Homemade Banana Bread Pudding Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Creamy banana bread pudding brings comfort right to your kitchen table with its irresistible aroma and sweet, nostalgic charm.

Soft chunks of ripe bananas nestle between pillowy bread layers, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Warm spices dance through each delectable bite, promising pure indulgence.

Comfort doesn’t get more delicious than this classic treat that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Home cooks adore how effortlessly this dessert comes together with minimal preparation.

Rich custard blankets every morsel, ensuring a decadent experience that satisfies deep cravings.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this beef dish?

The key ingredients include beef, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, scallions, and dried chilies.

• Why do I need to marinate the beef?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavor, and ensure the beef stays juicy and absorbs the seasonings before cooking.

• What's the purpose of coating beef in cornstarch?

Cornstarch creates a crispy exterior, helps seal in moisture, and gives the beef a nice golden-brown color when frying.

• How can I tell if the beef is cooked correctly?

Look for a crispy, golden-brown exterior and ensure the beef is cooked in batches to maintain high heat and achieve the perfect texture.

Why Banana Bread Pudding is Irresistible

• Quick Cooking Technique: Mastering this recipe involves simple stir-fry methods that even beginner cooks can handle with confidence.
• Flavor-Packed Ingredients: Combining Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, and aromatic spices creates a deeply rich and complex taste profile that elevates standard beef dishes.
• Restaurant-Quality Result: The shallow-frying technique transforms ordinary beef into crispy, restaurant-style bites that will impress family and dinner guests with minimal cooking skills required.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfectly paired with rice or noodles, this dish offers flexible meal solutions for different preferences and can easily become a go-to weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Pudding

• Beef: A tender meat that provides the main protein source for this flavorful dish.

• Shaoxing Wine: A traditional Chinese cooking wine that adds depth and complexity to the beef's flavor.
• Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: Provide rich umami and color to the marinade.
• Cornstarch, Baking Soda, Water, Oil: Help tenderize the meat and create a crispy exterior.

• Ginger, Garlic: Classic Asian flavor enhancers that add warmth and depth to the dish.
• Dried Chilies, Scallions: Bring additional heat and fresh, sharp notes to complement the beef.

• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating for the beef.

How to Make Banana Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Peel and slice ripe bananas into thin rounds. Select bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.

Choose bananas that are soft but not mushy.

Step 2: Create the Custard Base

Whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a creamy, consistent texture without lumps.

Step 3: Layer the Bread

Cut day-old bread into cubes or thick slices. Arrange a layer of bread pieces in a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle banana slices between bread layers for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Pour the Custard

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and bananas.

Press down gently to ensure bread absorbs the liquid completely. The bread should be fully saturated but not swimming in custard.

Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancers

Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the top. Optional additions include chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and taste.

Step 6: Bake the Pudding

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

The pudding is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.

• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce
• Powdered sugar

Pro Tips for Banana Bread Pudding

• Add ripe, spotty bananas for extra natural sweetness and moisture in your pudding.
• Cube day-old bread for better absorption and a more consistent, creamy texture.
• Swap regular milk with coconut or almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version.
• Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to enhance the pudding's warm, comforting flavor.
• Sprinkle toasted nuts or caramelized sugar on top for a delightful crunch and extra richness.

Variations to Try for Banana Bread Pudding

• Tropical Banana Bliss: Fold in diced mango and coconut flakes into the bread pudding batter for a Caribbean-inspired dessert that transports you to sunny beaches.
• Chocolate Chunk Dream: Mix in dark chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of cinnamon to create a rich, decadent version that chocolate lovers will crave.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Top the pudding with chopped pecans and drizzle with homemade caramel sauce for added texture and deep, buttery flavor.
• Spiced Rum Raisin: Soak raisins in dark rum before adding them to the mixture, then garnish with a light rum-infused custard for an adult-friendly dessert.

Pairing Suggestions for Banana Bread Pudding

• Boost Fruity Warmth: Pair banana bread pudding with a crisp apple cider to enhance the dessert's sweet banana notes and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Complement Creamy Texture: Serve alongside a light vanilla bean latte, which adds smooth richness and balances the pudding's dense consistency.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Match with a chilled moscato wine, bringing out the pudding's subtle sweetness and creating a delightful after-dinner treat.
• Enhance Comfort Flavors: Accompany with a warm chai tea, whose spicy undertones will beautifully complement the bread pudding's comforting profile.

Storage Instructions for Banana Bread Pudding

• Transfer leftover banana bread pudding into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pudding in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil in the last 2-3 minutes to restore crispy top texture.

Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent banana bread pudding merges classic comfort with Southern charm, blending ripe bananas and rich custard into a delightful dessert. Creamy, warm, and irresistibly sweet, you’ll savor each spoonful of this nostalgic treat that connects generations through its simple, heartwarming goodness.

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Ingredients

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Beef Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) beef flank steak, sliced against the grain into 1/4-inch-thick pieces

Marinating Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup regular soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 8 dried red chilies
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 4 scallions, white and green parts separated, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Slice ripe bananas into thin rounds, creating a delicate layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Tear bread into rustic, uneven chunks, allowing for varied texture and absorption of custard mixture.
4. Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and slightly frothy, creating a light base for the pudding.
5. Incorporate milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon into the egg mixture, blending until completely combined and uniform in color.
6. Gently pour the creamy custard over the bread chunks, ensuring every piece is thoroughly saturated and no dry spots remain.
7. Sprinkle additional cinnamon and a light dusting of nutmeg across the surface for enhanced aromatic depth.
8. Allow the pudding to rest for 15 minutes, enabling bread to fully absorb the rich custard before baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and slightly jiggly center.
10. Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes, allowing pudding to set and develop a more stable consistency.
11. Serve warm, optionally garnishing with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Marinate beef for at least an hour to ensure maximum flavor absorption and tenderize the meat effectively.
• Pat beef dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve extra crispy texture and prevent soggy results.
• Use high heat when frying beef to create a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
• Consider reducing oil quantity if seeking a lighter version of the dish, as shallow-frying can be calorie-intensive.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg