If you love cozy desserts that feel like a warm hug from the inside, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Bread Pudding with Warm Brown Sugar Walnut Sauce Recipe. This rich, comforting dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a luxurious dessert, combining moist banana-infused bread pudding with a luscious, nutty sauce that’s perfectly gooey and sweet. It’s a soulful treat that’s perfect for family gatherings or whenever you want to spoil yourself with a little bit of homemade magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is the first step toward making a truly unforgettable dessert. Each component plays a vital role in creating the beautiful flavors and textures that define this recipe.
- French bread: A sturdy loaf cut into cubes provides the ideal base that soaks up all the custard without turning mushy.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and give the custard that rich, creamy texture.
- Heavy cream and milk: Together they keep the pudding silky and smooth while balancing richness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds irresistible sweetness with a creamy depth.
- Brown sugar: Used both in the pudding and sauce, this sugar brings comforting caramel notes.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have flavor enhancer that brightens every bite.
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice): These warm spices add cozy complexity and a hint of autumnal charm.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Ripe bananas: Mashed to infuse the pudding with natural sweetness and moistness.
- Walnuts: Chopped and split between the pudding and sauce for crunch and a nutty contrast.
- Butter: Key for the richness in the sauce that drapes over every bite.
- Milk (for sauce): Just a splash to help create that velvety, pourable texture in the walnut sauce.
How to Make Banana Bread Pudding with Warm Brown Sugar Walnut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Bread and Custard
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Cut your French bread into 1-2 inch cubes and place them in a big bowl. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This aromatic custard is what will soak into the bread, infusing it with rich, spiced sweetness.
Step 2: Add Bananas and Walnuts
Stir the mashed ripe bananas and one cup of chopped walnuts into the custard. This layers in that banana charm and nutty goodness every bite deserves. Then pour the custard over the bread cubes and gently stir to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes so the bread absorbs all those flavors and becomes delightfully soft.
Step 3: Bake the Pudding
Spray a 9″x13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray so nothing sticks when it cooks. Spread your soaked bread mixture evenly into the dish and sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top for a lovely crunch. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s finished when the center is set and no longer jiggly, plus the top is toasted to a lovely golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Warm Brown Sugar Walnut Sauce
While the pudding cools slightly, it’s time for the sauce—this step elevates the dessert to new heights. In a microwave-safe bowl (or on the stove if you prefer), combine brown sugar, butter, vanilla, a splash of milk, and the remaining chopped walnuts. Heat it, stirring every 30 seconds, until it bubbles and turns into a glossy, warm sauce that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Pour the steaming, nutty sauce all over the bread pudding just before serving. Slice it up, dish it out, and enjoy the perfect harmony of soft pudding and crunchy walnuts bathed in sweet sauce.
How to Serve Banana Bread Pudding with Warm Brown Sugar Walnut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy coolness that pairs beautifully with the warm pudding. A sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped walnuts on top adds extra flair and crunch.
Side Dishes
This Banana Bread Pudding makes a fantastic dessert after a cozy dinner but also shines with a simple cup of coffee or spiced chai for brunch. A fresh fruit salad or roasted berries alongside offers a pop of brightness that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant touch, or layer the pudding in a trifle dish with extra walnuts and slices of fresh banana to wow guests visually. Drizzling the warm brown sugar walnut sauce just before serving keeps everything luscious and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftover banana bread pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more, making for an even tastier treat the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this pudding freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick dessert fix anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 300 degrees until warmed through to keep the texture just right. Microwaving works, too, but try to avoid overheating so it doesn’t dry out. Warm with a little extra sauce for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
French bread is ideal because of its sturdy texture, but you can substitute with brioche or challah for a slightly richer pudding. Just avoid super soft breads that might get too mushy when soaked.
Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, because it imparts a lovely creamy sweetness and unique texture that sets this pudding apart from others. You could experiment with evaporated milk and extra sugar, but results may vary.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
With a few swaps like coconut milk, plant-based cream, and flax eggs, you could create a vegan version, though the texture and flavor will be different. The sauce might need an alternative fat like coconut oil instead of butter.
How long does it take to bake?
The baking time is about 1 hour at 350 degrees, but ovens vary. Check for a set center and a nicely toasted top to ensure perfect doneness without drying out.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pudding the day before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Then just bake it fresh the next day to serve warm and bubbling.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Pudding with Warm Brown Sugar Walnut Sauce Recipe is a heartwarming masterpiece that you’ll want to make again and again. Comforting, rich, and beautifully balanced between sweet, spice, and nuttiness, it’s the kind of dessert that makes every day feel special. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bring this delightful dish to your table—you won’t regret it!
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Banana Bread Pudding with Warm Brown Sugar Walnut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and comforting Banana Bread Pudding featuring cubed French bread soaked in a creamy spiced custard with ripe bananas and walnuts, baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious brown sugar butter sauce.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
- 1 16 oz loaf French bread, cut into 1–2″ cubes
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, divided
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Splash of milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pudding.
- Prepare Bread: Place the cubed French bread into a large bowl and set aside.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until well combined.
- Add Bananas and Walnuts: Stir the mashed bananas and 1 cup of chopped walnuts into the custard mixture.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread and stir gently to coat all the bread. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard thoroughly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Transfer to Dish and Bake: Spread the soaked bread evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chopped walnuts on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly and the top is slightly toasted.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow it to set further.
- Prepare Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk. Heat in the microwave until the mixture starts to bubble, stirring every 30 seconds. Alternatively, heat the mixture on the stovetop until bubbly.
- Serve: Pour the warm brown sugar butter sauce over sliced portions of the bread pudding and serve immediately for a decadent dessert.
Notes
- Allowing the bread to soak well in the custard ensures a moist and flavorful pudding.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can use evaporated milk with extra sugar, but the texture and sweetness may vary.
- To make ahead, assemble the pudding, cover it, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
