pudding:
   • Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the custard mixture for a boozy kick. Ensure it’s to your taste and bake off the alcohol if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
8. Berry Banana Bread Pudding:
   • Toss in fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries for a burst of fruity goodness. This adds a refreshing element to the rich banana flavor.
9. Citrus Zest Banana Bread Pudding:
   • Add grated orange or lemon zest to the custard mixture to brighten up the flavors. The citrusy notes complement the sweetness of the bananas.
10. Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Pudding:
    • Incorporate pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon into the custard mixture for a fall-inspired twist. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.
11. Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Bread Pudding:
    • Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese onto the bread pudding before baking. Swirl it with a knife for a marbled effect and a tangy contrast.
12. Maple Pecan Banana Bread Pudding:
    • Substitute some of the sugar in the custard with maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans on top. This combination adds a warm and comforting touch.

Feel free to mix and match these variations or come up with your own creative additions to make a banana bread pudding that suits your taste preferences!

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