Name: Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups stale French bread, cubed; 3 large eggs; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 ¼ cups half and half; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons corn syrup; Pinch ground nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 large banana, sliced; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon rum extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe is just what you need. This rich and comforting treat brings together the lusciousness of caramelized bananas with the soft, custardy goodness of bread pudding, creating a match made in heaven. With a golden crust and a creamy center soaked in a dreamy Bananas Foster sauce, this recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a decadent night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four small round white bowls with two handles each, placed inside a silver tray on a white marbled surface. Each bowl is filled with broken pieces of light brown bread with a crusty texture. The bowls have different handle colors: two with blue handles, one with yellow handles, and one with light purple handles. The bread pieces are randomly stacked, showing a soft inside with some air holes and crusty edges. The image is taken from above, showing all bowls and bread clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe plays a crucial role, from the sturdy French bread that soaks up all those flavors to the perfect combination of spices that elevate the dish. These simple yet essential components come together beautifully to create a complex and inviting flavor profile you will adore.

5 cups stale French bread (cubed): Using day-old bread is key for absorbing the custard without turning mushy.
3 large eggs: They bind the pudding and create that silky custard texture.
½ cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds warmth and depth with its molasses hints.
¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that complements banana beautifully.
2 ¼ cups half and half: Provides creamy richness without being too heavy.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for the luscious Bananas Foster sauce base.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Helps caramelize the sauce for that signature flavor.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the sauce’s sweetness with a clean finish.
2 tablespoons corn syrup: Gives the sauce a shiny, smooth texture and prevents crystallization.
Pinch ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty warmth to the sauce.
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Echoes the spice used in the pudding, tying it all together.
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt: Helps cut through sweetness and enhances flavor contrast.
3 tablespoons heavy cream: Enriches the sauce to a silky finish.
1 large banana (sliced): The star of the dish, perfectly caramelized to add natural sweetness and texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with fragrant warmth.
½ teaspoon rum extract: Introduces that classic Bananas Foster hint without needing actual alcohol.

How to Make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ramekins

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, placing the rack in the lower third to ensure even baking. Spray the insides of four 8-ounce ramekins with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking. Setting them on a baking sheet makes handling easier once filled.

Step 2: Build the Bread Pudding Base

Fill each ramekin generously with a heaping cup of the cubed French bread. This bread will soak up the flavorful custard, resulting in a soft, luscious pudding that’s the perfect base for the Bananas Foster topping.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, light brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and half and half. This mixture is the magic that transforms the bread cubes into a velvety, warm pudding with just the right hint of spice.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour about three-quarters of a cup of the custard evenly over the bread in each ramekin. Cover each one tightly with foil to keep moisture locked in, then bake for 25 minutes. After removing the foil, continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes until the tops set beautifully and the centers feel just right—not too jiggly but perfectly soft.

Step 5: Create the Bananas Foster Sauce

While the puddings bake, prepare the sauce by melting butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt, stirring gently as the butter melts and the mixture starts to bubble. Whisk in the heavy cream and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened slightly. This sauce is where the signature Bananas Foster flavor truly shines.

Step 6: Caramelize the Bananas and Finish the Sauce

Stir in the banana slices carefully into the sauce, cooking just until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla and rum extracts. Pour this irresistible sauce over each warm bread pudding just before serving.

How to Serve Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe

The image shows four small white bowls with handles in blue, yellow, and lavender colors, placed on a silver tray. Each bowl has three layers: a bottom layer of golden-brown toasted bread pieces with a slightly crispy texture, a middle layer of light brown creamy sauce covering the bread, and the top layer of round, yellow banana slices neatly arranged. The overall look is warm and inviting, with the bowls filled generously and the silver tray sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that extra-special touch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes this dessert even more indulgent and balances the warm spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve this bread pudding alongside a simple espresso or a lightly brewed tea to cut through the richness. If you want more fruit, fresh berries or a citrusy compote can add a refreshing contrast that brightens the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe straight from individual ramekins, or try layering the bread pudding in a parfait glass alternating with whipped cream and caramelized bananas. This adds an elegant flair and makes each bite a perfect balance of textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, cover any leftover Bananas Foster Bread Pudding tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps best in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed within 3 to 4 days without losing its delicious texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Place portions of the bread pudding in freezer-safe containers, either with or without the sauce, and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately if possible for the best texture upon reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture, but a quick 30-second zap can work in a pinch. Add fresh sauce on top after reheating for a fresh experience similar to the freshly made dessert.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes! While stale French bread is ideal for soaking up custard, you can substitute with brioche or challah for extra richness. Just make sure the bread is a day or two old so it absorbs the custard without falling apart.

Is it necessary to use rum extract?

Rum extract gives the authentic Bananas Foster flavor without the alcohol content, making it family-friendly. If you prefer, you can substitute with actual dark rum or omit it altogether, but the extract adds a nice depth to the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of half and half, and swap butter for a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How can I tell when the bread pudding is done baking?

The pudding should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted will come out mostly clean but with a tiny bit of custard clinging. Avoid overbaking to prevent a dry texture.

Can I prepare the Bananas Foster sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce a day ahead and gently reheat it before serving. Be sure to stir in the banana slices fresh to keep them from becoming mushy during storage.

Final Thoughts

The Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe is a soul-satisfying dessert that feels special yet remains simple to make. Its comforting warmth and rich flavors are sure to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and I promise it will bring smiles and a cozy glow to any table.