Moist and Chocolatey Banana Bread Pudding Recipe You’ll Love 2025
Imagine a dessert that wraps you in a warm hug: gooey, rich chocolate melted into soft banana slices nestled in custard-soaked bread. That’s the magic of Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding—a classic comfort food with a twist. This dish elevates traditional bread pudding by infusing it with ripe bananas and luscious chocolate chips, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weekend treat, a show-stopping brunch dish, or a cozy dessert for chilly evenings, this recipe fits the bill. Best of all, it transforms simple, everyday ingredients like day-old bread and overripe bananas into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to make perfect Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding—from choosing the right bread and bananas, mastering the custard, baking tips, to creative variations and storage advice. Ready to impress family and friends with this irresistible dessert? Let’s dive in!
Why Bread Pudding?
Bread pudding has been a beloved dessert for centuries, originally born as a thrifty way to use stale bread and turn it into something delicious. Its custardy texture and comforting warmth make it a timeless classic. Adding bananas and chocolate not only enhances flavor but also adds moisture and richness, making every bite a delightful blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For a traditional Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding serving about 6, gather these ingredients:
- 4 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (brioche, challah, or French bread preferred)
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced (the riper, the sweeter and softer)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (dark chocolate works well too)
- 2 cups whole milk (or substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, for greasing the baking dish
Optional additions: chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), shredded coconut, or peanut butter chips for texture and flavor variation.
Choosing the Best Bread and Bananas
Bread
The best bread for bread pudding is sturdy and dense enough to soak up the custard without falling apart into mush. Brioche and challah are excellent choices due to their rich texture and buttery flavor. French baguette or sourdough can also work well. Avoid soft sandwich breads, which tend to dissolve too quickly.
Bananas
Ripe or overripe bananas are ideal—they bring natural sweetness and softness that meld perfectly with the custard. Overripe bananas are darker and softer, which help create a smoother custard base. Avoid underripe bananas as they can be starchy and less flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Generously grease a medium baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar) with butter to ensure easy removal and add richness to the crust.
Step 2: Assemble the Bread and Banana Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sliced bananas, and half of the chocolate chips.
- Gently toss to distribute evenly without mashing the bananas.
- Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- The custard mixture should be creamy but thin enough to pour.
Step 4: Pour the Custard and Soak
- Slowly pour the custard over the bread and banana mixture in the baking dish.
- Use a spoon or your hands to gently press the bread down, helping it soak up the liquid.
- Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
Step 5: Add Remaining Chocolate Chips and Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the top for a molten chocolate finish.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- The pudding is done when the custard is set (not jiggly) and the top is golden brown with melted chocolate visible.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Expert Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding
- Use stale or day-old bread: Fresh bread won’t soak up the custard properly, resulting in a soggy pudding.
- Don’t overmix bananas: Keep banana slices intact for texture contrast.
- Customize sweetness: Adjust sugar to taste, especially if using sweet breads or very ripe bananas.
- Prevent over-browning: If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
- Let it rest: Allow the pudding to rest after pouring custard to ensure even soaking.
- Use high-quality chocolate: Good chocolate improves flavor drastically.
Variations and Flavor Twists
Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding
- Substitute plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) for dairy milk.
- Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Bake as usual; texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Nutty Banana Chocolate Bread Pudding
- Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the bread and banana mixture for crunch.
Spiced Banana Chocolate Bread Pudding
- Add a pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or ginger to the custard for warm, complex flavors.
Caramel Drizzle
- Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the pudding before serving for extra indulgence.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator
- Cover leftover pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Store for up to 4 days.
Freezer
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
- Reheat in a 325°F (163°C) oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes) to maintain texture.
- Microwave reheats faster but may soften the crust.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving, 6 servings total)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of bread is best for bread pudding?
Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or French bread are best. They soak up custard well without turning mushy.
Can I use overripe bananas?
Yes! Overripe bananas add extra sweetness and moisture, enhancing flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Not as written, but it can be made vegan with plant-based milk, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pudding and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.
How do I prevent the top from burning?
Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, nuts, coconut flakes, or peanut butter chips add delightful texture and flavor.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Oven reheating is best for maintaining texture. Microwave is quicker but softens the crust.
The History Behind Bread Pudding
Bread pudding traces its roots back centuries as a thrifty dish to prevent food waste. It became popular across Europe and America, evolving with local ingredients. The addition of bananas and chocolate is a modern twist that adds richness and indulgence while maintaining the comforting essence of the original.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients, extraordinary results: No fancy tools or rare ingredients needed.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or snack.
- Comforting and indulgent: Perfect for colder days or special occasions.
- Great way to reduce food waste: Use leftover bread and bananas before they spoil.
Conclusion
Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The perfect balance of creamy custard, sweet bananas, and rich chocolate creates a dessert that’s simultaneously nostalgic and exciting. With this comprehensive guide, you have everything needed to make a flawless pudding that will impress any crowd.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins and toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours. Whether you serve it warm straight from the oven or chilled with a scoop of ice cream, this pudding will become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Happy baking!
