This Banana Bread Pudding is a simple, cozy, and delicious dessert made with everyday ingredients. It is a wonderful recipe for using ripe bananas and leftover bread, and it works just as well for a weekday sweet treat as it does for brunch, family gatherings, or a make-ahead party dessert.
What is Bread Pudding?
Bread pudding is a classic dessert made by soaking stale bread in a rich custard mixture, usually prepared with milk, eggs, sugar, and warm flavorings such as vanilla or cinnamon. Once baked, the bread becomes soft and tender in the center while the top turns lightly golden. It is one of those comforting desserts that feels homemade, familiar, and satisfying.
One of the best things about bread pudding is how practical it is. Instead of throwing away bread that has gone a little dry, you can turn it into a sweet, creamy dessert. It can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature, which makes it especially convenient when you are cooking for guests. You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and serve it when needed without losing its comforting texture or flavor.
For this version, bananas are added to a traditional bread pudding base. The mashed bananas bring natural sweetness, a soft texture, and a lovely banana flavor that blends beautifully with vanilla and cinnamon. This banana bread pudding recipe is a great choice when you have ripe bananas on the counter and want to use them in something warm, comforting, and easy.
This banana bread pudding has quickly become a favorite because it is simple to prepare and full of flavor. It is perfect for chilly days, casual entertaining, or any time you want a homemade dessert without complicated steps. The custard soaks into the bread, the bananas add sweetness, and the cinnamon gives the whole dish a warm aroma that makes the kitchen smell wonderful while it bakes.
What you’ll Need for this Recipe
To make this banana bread pudding, you will need white bread, evaporated milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, eggs, cinnamon, sugar, and mashed bananas. Any basic white bread you already have at home will work well, especially if it is stale. If you want a richer version, brioche is also a delicious option because it has a soft, buttery texture that absorbs the custard beautifully.
The ingredients are simple, but together they create a dessert that tastes rich and comforting. The evaporated milk helps make the custard creamy, the eggs help the pudding set, and the bananas add flavor and moisture. The cinnamon and vanilla bring warmth and aroma, making this recipe feel both classic and special. Exact quantities and step-by-step instructions are included in the recipe card below.
Cooking Tips to Make this Recipe
For the best banana bread pudding, use stale bread. Dry bread absorbs the custard mixture better than fresh bread, which helps the pudding bake with a soft, creamy center instead of becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, cut it into cubes, spread it on a baking sheet, and bake it at 300°F for about 7 minutes. This quick step helps dry the bread slightly and improves the final texture.
You can also personalize this banana bread pudding recipe with a few simple additions. Raisins, peanuts, or chocolate chips can be stirred into the mixture before baking if you want extra texture and flavor. Keep the additions modest so the banana and custard flavors remain the focus of the dessert.
After baking, let the pudding cool completely, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting time helps the pudding set and makes it easier to slice. Store any leftovers in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This dish is very versatile. You can serve it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, enjoy it as an afternoon snack, or offer it as dessert after dinner. It is delicious on its own, but it is even more indulgent with a drizzle of sweet condensed milk or warm caramel sauce, also known as dulce de leche. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it feel extra special.
This is the kind of easy dessert that is perfect when there are no sweets in the house and a craving suddenly hits. It takes very little time to prepare, uses basic pantry ingredients, and delivers a warm, homemade result. If you enjoy bananas and classic bread pudding, this combination is comforting, flavorful, and very satisfying.
The finished pudding is soft, sweet, and gently spiced, with a wonderful banana flavor in every bite. It looks rustic and homey, and it tastes even better after it has had time to rest. Whether you serve it plain, chilled, warm, or topped with something creamy, this banana bread pudding is a recipe worth keeping.
More Comforting Desserts to Try:
Colombian Style Rice Pudding
Guava, Dulce de Leche and Cheese Pastries
Pineapple Flan
Tangerine Three Milks Cake
Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Erica Dinho
Ingredients
- 1 loaf white bread about 7 cups, cubed
- 2 cans evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 beaten eggs
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 bananas mashed
Instructions
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If using fresh bread, spread the cubes in a large baking pan and bake in a 300°F oven for about 7 minutes to dry them slightly.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and beaten eggs until well combined.
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Add the bread cubes to the milk mixture. Let stand for about 20 minutes, or until the bread has absorbed most of the custard. Add the mashed bananas and mix well.
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Pour the bread pudding mixture into a baking pan. Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for about 1 hour, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove from the oven and allow the pudding to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 7g
Sugar: 52g