Ingredients
Scale
Bread Base
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah recommended)
Bananas Foster Sauce
- 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum or bourbon (optional)
Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Bananas: Cube the day-old bread into bite-sized pieces. Peel the bananas and slice them lengthwise into thin, elegant pieces ready for caramelization.
- Make the Bananas Foster Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar, stirring until it forms a glossy caramel. Add the banana slices and cook gently until they are caramelized but still hold shape. Carefully splash in the dark rum or bourbon to deglaze the pan and deepen the flavor. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This custard mixture will soak into the bread cubes to create a creamy texture.
- Assemble the Bread Pudding: Combine the caramelized bananas with their sauce and the cubed bread, folding gently to coat all pieces evenly. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and bananas, pressing lightly to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid well. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the soaked bread pudding mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but moist inside.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better custard absorption and ideal texture.
- Caramelize bananas just until tender to avoid mushiness or bitterness.
- Allow the bread to soak fully in the custard for even moisture throughout.
- If using alcohol, ensure the rum flames off or cooks down slightly to balance flavor.
- Serve the bread pudding slightly warm to enjoy full aroma and comforting taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, New Orleans
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free or Dairy Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Bananas Foster, bread pudding, caramelized bananas, rum dessert, New Orleans dessert, custard dessert, baked pudding, comfort food