When it comes to comfort food, few desserts match the warm, rich flavors of bread pudding. But when you introduce the bold and tropical flavors of banana foster, you take this classic dessert to a whole new level. This Banana Foster Bread Pudding is a marriage of tender, custardy bread pudding with the caramelized bananas, brown sugar, and rum of a traditional banana foster. The result is a dessert that’s indulgent, sweet, and perfect for any occasion.
One of the great things about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Using day-old bread gives the pudding a perfect texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—while the custard mixture ensures it’s rich and creamy. The addition of bananas not only adds a tropical twist, but it also brings a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the rum and caramelized sugar. This dish is sure to please a crowd and can be served either warm or cold, depending on your preference.
Although bread pudding has its roots in European cuisine, it’s widely enjoyed in the Caribbean, where ingredients like bananas, rum, and spices make it a go-to dessert for islanders. In this version, the banana foster element brings a luxurious touch to the humble bread pudding, making it a great choice for special gatherings, holiday dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something comforting and sweet. If you’ve never made bread pudding before, don’t worry—this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, yet delivers gourmet results.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche works best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Banana Foster Topping:
- 3 large bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Assemble the bread pudding: Place the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake the bread pudding: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the banana foster topping.
- Make the banana foster topping: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves into the butter, forming a caramel-like sauce. Stir in the cinnamon.
- Add the bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bananas soften slightly and are coated in the sauce.
- Add the rum: Carefully pour in the rum and vanilla extract. Allow the rum to simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve: Spoon the banana foster topping over the warm bread pudding. Serve immediately, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this bread pudding without rum?
Yes! If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can simply omit the rum. The banana foster topping will still taste delicious with the caramelized sugar and bananas. - What type of bread works best for bread pudding?
Day-old French bread or brioche are ideal choices for bread pudding. Their slightly dense texture absorbs the custard well, creating a soft, yet structured pudding. If your bread is fresh, you can toast it lightly in the oven before using it. - Can I use plantains instead of bananas?
Absolutely! If you want to give the dish an even more Caribbean flair, ripe plantains would be a great substitute for bananas in this recipe. - How do I store leftover bread pudding?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. - Is this dessert high in calories?
Yes, Banana Foster Bread Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert. It’s meant to be enjoyed in moderation, but you can lighten it up by using low-fat milk and reducing the sugar in the recipe.
This Banana Foster Bread Pudding is the perfect dessert to serve when you’re craving something warm, sweet, and comforting. The combination of rich, caramelized bananas with the soft, custardy bread pudding creates a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply because you want to indulge, this dessert is sure to bring the taste of the Caribbean to your table. Enjoy!
