Banana bread pudding is one of those delightful desserts that brings comfort and warmth to your heart. With its sweet, luscious layers of soft bread and ripe bananas, this dish transforms these humble ingredients into something truly special. What was once a way to use up day-old bread is now a beloved treat that anyone can enjoy, especially when prepared with a vegan twist! This recipe is perfect for all occasions, not just a dessert. It’s also a treat for breakfast or brunch!
Why We Love This Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
The beauty of banana bread pudding is its versatility. It combines the satisfying textures of soft bread and creamy banana, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. What makes this vegan version stand out is not only its cruelty-free attributes but also its simplicity. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip this up, yet the results will impress friends and family alike. This recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to many traditional desserts.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Pudding
To create this scrumptious vegan banana bread pudding, gather these ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (challah or brioche work wonderfully; just ensure they’re vegan)
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (approximately 3 medium bananas)
- 2 cups plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk are excellent options)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Banana Bread Pudding Directions
When you’re ready to create your glorious vegan banana bread pudding, follow these simple steps:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows for even baking and ensures your pudding is perfectly cooked.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with a splash of oil or a light spray of non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the Bread: Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly across the base of the greased baking dish. It’s fine if the pieces overlap; just aim for an even layer.
Add the Bananas: Scatter the mashed ripe bananas on top of the bread cubes, ensuring that you get a delightful taste of banana in every bite.
Create the Custard Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This mixture will act as your custard to moisten the bread.
Combine: Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and bananas in the baking dish, making sure everything is well saturated. With your help, the bread will soak in the flavors ensuring a delightful pudding.
Let it Soak: Set the dish aside for about 15 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up the liquid and enhances the final texture.
Bake: Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a beautiful golden brown, and the center is set. A thin knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow your banana bread pudding to cool slightly before serving.
Now you have a fragrant, warm dish that’s ready to impress everyone at your table!
How to Serve Banana Bread Pudding
The presentation of your vegan banana bread pudding can elevate the whole dining experience. Serve it warm, allowing the delicious aromas to waft through the room. For an added touch, consider drizzling some vegan caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. You could also accompany it with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, which provides a creamy contrast to the warm pudding. Freshly sliced bananas or a handful of toasted nuts can add an extra layer of texture and flavor. This dessert isn’t just satisfying; it’s also a feast for the eyes!
Expert Tips: Banana Bread Pudding
Creating the perfect banana bread pudding can be simple with a few expert tips:
- Select Quality Bread: Using high-quality day-old bread like challah or brioche will make a significant difference in texture and flavor. Ensure that the bread is vegan for this recipe.
- Banana Ripeness Matters: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding will be. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as they are at their ripest.
- Customization: Don’t hesitate to customize your pudding! Add ingredients like chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. Chocolate chips are also a delightful addition!
- Soak Time: If you want a more custardy texture, extend the soaking time to 30 minutes. This gives the bread even more time to absorb the mixture.
How to Store Banana Bread Pudding
This delightful dish can also be stored efficiently. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let the pudding cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, or microwave a single serving for a quick treat. You may want to add a splash of plant-based milk while reheating to keep it moist!
Variations of Banana Bread Pudding
The beauty of banana bread pudding lies in its versatility. Here are a few fascinating variations to try:
- Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding: Incorporate vegan chocolate chips into the mix for a richer dessert. The combination of chocolate with banana makes for an indulgent treat.
- Nutty Banana Bread Pudding: Add a cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to give your pudding a nice crunch.
- Spiced Banana Bread Pudding: Enhance the flavor by incorporating additional spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice along with the cinnamon.
- Fruit-Filled Banana Bread Pudding: Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or apples, creating a unique twist to the classic dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread Pudding
Can you make banana bread pudding in advance?
Yes, you can pre-make banana bread pudding! Assemble it the day before and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
What type of bread works best for banana bread pudding?
A loaf of day-old challah or brioche works beautifully for this recipe. However, you could also use vegan sourdough, whole grain bread, or even gluten-free bread options if preferred.
Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Absolutely! Since you are making a vegan version, you don’t need any eggs. The ripe bananas and plant-based milk create a moist and flavorful custard, giving you that classic pudding texture.
What should I pair with banana bread pudding?
This vegan banana bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vegan ice cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an extra touch.
Vegan Banana Bread Pudding
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (challah or brioche) Ensure they are vegan
- 1.5 cups mashed ripe bananas (approximately 3 medium bananas) Use very ripe bananas for best flavor
- 2 cups plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk) Any unsweetened variety works well
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar Firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with a splash of oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly across the base of the greased baking dish.
- Scatter the mashed ripe bananas on top of the bread cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and bananas, ensuring everything is well saturated.
- Set the dish aside for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.