Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding Cake
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread or banana bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
For the Sticky Sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Optional Additions
- Chopped pecans
- Walnuts
- Chocolate chips
- Caramel drizzle
For Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Banana slices
- Powdered sugar
- Extra caramel sauce
The bananas create rich moisture while the sticky brown sugar sauce turns beautifully caramel-like during baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a baking dish generously.
An 8×8 or 9×9 dish works perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Cut the bread or banana bread into cubes.
Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard beautifully.
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
A few banana chunks add wonderful texture.
Step 4: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Melted butter
The mixture should smell warm and sweet.
Step 5: Add the Bananas
Whisk the mashed bananas into the custard mixture.
The bananas create creamy richness throughout the pudding.
Step 6: Combine Bread and Custard
Add the bread cubes into the custard mixture.
Gently fold until all the bread becomes coated.
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid.
Step 7: Add Optional Ingredients
Optional:
Fold in:
- Chocolate chips
- Pecans
- Walnuts
These additions create extra texture and richness.
Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread evenly.
The bread should look fully soaked but not overly wet.
Step 9: Make the Sticky Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla
Cook until:
- Smooth
- Glossy
- Slightly thickened
The sauce should smell buttery and caramel-like.
Step 10: Pour Sauce Over the Pudding
Drizzle the sticky sauce evenly over the bread pudding mixture.
Some of it sinks into the pudding while the rest caramelizes beautifully on top.
Step 11: Bake the Pudding Cake
Bake for about 40–45 minutes until:
- Top becomes golden
- Edges caramelize
- Center is mostly set
The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.
Step 12: Check the Center
The center should still feel slightly soft and custardy.
Avoid overbaking.
Step 13: Cool Slightly
Allow the pudding cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
This helps the sticky sauce thicken slightly.
Step 14: Garnish
Top with:
- Whipped cream
- Banana slices
- Powdered sugar
- Extra caramel drizzle
The toppings make it feel extra indulgent.
Step 15: Serve Warm
Serve warm for best texture.
Every bite should taste:
- Gooey
- Sticky
- Sweet
- Banana-rich
- Comforting
- Warmly spiced