Warm, gooey, and loaded with the flavors of classic banana bread, this Banana Bread Pudding is the kind of comforting treat you’ll crave for breakfast, dessert, or even a special brunch. It’s utterly irresistible—think sweet custard-soaked French bread, ripe bananas, and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a silky caramel sauce. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that’s destined to become a family favorite, Banana Bread Pudding has your name written all over it!

Banana Bread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something magical. Every element is thoughtfully chosen to give Banana Bread Pudding its rich taste, lush texture, and homey character. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip or two for each one:

French bread: Day-old bread cubes soak up the custard perfectly, yielding a soft interior with just the right bit of chew.
Eggs: Essential for that velvety custard base—don’t skimp, they bind everything together!
Heavy cream: Adds luxurious richness; substituting whole milk or half-and-half can lighten things up, but nothing beats cream.
Milk: Balances the richness and ensures the custard isn’t too thick—use whatever milk you have on hand.
Sweetened condensed milk: This brings incredible depth and a hint of old-fashioned sweetness that distinguishes Banana Bread Pudding.
Brown sugar: For a lovely molasses note and to help create that caramelized finish.
Vanilla: Don’t skip this—vanilla rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice: These warm spices are the heart of any good bread pudding; they turn ordinary bananas into a flavor celebration.
Salt: Just a little elevates and balances the sweetness.
Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They give that signature banana bread flavor and natural sweetness.
Chopped walnuts: For crunch and a touch of bitterness that offsets the sweetness—plus, they look gorgeous sprinkled on top.
Caramel sauce ingredients (brown sugar, butter, vanilla, splash of milk): Quick and simple, this sauce becomes the crowning glory when drizzled warm over your Banana Bread Pudding.

How to Make Banana Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep Your Bread

Start by cutting a loaf of French bread into cubes about one or two inches in size. Using bread that’s a bit stale is ideal—it’ll soak up more custard and hold its shape when baked. Place the cubes in a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Whisk until everything is fully combined—the mixture should smell like the most heavenly spiced custard.

Step 3: Add Bananas and Walnuts

Once your custard is ready, stir in those mashed ripe bananas and one cup of chopped walnuts. This will bring in that irresistible banana bread flavor and just the right touch of texture.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture over your bread cubes. Stir gently to ensure every piece gets coated, then let everything sit for about 20 minutes. This resting time lets the bread soak up all the delicious flavors and moisture.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

While the bread is soaking, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will make serving and cleanup a breeze later.

Step 6: Fill the Pan and Bake

Spread the soaked bread mixture evenly into your prepared dish, then sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the top. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about one hour, or until the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle) and the top is toasted to golden perfection.

Step 7: Make the Caramel Sauce

While your pudding cools slightly, get your caramel sauce ready. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and a splash of milk. Microwave (or heat on the stove) until bubbly, stirring every 30 seconds. This simple sauce is pure magic over your Banana Bread Pudding.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Pour the warm caramel sauce generously over the Banana Bread Pudding, slice into squares, and serve while still cozy and gooey. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

How to Serve Banana Bread Pudding

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way! Beyond the luscious caramel sauce, you can dust Banana Bread Pudding with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra toasted walnuts for extra crunch. Fresh banana slices fanned on top make the presentation irresistible and give that unmistakable banana cue.

Side Dishes

When serving Banana Bread Pudding for brunch or dessert, balance out the richness with sides like lightly sweetened whipped cream, a big bowl of fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For breakfast, some crispy bacon or savory sausage links are wonderful, offering a nice contrast to the pudding’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, portion the bread pudding into individual ramekins before baking—cute, single-serve Banana Bread Pudding portions are always a hit at parties! You can also try layering pudding and caramel sauce in mason jars for a grab-and-go treat, or serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an over-the-top dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Banana Bread Pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious for up to four days, making it a great make-ahead option.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Banana Bread Pudding! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole dish in plastic wrap followed by foil. It freezes well for up to two months—just remember to leave off the caramel sauce until after reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or cover and heat the whole dish in a 325-degree oven until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it looks a bit dry, then drizzle on fresh caramel sauce to bring back that just-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Bread Pudding the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, letting the bread soak overnight in the fridge only enhances the flavors and ensures a creamy texture. Just bake it fresh in the morning and enjoy.

What type of bread works best?

French bread is classic, but you can swap in brioche, challah, or even leftover banana bread for extra indulgence. Any sturdy bread that can soak up custard without falling apart works beautifully.

Can I leave out the nuts?

Definitely! If you have nut allergies or just prefer a smoother texture, feel free to omit the walnuts. The Banana Bread Pudding will still be rich and satisfying.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, it’s not gluten-free, but you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free bread to make a gluten-free Banana Bread Pudding. Be sure to verify that all other packaged ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How can I make it dairy-free?

You can replace the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy nut milk alternative, and use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and a plant-based butter for the caramel sauce. The flavors will be just as delightful!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Banana Bread Pudding at home, now is the perfect time to dive in—this recipe is simple, comforting, and truly a joy to share. From cozy breakfasts to swoon-worthy desserts, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give it a try. Your kitchen (and your loved ones) will thank you!