If you love warm, gooey, and buttery desserts, this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is about to be your new favorite! This recipe takes classic bread pudding and gives it a luscious upgrade with caramelized bananas, a rich spiced custard, and a silky rum-infused sauce. Every bite is packed with warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and the indulgent flavors of the iconic Bananas Foster dessert.
Perfect for brunch, holidays, or any time you want to impress, this bread pudding is pure comfort food with a fancy twist. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
- Classic Meets Indulgence: Traditional bread pudding gets a flavor-packed upgrade.
- Rich & Boozy Sauce: A buttery rum sauce takes it to the next level.
- Great for Leftover Bread: The perfect way to use up day-old bread.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old brioche or French bread, cubed
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the Bananas Foster Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
How to Make Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
S1: Prep the Bread Pudding
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place bread cubes in the prepared dish and scatter sliced bananas over the top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and melted butter.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and bananas. Press down gently to soak the bread. Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb.
S2: Bake the Bread Pudding
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set. A toothpick should come out clean.
S3: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.
- Carefully pour in the rum and cook for 1-2 minutes to let the alcohol burn off. (Tilt the pan slightly to ignite for an authentic Bananas Foster experience!)
S4: Serve & Enjoy
- Pour the warm Bananas Foster sauce over the bread pudding. Serve immediately with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!
Tips & Variations
- Make It Kid-Friendly: Skip the rum and use maple syrup or extra vanilla instead.
- Use Different Breads: Brioche, challah, or croissants work beautifully!
- Add Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
- Extra Boozy Kick: Drizzle with a splash of bourbon or spiced rum before serving.
What to Serve with Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
Pair this rich dessert with other delicious treats for the perfect meal:
- Monster Cookie Energy Balls – A quick, no-bake snack with peanut butter, oats, and chocolate.
- Tropical Cottage Cheese Muffins – Light, fruity, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Whipped Pink Lemonade – A creamy, refreshing drink to balance out the richness.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use a different alcohol?
Absolutely! Bourbon or brandy are great substitutes for rum.
What if I don’t have day-old bread?
Lightly toast fresh bread in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry it out.
Try This Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Tonight!
Rich, buttery, and full of caramelized banana goodness, this Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is a must-try! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving something warm and cozy, it’s guaranteed to impress. Let me know if you try it—tag me on Pinterest!
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Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old brioche or French bread cubed
- 3 ripe bananas sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup melted butter
- For the Bananas Foster Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas sliced
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Bread Base: Place the bread cubes in the baking dish and scatter sliced bananas over the top.
- Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and melted butter.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and bananas. Press down gently to help absorb the liquid. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Caramelize Bananas: Add sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.
- Add Rum: Carefully pour in the rum and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to burn off the alcohol. (Tilt the pan slightly to ignite for an authentic Bananas Foster experience!)
- Serve: Pour the warm sauce over the baked bread pudding. Serve immediately with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Make It Kid-Friendly: Skip the rum and use maple syrup or extra vanilla instead.
- Use Different Breads: Brioche, challah, or croissants work beautifully!
- Add Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
- Extra Boozy Kick: Drizzle with a splash of bourbon or spiced rum before serving.