Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Warm banana bread pudding featuring caramelized bananas and a smooth bourbon-infused caramel sauce for a cozy dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers day-old banana bread, ripe bananas, unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 8 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 2 sliced ripe bananas; cook for 5 minutes, flipping bananas halfway until caramelized and golden.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Place 6 cups cubed day-old banana bread in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to soak. Scatter caramelized bananas on top.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until custard is set and the top is golden brown.
  5. Step 5: For bourbon sauce, whisk 1 cup dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup bourbon, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 3 tbsp water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  6. Step 6: Cook, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens and bubbles, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm bread pudding drizzled with bourbon sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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