Decadent Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Luscious Caramel Drizzle
Indulge in this irresistible dessert that combines the comforting flavors of chocolate chip banana bread with the decadence of a rich bread pudding. This recipe requires a little patience, but the end result is nothing short of spectacular. The silky caramel sauce elevates the dish, making it perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply delighting yourself after a long day. Each bite is a blend of warm banana, melty chocolate, and sweet caramel that will have your guests asking for seconds. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat that truly shines at the dinner table.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Challah bread
1 (1 1/4 lb) (Cut into 3/4" slices, trimmed off crust and cubed)
Large eggs
3 (Whisked)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (Not applicable)
Half-and-half
3/4 cup (Not applicable)
Ripe bananas
3/4 cup (Mashed)
Chocolate chips
1 cup (Not applicable)
Maple syrup
1 1/2 cups (Not applicable)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Not applicable)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Not applicable)
Fresh nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Grated)
Caramel sauce
2 cups (For drizzling (store-bought or homemade))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and set a rack in the center.
2
Cut the challah loaf into 3/4" slices and trim off the crusts. Cut the bread into 3/4" cubes to make approximately 8 cups, setting aside additional cubes for another use.
3
Place the bread cubes into a large mixing bowl.
4
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs until well combined. Then add the milk, half-and-half, maple syrup, mashed bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract, mixing well until smooth.
5
Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Fold in the chocolate chips with a rubber spatula, gently mixing until all the bread is moistened.
6
Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
7
Lightly coat an 8-inch round nonstick cake pan, or a deep dish glass pie pan, with cooking spray.
8
Scoop the soaked bread mixture into the prepared pan, filling to the top.
9
Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, puffed, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
10
Allow the bread pudding to cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen, then gently unmold onto a serving plate, flipping so the brown side faces up.
11
Slice the pudding into 8 wedges, serve lukewarm or at room temperature, and drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this bread pudding?
This dessert features a comforting blend of warm mashed bananas, melty chocolate chips, and a rich, sweet caramel drizzle.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
A 1 1/4 pound Challah loaf is recommended because its rich, eggy texture holds up well to the custard.
Can I substitute Challah bread with something else?
Yes, you can substitute Challah with Brioche or a thick-cut French bread if Challah is unavailable.
Why do I need to trim the crusts off the bread?
Trimming the crusts ensures a uniform, soft, and silky texture throughout the entire bread pudding.
What size should the bread cubes be?
The bread should be cut into approximately 3/4-inch cubes.
How many cups of bread cubes do I need?
You will need approximately 8 cups of bread cubes for this recipe.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many eggs are required for the custard?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs, whisked until well combined.
What liquids are used to make the pudding base?
The base uses a combination of milk, half-and-half, and maple syrup.
How much mashed banana is needed for this recipe?
You will need 3/4 cup of mashed ripe bananas.
What spices are included in the bread pudding?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
How long should the bread soak in the custard?
The mixture should sit for 30 minutes to allow the bread cubes to fully absorb the liquid.
When do I add the chocolate chips?
Fold the chocolate chips in with a rubber spatula after pouring the custard over the bread but before the soaking period.
What kind of pan should I use for baking?
Use an 8-inch round nonstick cake pan or a deep-dish glass pie pan.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, lightly coat the pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How long does the bread pudding take to bake?
It takes approximately 50 minutes to bake until golden brown and puffed.
How can I tell if the bread pudding is fully cooked?
Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the pudding is finished baking.
How long should the pudding cool before serving?
Allow it to cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes before attempting to unmold it.
How do I remove the pudding from the pan?
Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then gently flip it onto a serving plate so the brown side is up.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 generous servings.
Is the caramel sauce baked into the pudding?
No, the caramel sauce is drizzled over the individual slices just before serving.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade caramel sauce for the drizzle.
Should this dessert be served hot or cold?
It is best served lukewarm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Can I substitute the maple syrup?
While maple syrup provides a specific flavor, you could use honey or agave nectar, though it will change the taste slightly.
Can I use fat-free milk instead of whole milk?
You can, but using whole milk and half-and-half creates a much richer and more decadent custard.
Is it okay to use frozen bananas?
Yes, as long as they are thawed and mashed before being added to the egg mixture.
What should I do with the extra bread cubes?
Extra bread cubes can be saved for making croutons or another small batch of bread pudding.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would make a delicious crunchy addition to the bread pudding.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday gathering?
Absolutely; its rich ingredients and elegant presentation make it perfect for special occasions.
What is the best way to slice the bread pudding?
Once unmolded, slice the round pudding into 8 even wedges, similar to a cake.