Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and bananas wafting through the kitchen.

This banana bread pudding with caramel sauce is my ultimate comfort dessert—soft, rich, and nostalgic in the best way.

It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and makes any ordinary day feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses ripe bananas – A great way to avoid waste and make something indulgent.

Extra creamy custard – Thanks to condensed milk and heavy cream.

Toasty top, soft center – Classic pudding texture with golden edges.

Crunchy walnuts – Add a perfect bite of contrast.

Easy caramel sauce – Sweet and buttery, made in minutes.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

French bread – Day-old bread cubes soak up all that rich custard.

Ripe bananas – Mashed for flavor, sweetness, and moisture.

Eggs, milk, and cream – Create the rich, silky base.

Sweetened condensed milk – Adds body and a luscious sweetness.

Brown sugar – For both the pudding and the caramel topping.

Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice bring cozy warmth.

Walnuts – Chopped for crunch, some stirred in, some sprinkled on top.

Vanilla – Deepens the flavor and pairs beautifully with banana.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use stale bread – It soaks up the custard without turning mushy.

Let it sit – Give the bread time to absorb the custard before baking.

Mash bananas well – The smoother, the better for even texture.

Bake until set – Check the center; it should be firm, not jiggly.

Don’t skip the sauce – That warm caramel drizzle ties it all together.

How to Make Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Cube the French bread and place in a large bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and spices.

Step 3: Add Bananas and Nuts

Stir mashed bananas and 1 cup of chopped walnuts into the custard mixture.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard over the bread cubes and mix gently.

Let sit for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray.

Preheat it if needed.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spread soaked bread into the dish.

Top with remaining walnuts.

Bake for about 1 hour, until golden and set.

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 8: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl (or saucepan), combine brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and a splash of milk.

Heat until bubbling, stirring every 30 seconds.

Step 9: Serve

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pudding. Slice and enjoy!

What to Serve It With

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Fresh banana slices or berries on top

Strong coffee or spiced chai latte

Extra caramel or a drizzle of chocolate syrup

Toasted coconut for a tropical twist

Variations / Substitutions

Use pecans – A tasty alternative to walnuts.

Add chocolate chips – Stir in for extra indulgence.

Make it dairy-free – Use coconut milk and plant-based butter.

Gluten-free bread – Works perfectly if it’s slightly dry.

Add raisins – For a chewy, sweet surprise in every bite.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Microwave gently or warm in the oven until heated through.

Freeze: Wrap portions individually and freeze up to 2 months.

Serve again: Add extra sauce or a scoop of ice cream for a refreshed treat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
Yes, but it’s best to dry it out slightly first so it doesn’t get mushy.

Do I have to use walnuts?
No, you can leave them out or swap with another nut or mix-in.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

How do I know it’s done baking?
The center should no longer jiggle and the top should be golden brown.

Can I skip the caramel sauce?
You can, but it adds richness—alternatively, use maple syrup or whipped cream.

How ripe should my bananas be?
Very ripe with brown spots—they’ll be sweeter and mash easily.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A quick microwave reheat or 10 minutes in a 350°F oven works great.

Final Thoughts

This banana bread pudding with caramel sauce is everything I want in a dessert—comforting, easy, and full of deep flavor.

It turns everyday ingredients into something that feels decadent and special.

Whether for a family dinner or holiday brunch, it’s a warm and crowd-pleasing favorite.