Walnut and Banana Bread Pudding
Walnut and Banana Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert made with soft bread, ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and a rich vanilla custard. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the walnuts provide a delicious nutty crunch.
It’s an excellent way to use leftover bread and overripe bananas, making it an easy and budget-friendly dessert for family dinners, holidays, or cozy weekend baking.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread
- 3 ripe bananas
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9 × 9-inch or 9 × 13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Prepare the Bread
Cut the bread into approximately 1-inch cubes.
Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming too mushy.
Place the bread cubes into the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Bananas
Peel two of the bananas and mash them in a large bowl.
Slice the remaining banana into thin rounds.
Set the slices aside for layering over the pudding.
4. Make the Custard
Add the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed bananas.
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Everything
Pour the banana custard evenly over the bread cubes.
Gently press the bread down with a spatula or spoon so it can absorb the custard.
Let the mixture sit for approximately 10–15 minutes.
Sprinkle about half of the chopped walnuts throughout the mixture.
Arrange the banana slices over the top and sprinkle with the remaining walnuts.
Drizzle the melted butter over the surface.
6. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
The pudding should still have a soft, moist texture without looking liquid in the center.
If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final portion of baking.
7. Cool Slightly
Remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
This gives the custard time to finish setting.
Optional Creamy Brown Sugar Sauce
While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the sauce.
Place the heavy cream, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Drizzle the warm sauce over individual servings.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread Pudding
Use very ripe bananas: Brown-spotted bananas provide the sweetest and strongest banana flavor.
Choose sturdy bread: Brioche, French bread, challah, or thick white bread all work beautifully.
Don’t skip the soaking time: Allowing the bread to absorb the custard creates a softer, richer center.
Toast the walnuts: Lightly toasting them before adding them intensifies their nutty flavor.
Don’t overbake: The pudding should be moist and tender rather than dry.
Easy Variations
Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding
Add ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate before baking.
Caramel Banana Bread Pudding
Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished pudding and add a pinch of sea salt.
Coconut Banana Bread Pudding
Add ½ cup shredded coconut along with the walnuts.
Pecan Version
Replace the walnuts with chopped pecans for a slightly sweeter nutty flavor.
Cinnamon Raisin
Add ½ cup raisins and an extra ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
What to Serve With It
Serve this bread pudding warm with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Brown sugar sauce
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh banana slices
- Chopped walnuts
A scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over warm banana bread pudding is especially delicious.
Storage
Cover leftover bread pudding and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30–60 seconds or warm the entire dish in a low oven.
The pudding can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Walnut and Banana Bread Pudding is a wonderfully cozy dessert that transforms everyday ingredients into something special. Sweet ripe bananas, creamy vanilla custard, soft bread, and crunchy walnuts come together in every warm, satisfying bite.
It’s especially delicious served fresh from the oven with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm brown sugar sauce.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
Resting Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
Meta Description
Make delicious Walnut and Banana Bread Pudding with ripe bananas, soft bread, creamy vanilla custard, and crunchy walnuts. A warm, easy dessert perfect for family gatherings.