Description
This indulgent Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is a decadent dessert that combines custardy baked bread pudding with a rich, buttery Bananas Foster sauce. Cubed stale French bread soaks in a cinnamon and vanilla spiced custard, baked until golden and set, then topped with a warm caramelized banana sauce made with brown sugar, butter, and dark rum. Perfect for a cozy dessert that impresses with luscious flavors and a comforting texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Pudding
- 4 cups cubed stale French bread or brioche
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional)
Bananas Foster Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread: Add the cubed stale bread to the custard mixture and mix gently to coat all pieces. Allow the bread to soak for about 10 minutes, so it absorbs the custard fully. Fold in chopped walnuts or dark chocolate if using, for added texture and flavor.
- Bake Bread Pudding: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center.
- Make Sauce Base: While the pudding bakes, melt the unsalted butter with dark brown sugar in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles lightly.
- Add Rum: Carefully add the dark rum to the skillet. Be cautious as the alcohol may flame. Stir continuously and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and meld flavors.
- Caramelize Bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the bananas soften and caramelize in the sauce.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the Bananas Foster sauce.
- Serve: Spoon warm portions of the baked bread pudding onto serving plates. Generously top each portion with the warm Bananas Foster sauce and caramelized bananas.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience. Enjoy your decadent and comforting Bananas Foster Bread Pudding!
Notes
- You can use either French bread or brioche for a richer pudding.
- Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard better without turning mushy.
- Optional walnuts and dark chocolate add delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic sauce, substitute dark rum with additional brown sugar and a splash of vanilla extract.
- Be cautious when adding rum to the hot skillet as the alcohol may ignite briefly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated, though the sauce should be warmed separately for best texture.
