Banana Bread Pudding

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make this Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
4. How To Serve Banana Nut Bread Pudding
5. Why You'll Love This Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE
10. More Recipes 

Banana bread pudding is warm, sweet, and full of gooey banana flavor. It bakes up soft inside with golden edges on top. This easy dessert uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Serve it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra fun.

This bread pudding is easy to make, and you can follow the simple guide below. We’ve added step-by-step photos and directions to walk you through it. You'll also find pro tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked recipe questions.

This easy banana bread pudding recipe takes just twenty minutes to prep and uses ripe bananas and pantry staples you already have. It bakes up warm, soft, and sweet—perfect for dessert after dinner or a cozy weekend treat.

You can serve this bread pudding at family gatherings, holiday parties, or potlucks, and it always disappears fast. The gooey center and crisp edges make it a comforting favorite everyone asks for again.

What you'll need to make the best banana bread pudding recipe:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup of melted butter, plus more for greasing
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of light brown sugar
• 4 medium bananas, mashed
• 1 cup of chopped walnuts
• 1 (16-ounce) loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Caramel sauce for topping, optional

Everyone likes their bread pudding recipe a little different. Try swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your dessert uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Bread: Use brioche or challah instead of French bread for a richer, sweeter pudding.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a fun, melty chocolate banana combo.
• Substitute Milk: Swap whole milk with half-and-half for a creamier, thicker pudding texture.
• Add Nuts: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite that pairs perfectly with baked bananas.
• Add Spices: Sprinkle in nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for even more warm, cozy flavor.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos, simple directions, and helpful tips and tricks listed just below. You’ll get everything right the first time. Let’s get started and bake this sweet treat together!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.

SECOND STEP: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.

THIRD STEP: Add the heavy cream, melted butter, milk, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Whisk until combined.

FOURTH STEP: Mash bananas with a fork. Then add the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts to the egg mixture. Stir until combined.

FIFTH STEP: Slice the bread into bite-sized pieces and place bread cubes into the greased baking dish. 

SIXTH STEP: Pour mixture over the bread, toss to mix evenly, and wait for ten minutes to let the bread soak up the egg mixture.

SEVENTH STEP: Bake for one hour or until the top is evenly browned. When you press the bread, it should bounce back.

EIGHTH STEP: Serve the warm pudding topped with caramel sauce or whipped cream.

You can serve bread pudding warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge. It works great for family dinners, holidays, and anytime you want something cozy and sweet. Here are fun ways to serve this dessert recipe:

• Serve for holiday gatherings: Banana bread pudding makes the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It pairs well with apple dump cake or slow cooker hot chocolate. Everyone loves the warm banana flavor, and the simple ingredients make it easy to prep ahead.
• Make it for a cozy weekend treat: Bake this bread pudding on cold days when you want something sweet and warm. Try it with homemade hot cocoa or peanut butter dream bars. Kids and adults both ask for seconds.
• Bring it to a potluck or party: This banana bread pudding travels well and always disappears fast. Serve it with snickerdoodle cookies or banana pudding pie. The soft texture and sweet bananas win over every crowd.

Banana walnut bread pudding has become a reader favorite for good reason. It’s cozy, quick to make, and brings back sweet memories with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or a holiday get-together, this recipe keeps things simple and satisfying.

• Easy to Make: Toss everything together and bake—no fancy tools or skills required.
• Budget Friendly: Uses ripe bananas and pantry staples you already have.
• Kid Approved: Sweet, soft, and fun to eat—kids never leave a bite behind.
• Comfort Food Classic: Warm and cozy, it hits the spot every single time.
• Crowd Favorite: Works for potlucks, parties, and big family dinners without a fuss.
• Flexible Ingredients: Easy to mix, match, and customize to fit your mood or pantry.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day after chilling in the fridge.
• Quick Prep Time: Only takes ten minutes to get in the oven and on its way.

This bread pudding with bananas checks all the boxes, and we know you’ll want to make it again and again.

Here are the most common questions readers ask about making this bread pudding recipe—and how to get the best results:

Can I use really ripe bananas?
Yes, use soft, brown bananas for banana bread pudding. Overripe bananas add extra sweetness and help create the best texture.

What kind of bread works best?
Use thick bread like French bread, brioche, or challah. These hold up well and soak in the banana custard perfectly.

Do I need to toast the bread before making bread pudding?
No, you don’t need to toast the bread first. Dry or day-old bread works better because it soaks up the custard.

How do I know when banana bread pudding is done baking?
The pudding is done when the top turns golden and the center feels set when you gently shake the pan.

Can I mix the bananas into the custard instead of layering them?
Yes, you can mash or slice bananas and stir them into the custard. Either method works great and adds banana flavor throughout.

Do I have to use a water bath for banana bread pudding?
No, you don’t need a water bath. Just bake it on the middle oven rack as directed.

Can I make bread pudding without an electric mixer?
Yes, you can use a whisk and mixing bowl. This easy recipe doesn’t need an electric mixer at all.

Should I grease the baking dish for bread pudding?
Yes, grease the baking dish with butter or spray. This keeps the banana bread pudding from sticking while it bakes.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, double the recipe easily. Use a larger pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How long should bread pudding cool before serving?
Cool for ten to fifteen minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Should I serve banana bread pudding warm or cold?
Serve your bread pudding warm for the best texture and flavor, but it also tastes great chilled straight from the fridge.

Can I add toppings when serving banana bread pudding?
Yes, top your bread pudding with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce to add extra sweetness and texture.

Is banana bread pudding good for holiday desserts?
Yes, this dessert makes a great holiday dessert because it’s warm, easy to make, and always crowd-pleasing.

Can I serve banana bread pudding for breakfast or brunch?
Absolutely, it's perfect works for brunch or breakfast since it’s sweet, soft, and uses classic morning ingredients like bananas and eggs.

Do kids like banana bread pudding?
Yes, kids love it because it’s soft, sweet, and full of flavor they already know and enjoy.

Follow the tips and directions below to keep your banana bread pudding fresh and tasty. We’ve shared the best ways to store, freeze, and reheat it so you can enjoy every last bite. These simple steps help you save time and avoid waste.

Can I make banana bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can make bread pudding ahead. Cover the dish tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to two days.

What’s the best way to store leftover banana bread pudding?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within five days for the best texture.

Can I freeze banana bread pudding?
Yes, freeze banana bread pudding by wrapping individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen banana bread pudding?
Thaw frozen banana bread pudding in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

What’s the best way to reheat banana bread pudding?
Use the oven or microwave to reheat your bread pudding. Warm it slowly to keep the center soft and the edges crisp.

Can I reheat banana bread pudding in the microwave?
Yes, reheat in the microwave in thirty-second bursts. Stir gently and check often so it doesn’t overcook.

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