If you have a soft spot for comforting desserts that combine rich flavors and soothing textures, this Banana Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe is your next kitchen triumph. It takes cozy banana bread and baguette pieces, nurtures them in a luscious banana custard, then bakes everything to golden perfection before draping it all in a silky homemade vanilla sauce. The result is a dessert that feels both familiar and indulgent, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on a quiet night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a wooden cutting board with several slices of brown bread stacked at the top and many small bread cubes scattered below. A large knife with a black handle lies to the right of the bread pieces on the board. On the right, there is a white baking tray filled with irregular pieces of two types of bread: darker brown bread cubes at the top and lighter, torn white bread pieces at the bottom. The scene is well-lit and the textures of the bread and wood are clear. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Banana Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe shines because of its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the creamy custard to the subtle sweetness and aromatic vanilla that tie everything together.

Banana bread: Choose homemade or a quality store-bought loaf, cubed for soaking up the custard beautifully.
Large baguette: Torn into 1-inch pieces, it adds texture and lightness to the pudding’s base.
Heavy cream: Used in divided measures for richness and to create that velvety vanilla sauce.
Whole milk: Balances the cream with a lighter dairy touch in custard and sauce.
Vanilla extract: Sourced high-quality for true aromatic depth in both custard and sauce.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance sweetness and balance flavors.
Granulated sugar: Divided for smooth sweetness in custard and vanilla sauce.
Egg yolks: Key to thickening the vanilla sauce, creating that luscious texture.
Mashed bananas: Adds fresh banana flavor within the custard itself.
Eggs: Provide the structure and richness that bind the pudding.
Banana slices (optional): For fresh, elegant garnish adding a pop of color and fruitiness.

How to Make Banana Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread

Preheat your oven to 250°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to avoid sticking. Cube your banana bread into 1-inch pieces – about 6 cups – then add the torn baguette chunks onto a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for about 30 minutes to dry out. This step is crucial for the right custard absorption without ending up soggy.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Sauce

Combine ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup whole milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Heat gently until simmering, then let it rest briefly. Whisk sugar with egg yolks separately, and carefully temper the eggs by adding a bit of the hot cream mixture. Slowly whisk in the remaining cream, then return to the heat on low, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a smooth, velvet-like consistency. Strain to remove any lumps, then cover with plastic wrap so no skin forms. This sauce is dreamy over your pudding!

Step 3: Create the Banana Custard

In a blender, combine the rest of the heavy cream and milk with mashed bananas, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend thoroughly for about one minute to create a smooth, flavorful custard base that infuses the bread pieces with wonderful banana richness.

Step 4: Assemble and Soak

Place your dried banana bread and baguette pieces in a large mixing bowl. Pour the banana custard over the bread, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are coated. Let this mixture rest for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, so the bread absorbs all that luscious custard without becoming too wet.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Using a slotted spoon, transfer soaked bread into your prepared dish, spooning extra custard over it generously. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then tent with foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes until golden on top and set throughout. A toothpick should come out clean from the center, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Final Touches

When the pudding emerges warm from the oven, top it with freshly sliced bananas and drizzle with the vanilla sauce. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting dessert experience that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Banana Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered bread pudding. The base layer consists of light golden-brown bread pieces with a soft texture, mixed with darker, richly browned bread chunks scattered evenly on top. On the right side of the image, the pudding is drizzled with thick, creamy white sauce in thin lines across the surface and topped with evenly spread slices of fresh banana. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface next to two whole yellow bananas and a small white cup filled with cream in the background, alongside a gray and red striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh banana slices bring vibrant color and fresh sweetness to the warm pudding. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon over the top to add a fragrant crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy textures.

Side Dishes

Banana Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cool contrast. A cup of strong coffee or spiced chai also complements the rich flavors perfectly, rounding out your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pudding in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. For a rustic feel, place the pudding in a cast iron skillet straight from the oven. This presentation invites sharing and adds a cozy, homey vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Banana Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious, if not better, the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this pudding freezes wonderfully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or warm the whole dish in an oven at 325°F until heated through. Adding a splash of extra vanilla sauce at serving time helps revive its creamy, luscious character perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of banana bread?

Absolutely! While banana bread adds distinct flavor and sweetness, regular bread can be used. Just add extra mashed bananas to your custard to retain that lovely banana essence in the pudding.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and your favorite plant-based milk for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind the texture and taste will shift slightly, but it remains delicious.

Can I prepare the custard in advance?

Definitely. The banana custard can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the pudding to ensure perfect soaking.

What’s the best way to tell when the pudding is done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and a firm but tender center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—no liquid custard should remain.

How sweet is this dessert? Can I reduce the sugar?

This Banana Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe is moderately sweet to highlight the bananas and vanilla. You can reduce sugar slightly if preferred, but keep in mind that sugar also helps create the custard’s silky texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough that you dive into making this Banana Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe. Its cozy, buttery textures and warm vanilla notes bring joy in every forkful. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply want a comforting treat, this recipe is a golden ticket to dessert bliss. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor one of the most satisfying desserts you’ll ever make.