Dessert

Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

Name: Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492348H11M59S
Total time: PT-492348H11M59S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf dried bread, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces (about 11-12 cups French bread); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 4 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ cups milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup mashed bananas (about 1 large banana); 1 ½ cups sliced bananas (about 2 ½ large bananas)

ByThomas Greene January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

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Introduction

Banana Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the rich flavors of bananas with the classic texture of bread pudding. It’s an easy way to transform simple ingredients into a delicious treat perfect for any occasion.

A white oval baking dish filled with roughly six layers of toasted bread chunks that are golden brown with some darker caramelized spots, soaked in a glossy light brown sauce. Scattered on top are several slices of fresh yellow banana with a smooth texture, evenly spread around the dish. A wooden spoon is dipped into the mix, scooping some bread and banana pieces. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a white and brown striped cloth underneath. A few banana slices and a whole banana are placed near the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf dried bread, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces (about 1 loaf of French bread, 11-12 cups)
3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup mashed bananas (about 1 large banana)
1 ½ cups sliced bananas (about 2 ½ large bananas)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Place the dried bread pieces in a large bowl and toss with the melted unsalted butter, making sure each piece is lightly coated.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, add the eggs and granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute until the mixture lightens in color.
Step 4: To the egg mixture, add milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and mashed bananas. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Add the sliced bananas to the bowl with the bread and gently toss to combine.
Step 6: Pour the egg and banana mixture over the bread. Using your hands or a spatula, gently mix to ensure all the bread is soaked with the liquid.
Step 7: Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. Then transfer it to the prepared baking dish, arranging the bread evenly.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the dish.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream, crème anglaise, or caramel sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Use cinnamon-raisin bread for a more flavorful twist.
If you prefer a smoother texture, mash some of the sliced bananas before mixing.

Storage

Store any leftover banana bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm or bake covered in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a bread pudding made from large, chunky pieces of golden-brown toasted bread, slightly crisp on the edges, mixed with round slices of bananas scattered on top and inside. The pudding is covered in a shiny, caramel-colored sauce that glistens over the bread and bananas. A wooden spoon is partially dipped into the pudding on the right side of the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige and white striped cloth partly visible underneath and to the left. In the background, there is a whole banana and two banana slices near the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of dried bread?

Dried bread works best because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. If using fresh bread, it’s helpful to dry it out slightly in a low oven before preparing the pudding.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture and flavor may vary slightly but will still be delicious.