Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is an indulgent and delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of banana foster with the comforting texture of bread pudding. This decadent treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a special celebration, or just an evening craving. The custardy bread pudding is made with a blend of croissants and Hawaiian rolls, creating a luscious and buttery base, while the warm, caramelized bananas foster sauce adds a layer of sweetness and depth to every bite. The addition of white chocolate chips ensures a rich and creamy texture, making each spoonful a true indulgence. Topped with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, this bread pudding is an elegant yet comforting dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy

The combination of heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and egg yolks creates a luxuriously smooth and creamy base for the bread pudding, while the white chocolate chips add a layer of richness.

2. Flavorful Bananas Foster Sauce

The signature bananas foster sauce, made with dark rum, banana liqueur, and caramelized bananas, brings a delightful sweetness and a touch of alcohol that elevates the flavor of the bread pudding.

3. Easy to Make Ahead

This bread pudding can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for holiday meals or entertaining. Simply bake it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

4. Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Warmth

The bananas foster sauce adds the perfect amount of sweetness, and the warm, custardy bread pudding offers a comforting contrast to the rich sauce.

5. Beautiful Presentation

Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, this dessert looks elegant when served, making it ideal for special occasions like dinner parties or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Heavy whipping cream
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Kosher salt
• White chocolate chips
• Large egg yolks
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Hawaiian rolls (cubed)
• Croissants (cubed)
• Unsalted butter
• Light brown sugar
• Ripe bananas (slightly browned)
• Dark rum
• Banana liqueur
• Confectioners’ sugar (for garnish)

Variations

1. Use Different Bread: Instead of croissants and Hawaiian rolls, try using challah bread or brioche for a richer, more decadent flavor.
2. Add Nuts: For extra texture, you can add toasted pecans or walnuts to the bread pudding before baking.
3. Banana-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of bananas, substitute with caramelized apples or pears to create a delicious variation.
4. Make It Alcohol-Free: Omit the rum and banana liqueur, and use a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of maple syrup for flavor.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: For extra indulgence, mix in some semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips along with the white chocolate chips.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed croissants and Hawaiian rolls. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and kosher salt (reserve a pinch of salt for later). Stir constantly and heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the white chocolate chips, stirring until smooth.

Step 4: Whisk the Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

Step 5: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the egg and cream mixture over the cubed bread. Gently press the bread down into the custard to ensure it is fully soaked. Let the bread soak for 10-15 minutes to absorb the custard.

Step 6: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. Add the sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bananas soften. Carefully add the dark rum and banana liqueur, then cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7: Assemble the Pudding

Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the caramelized bananas evenly over the top of the bread pudding.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 9: Serve

Allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before dusting with confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Soak the Bread Thoroughly: Make sure to let the bread soak in the custard mixture for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure it absorbs all the liquid and bakes evenly.
2. Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old croissants and rolls will absorb the custard mixture better than fresh bread, resulting in a richer texture.
3. Caramelize the Bananas: Make sure to cook the bananas until they’re golden and slightly caramelized before adding the rum and banana liqueur to create the perfect bananas foster sauce.
4. Don’t Skip the Rum: The dark rum is essential for the authentic bananas foster flavor. If you’re concerned about the alcohol, it cooks off during the preparation.
5. Bake Until Set: Check that the bread pudding is fully set by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done.

How to Serve

Serve Bananas Foster Bread Pudding warm, directly from the pan. It’s perfect on its own, or you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. This dessert is great for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or any time you want to impress your guests with a stunning and flavorful treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread pudding before baking. Assemble the pudding in the dish, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.

Reheating

Reheat the bread pudding in the microwave or oven until it’s warmed through. If you’ve frozen the pudding, you may need to bake it for a little longer.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of bread?

Yes! You can use any bread you prefer, such as brioche, challah, or even a combination of breads.

2. Can I make this bread pudding without the alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the rum and banana liqueur and substitute with vanilla extract or maple syrup for flavor.

3. How do I know when the bread pudding is done?

The bread pudding is done when the center is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

5. Can I use frozen bananas?

Fresh bananas are recommended, but if you only have frozen bananas, make sure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the sauce.

6. Can I add more chocolate chips?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of white chocolate chips to your liking or even swap them for dark chocolate chips.

7. What should I do if the bread pudding seems too soggy?

If the pudding seems too soggy, you can bake it for a bit longer until it firms up. Ensure the bread is well-soaked but not overly saturated.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make the bread pudding gluten-free.

9. Can I serve this dessert cold?

While it’s traditionally served warm, you can serve it cold or at room temperature if you prefer.

10. Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?

Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar tangy flavor.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is a truly indulgent dessert that brings together the warm, comforting flavors of bread pudding with the rich and flavorful notes of bananas foster. With its perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and luxurious sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether for a holiday, special occasion, or just a comforting treat, this dessert will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Print