Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding Delight

Name: Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups of stale bread, cubed; 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups of milk; 3/4 cup of sugar; 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Homemade Dessert Recipes

I absolutely adore how this Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding Delight transforms simple ingredients into a decadent dessert. The combination of ripe bananas and rich chocolate creates a moistened bread pudding that is truly irresistible. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this treat is perfect for cozy family gatherings or a sweet midnight snack. Trust me, once you taste it, you'll want it on repeat. Let's dive into the details of making this tasty indulgence!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T14:58:28.546Z

When I first made this Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding Delight, I was fascinated by how the simple act of soaking bread in a custard mixture could create such a delightful dish. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. I often serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, taking it to the next level of indulgence.

As I experimented with the recipe, I found that using day-old bread made a significant difference, allowing the bread to absorb the chocolate-banana mix without falling apart. The secret is to let it sit for a few minutes prior to baking, ensuring a perfect blend of textures. My family devours it every time!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor enriched by sweet banana essence
Quick and easy preparation method with minimal effort
Perfect for brunch gatherings or a comforting dessert

      

Understanding the Banana's Role

Ripe bananas are the star of the show in this Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding Delight. They provide natural sweetness and moisture, which helps prevent the bread pudding from drying out. The level of ripeness is crucial; overripe bananas with brown spots will yield the best flavor and texture. When mashing the bananas, aim for a smooth consistency to ensure even distribution throughout the pudding. If you happen to have extra bananas, consider using them in other recipes like smoothies or pancakes to minimize waste.

In addition to flavor, bananas also contribute to the custard-like texture of the pudding. When combined with eggs and milk, they create a rich, creamy base that binds the stale bread and chocolate together. If you're looking to add a twist, you could incorporate some nut butter into the banana mixture for additional depth, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pudding

To achieve a perfectly set bread pudding, focus on the baking time and temperature. Every oven is different, but a good rule of thumb is to bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. You're looking for a firm yet slightly wobbly center when you give it a gentle shake. If the top appears overly dark before the interior is set, consider covering it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.

Another important technique is allowing the mixture to sit for 10 minutes after you've combined the custard with the bread. This soak time is vital as it allows the bread to absorb the liquid, resulting in a gooey, delicious texture. If time allows, let it soak longer; an overnight soak in the refrigerator can enhance flavors even further and make for a quicker baking process the next day.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

6 cups of stale bread, cubed
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups of milk
3/4 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Optional Toppings

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Bread Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the cubed stale bread with the mashed bananas, ensuring the bread absorbs the banana flavor.

Mix the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

Combine the Mixtures

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and banana mix, stirring gently to combine. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soak.

Add Chocolate Chips

Stir in the chocolate chips, mixing evenly.

Bake

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is set and slightly browned.

Serve

Let the pudding cool slightly before serving warm, with optional whipped cream or ice cream.

Pro Tips

For an extra chocolatey flavor, try adding a splash of chocolate liqueur to the custard mixture!

Serving Suggestions

Once your Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding Delight is out of the oven, consider how you want to serve it. It's delightful warm, but it also holds up well at room temperature, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for brunch gatherings. To elevate your serving, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and banana flavors, creating a decadent contrast.

For an added touch, you can sprinkle some cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top before serving. Alternatively, garnish with sliced bananas or chocolate shavings for a visually appealing finish. These small details can elevate the presentation and encourage those indulgent bites that everyone loves.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. This dish rewarms beautifully, making it a great option for a quick sweet snack or dessert later in the week.

For those who love to plan ahead, you can assemble the bread pudding mixture the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This enhanced soaking process allows all the flavors to meld together and the bread to absorb more custard, yielding a more flavorful experience when baked the next day. Just pop it in the oven the next morning, and you'll have a warm, comforting dessert ready in no time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?

Fresh bread can work, but make sure to soak it longer to absorb the mixture.

→ How can I store leftover bread pudding?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it when you're ready to serve!

→ What toppings do you recommend?

I love serving it with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!