Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Unlike many recipes that I’ve shared with you over the years, this is not one that I’ve been making for a long time. In fact, I just started whipping up this delicious bread pudding variation about a month ago. There was one evening several weeks ago when I was getting ready to make a very simple bread pudding. No bells and whistles at all. But I was feeling fancy, so I started looking around the kitchen for other ingredients that I could use. I had some bananas, and I had all my other ingredients from making Bananas Foster French Toast a few days before, for our other blog, and I thought, this is kismet. I was correct.

A New Orleans Classic Bread Pudding Dessert

Bananas Foster is a New Orleans classic. In fact, it was invented there. I took this delicious dessert and combined it with an existing bread pudding recipe to create a delicious dessert that has all the flavors of the Big Easy. Every bite of custard-soaked challah bread is filled with the flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, rum, and bananas. The textures work as well together as the flavors do, too. This is an absolutely perfect sweet treat if I do say so myself, and if you love bread pudding, you’re going to fall head over heels for this dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

There’s a lot to love about this bread pudding recipe. From how easy it is to make to its rich flavor and texture. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

• This easy recipe is full of flavor, not work. It uses simple ingredients and just a few steps.
• This tasty bread pudding is a classic custard variety so it has all the flavor and texture that we all love in bread pudding.
• It’s drenched in a delicious Bananas Foster sauce that takes the flavor and texture of classic bread pudding to an entirely new level.
• It’s always a favorite bread pudding recipe. Since I started making this, my family hasn’t stopped asking for it.

Tips and Variations

This recipe is super easy, but I do have some tips to help ensure that you make the best that it can possibly be. I also have some fun variations to help you switch things up if you feel like it. It’s such an easy recipe to make, and it’s so much fun to play with!

Tips

• Let the bread sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to soak up all the custard and get that great texture that we all love in bread pudding.
• Be sure to stir your Bananas Foster sauce extremely well so the sugar isn’t grainy.
• Cover the bread pudding with foil before baking so it doesn’t dry out or get too brown on the top.

Variations

• Try using different bread in this recipe to change the texture slightly. Any hearty, thick bread will work. I love challah, but breads like brioche are also wonderful.
• Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the top of the bread pudding before serving.
• If adding nuts, try toasting them for an even deeper flavor.
• If you prefer the real thing, add real rum to the sauce instead of extract. Use 3 tablespoons of rum per 1 teaspoon of rum extract.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this Bananas Foster bread pudding recipe, then read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about both Bananas Foster and bread pudding.

Where did Bananas Foster originate?

Bananas Foster was created in 1951 at the legendary Bourbon Street restaurant, Brennan’s.

Where does the name Bananas Foster come from?

Bananas Foster was named after Richard Foster, the chairman of the Ne Orleans Crime Commission at that time and friend of Owen Brennan, the owners of Brennan’s Restaurant.

Does rum extract have rum in it?

Yes. Real rum extract is made from actual rum. The rich, complex flavor of rum is concentrated into an extract to deliver all the flavor with a minute fraction of the alcohol – no more than other extracts.

Where does bread pudding come from?

Bread pudding’s origins can be traced back to early 11th and 12th-century Europe. It’s been popular in England since the 13th century. In fact, at that time almost every home had a deep bowl called a pudding basin in which scraps of stale bread were collected to be made into bread pudding later.

What to serve with Bananas Foster bread pudding?

This recipe is so good, you might not want to serve it with anything. Of course, half the fun of recipes like this is what you put on them, isn’t it? Some great ideas include:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Shaved dark chocolate

How to Store and Reheat Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

It’s important to store this bread pudding properly for maximum flavor, freshness, and the best possible texture. 

How long will Bananas Foster bread pudding last in the fridge?

This bread pudding will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze bread pudding?

Yes, you can. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Best Way to Store Leftover Bread Pudding

Store your bread pudding in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap and then place it in an air-tight freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

How to Reheat Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Place the bread pudding in a baking dish and add a bit of milk. Then, cover it with foil and bake it for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees or until heated through.

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Ingredients

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make both the bread pudding and the sauce. Don’t be surprised if you find everything you need for this recipe in your kitchen.

For the Bread Pudding

• Challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar

For the Sauce

• Butter
• Brown sugar, packed
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Rum extract
• Heavy cream
• Bananas

How to Make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Making this recipe is just as easy as gathering up the ingredients. It only takes a few simple steps!

Step 1: Mix the Wet Bread Pudding Ingredients

Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla together in a large bowl.

Step 2: Soak and Chill the Bread

Add the bread cubes to the bowl with the egg mixture and stir to coat. Then, cover and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the soaked bread and any excess milk mixture into an 11×7 baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cover with foil and bake for 55 to 60 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove the bread pudding from the oven when a knife inserted in the center of the pudding comes out clean and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Melt butter in a frying pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved, stirring constantly. Next add heavy cream and stir until well-combined. Finally, stir in the banana slices and rum extract.

Step 5: Serve

Pour the sauce over the bread pudding and serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Try This Delicious Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Today

This Bananas Foster bread pudding is so rich, sweet, and decadent. It’s also so easy, making it a great sweet treat to serve any time. From weeknight desserts to a sweet addition to a potluck, this recipe is so simple to make and so loaded with flavor, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time and have a recipe that everyone absolutely begs for. Give it a try, and I know you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

More Bread Pudding Recipes You’ll Love

Caramel Bread Pudding – This bread pudding is made with Challah bread and a homemade caramel sauce that melts into the bread pudding. Absolutely delicious.

Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding – This delicious bread pudding has all the wonderful flavors of fall and is a rich and decadent dessert everyone will enjoy.

Apple Pecan Bread Pudding – Loaded with apples and chopped pecans, this bread pudding is super delicious and easy to make.

And, here is a delicious Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding from Deliciously Seasoned you might enjoy too!