Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
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.

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

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.
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Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Banana Bread Pudding recipe transforms dried bread and ripe bananas into a comforting, golden-baked dessert. Layered with fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and enriched with a creamy custard base, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert served warm with whipped cream or caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 1 loaf dried bread, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces (about 11–12 cups French bread)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Custard Mixture
- 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)
Bananas
- 1 ½ cups sliced bananas (about 2 ½ large bananas)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the pudding won’t stick and will bake evenly.
- Combine Bread and Butter: Place the dried bread pieces into a large bowl and gently toss them with the melted unsalted butter, coating the bread evenly to add richness and help create a crisp exterior in the baked pudding.
- Whip Eggs and Sugar: In a medium bowl, add the eggs and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture for about one minute until it lightens in color and becomes slightly fluffy. This step aerates the custard for a tender texture.
- Mix Custard Ingredients: To the egg and sugar mixture, add the milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and mashed bananas. Stir everything together until fully combined to create a flavorful custard base.
- Toss Bread and Sliced Bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the bowl with the butter-coated bread and gently toss them together to distribute the banana slices evenly throughout the bread.
- Soak Bread in Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and bananas. Use your hands to gently mix, ensuring every piece of bread is soaked in the custard so the pudding will set properly when baked.
- Fill Baking Dish: Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully. Then transfer it to the prepared baking dish, rearranging the bread pieces to fill the dish evenly for consistent baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and the pudding’s edges slightly pull away from the sides of the dish, indicating it is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pudding to cool for at least 10 minutes. Serve warm with optional toppings such as whipped cream, crème anglaise, or caramel sauce for an indulgent finishing touch.
Notes
- Using dried bread or day-old bread helps the pudding absorb the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- For a richer pudding, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or add a splash of cream.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the bread mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Leftover pudding can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings using a bigger baking dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread pudding, banana dessert, bread pudding recipe, baked banana dessert, comfort food dessert

