Oh, bread pudding. Is there anything more comforting? Seriously, when I need a hug in dessert form, I always turn to bread pudding. And this Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe? It’s like a warm blanket on a chilly evening, but, you know, edible!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. We’re talkin’ pantry staples here, people! Ripe bananas (the riper, the better, trust me!), some bread, eggs, milk… stuff you probably already have. My grandma used to make a version of this, and the smell baking always takes me right back to her kitchen. And honestly, who doesn’t love a dessert that tastes like a million bucks but only costs a few?
Why You’ll Love This Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Okay, so why should *you* make this banana bread pudding? Let me tell you!
- It’s ridiculously easy to make – even if you’re not a star baker, you got this!
- Got some ripe bananas hanging around? This is *the* way to use them.
- The **comforting flavor** is out of this world. Seriously, it’s like a hug!
- It’s super **budget-friendly**. No fancy ingredients needed!
- **Perfect for a crowd**. Got a potluck? Boom, you’re the hero!
Ingredients for Your Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe. Don’t skimp, okay? Each thing plays a part!
- You’ll want about 6 cups of cubed, stale bread. Seriously, stale is better here!
- 3 ripe bananas – and I mean *ripe*. All spotty and soft. Mash ’em good!
- 3 large eggs – gotta bind it all together!
- 2 cups of milk – any kind works, really.
- Half a cup of granulated sugar – for that touch of sweetness, of course.
- A quarter cup of melted, unsalted butter. Mmm, butter!
- A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Don’t use the fake stuff!
- And finally, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Because, yum!
How to Make Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe in no time. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!
- First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C for my friends across the pond!).
- Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it. I usually just use some butter or cooking spray. You don’t want your precious pudding sticking!
- Now, arrange those bread cubes in the prepared dish. Spread ’em out evenly.
- In a separate bowl (a big one!), whisk together your mashed bananas, eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Get it nice and smooth!
- Pour that lovely banana mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Make sure every piece of bread gets a good soaking.
- Here’s a key step: Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This allows the bread to really absorb all that goodness. Don’t skip this!
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for it to be golden brown and set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. I know, it’s hard to resist, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Preparing the Bread for Your Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Stale bread is *key* here. It soaks up the custard better and doesn’t get all mushy. I usually leave a loaf out overnight, or you can lightly toast it. Just cube it into roughly inch-sized pieces. Easy peasy!
Mixing the Custard for the Best Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Whisk, whisk, whisk! Seriously, you want to make sure everything is really well combined. No one wants a chunk of unmixed egg in their pudding! A good whisking will give you a smooth, creamy custard.
Baking Your Delicious Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Keep an eye on it! You want it golden brown and set, but not dried out. The top should be firm, and a knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean. Let it cool slightly – it’ll firm up a bit more as it cools. Then, dig in!
Tips for the Best Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Want to take your Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years. They’re simple, but they make a world of difference!
- Whatever you do, **don’t overbake it**! Dry bread pudding is a sad bread pudding.
- Seriously, **use ripe bananas**. They’re sweeter and have more flavor.
- **Adjust the sweetness to your taste**. Not a huge sugar fan? Cut back a little. Love it sweet? Add a bit more.
- **Add a pinch of salt**. I know, sounds weird, but it really enhances the flavors!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Okay, so let’s dive a little deeper into those ingredients for our Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe, shall we? And hey, if you’re missing something, don’t panic! There are almost always swaps you can make.
For the bread, I usually grab whatever’s on hand – challah, brioche, even just plain old white bread works! As for milk, almond milk or oat milk are great if you’re dairy-free. Brown sugar can stand in for granulated sugar if you want a richer flavor. And don’t be afraid to play with the spices! A pinch of nutmeg or even some cardamom can add a fun twist. Just have fun with it!
Variations on This Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Alright, you’ve got the basics down for the Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe. Now, let’s get a little crazy, shall we? This is where you can really make it your own!
My favorite thing? Throwing in some chocolate chips! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate… whatever you’re feeling. Nuts are also fantastic – walnuts, pecans, you name it. Dried fruit? Oh yeah! Raisins, cranberries… so good! Or, hey, try a different spice! Nutmeg or cardamom instead of cinnamon? Wowza! And don’t even get me *started* on toppings. Caramel sauce? Whipped cream? Ice cream? The sky’s the limit!
Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Got questions about my Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me.
First up: “Can I make this ahead of time?” Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day! Just assemble it, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. “Can I freeze it?” Yep, you sure can! Just wrap it well. “Can I use frozen bananas?” Totally! Just make sure they’re thawed and drained. “What kind of bread is best?” Honestly, anything works! Buttery breads like brioche are extra amazing. “How do I prevent it from getting soggy?” Stale bread is key! And don’t overbake it!
Nutritional Information for Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutrition info for this Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe, right? I get it! Here’s a rough estimate per serving: around 300 calories, 10g of fat, 6g of protein, and 45g of carbs. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, and it’ll vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. But hey, it’s dessert! Enjoy it!
Enjoy Your Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
So, what are you waiting for? Go whip up this Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe! Seriously, you won’t regret it. And hey, if you make it, be sure to snap a pic and share it with me! I love seeing your creations!
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Easy Classic Banana Bread Pudding Recipe in 45 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and delicious dessert made with ripe bananas and bread.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange bread cubes in the prepared dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use stale bread for best results.
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
- Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
