Title: Luscious Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding for Valentine’s Day
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Introduction
Valentine’s Day calls for something special. A dessert that is luxurious, yet comforting, and most importantly, made with love. This is where this Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding comes in! The perfect dessert to end a romantic meal at home.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great way to put ripened bananas to use. It gets its rich flavor and sticky sweetness from the caramelized bananas. This dish is not just lovely to look at, but also has a melty, gooey consistency that makes for an unforgettable dessert experience.
How to Make Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe bananas, sliced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed (about 5 cups)
– 3 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add brown sugar and stir until it dissolves.
3. Add the sliced bananas and cinnamon to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until the bananas have caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
5. Add the bread cubes into the wet mixture and toss until all the bread is coated.
6. Fold in the caramelized bananas, reserving a few for the topping.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, arrange the reserved caramelized bananas on top.
8. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
How to Serve:
Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding is best served warm. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for the final touch.
How to Store:
This pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Tips to Make Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding:
You can use any type of bread, but crusty bread, like a French baguette, will give you the best result. Avoid using fresh bread as it can become soggy.
Variations:
You can add some chopped walnuts or pecans to give this pudding extra texture and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of fruit in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace bananas with other fruits like apples or pears.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, replace regular milk and cream with non-dairy alternatives. Use a plant-based butter and a flax or chia egg substitution.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding the night before and bake it the next day.