If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm, comforting hug from the inside, this Banana Bread Pudding Recipe might just become your new favorite. Combining the soft, buttery richness of biscuits with the creamy sweetness of banana pudding and a luscious cream cheese icing, this dish transforms humble ingredients into an indulgent treat. It’s perfect for cozy afternoons, special gatherings, or any time you want a slice of pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Bread Pudding Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each selected to create a harmony of flavors and textures. From the rich butter that ensures every bite is moist, to the fresh bananas that infuse natural sweetness and softness, every component plays an important role.
- Butter (1 stick): Essential for melting into the crockpot, coating the biscuits, and adding luscious richness.
- Grands Biscuits (2 cans): The base for the pudding, their fluffy texture soaks up the banana cream perfectly.
- Large ripe bananas (2): One mashed for the filling and one for the icing, bananas bring natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Banana cream instant pudding (3.4-ounce package): This instant mix deepens the banana flavor and thickens the creamy filling beautifully.
- Half and half (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps create the smooth banana pudding consistency.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can): Provides a luscious sweetness without needing extra sugar.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the icing, adding tang and creaminess to contrast the pudding.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Used to adjust the icing consistency for perfect spreading.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cream cheese icing while giving it a smooth texture.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
- Whipped cream and banana slices: Optional toppings that bring lightness and extra banana goodness to each serving.
How to Make Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Start by turning your Crock-Pot on high and placing the stick of butter inside to melt. Once melted, open the cans of Grands Biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. Add the biscuit pieces to the crockpot and stir them around to coat them thoroughly in the melted butter. This step ensures each biscuit piece becomes beautifully tender and infused with rich buttery flavor. Let them cook for about 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes and turning the biscuits to help them brown evenly and cook all the way through.
Step 2: Create and Add the Banana Cream Filling
While the biscuits are cooking, peel one ripe banana and place it in a blender or food processor. To this, add the sweetened condensed milk and half and half, then pulse a few times until the mixture is smooth and combined. Sprinkle in the banana cream instant pudding and pulse again just until blended. Pour this luscious banana cream filling over the cooked biscuits in the crockpot and stir well to combine. Shut the crockpot lid, switch to low heat, and let it cook for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pudding to set up perfectly.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Icing
For the icing, place the second ripe banana in your blender or mixer and mash it well. Add the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and milk and mix until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing as you go to create a smooth, luscious icing that’s sweet but balanced with that lovely tang from the cream cheese. When everything is perfectly blended, scoop the banana bread pudding into bowls or onto dessert plates, then generously spoon the icing over the top. Finish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh banana slices for an irresistible presentation.
How to Serve Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this Banana Bread Pudding Recipe to new heights. A swirl of whipped cream adds lightness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, while fresh banana slices provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pudding. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans can add warmth and crunch.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and satisfying enough to stand on its own, but you can complement it perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The warm flavors and creamy textures balance beautifully with a crisp salad or fresh fruit platter if you’re serving it as part of a brunch or gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve this Banana Bread Pudding Recipe in individual glass jars or pretty ramekins, layering with extra banana slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a festive touch, add a sprig of mint or a dusting of cocoa powder. Even simple parchment-lined dessert bowls make this pudding look inviting and homemade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover banana bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often improve as they meld overnight. Make sure to cover the pudding tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
This Banana Bread Pudding Recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time. Transfer leftovers into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds, or until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, cover it loosely with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. Top with fresh icing and garnishes after warming for that just-made appeal.
FAQs
Can I make this Banana Bread Pudding Recipe without a Crock-Pot?
Absolutely! While the Crock-Pot simplifies the process and creates deliciously tender results, you can bake the biscuit base in a buttered casserole dish at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, then add the filling and bake longer until set.
What if I don’t have instant banana pudding mix?
If you don’t have banana cream pudding mix, you can substitute with vanilla instant pudding and add a bit of mashed banana or banana extract to keep that iconic banana flavor.
Can I use regular biscuits instead of Grands Biscuits?
You can substitute with your favorite biscuit dough, but Grands Biscuits are ideal because their size and texture soak up the custard perfectly without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, try using plant-based butter, a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and a dairy-free pudding mix. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly but should still be delicious!
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with vibrant yellow skin and plenty of brown spots, as they offer more natural sweetness and a stronger banana flavor essential to the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Pudding Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make yet feels truly special. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or anytime a comfort food craving hits, it’s sure to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try and discover your new go-to for cozy, sweet indulgence!
Print
Banana Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and indulgent Banana Bread Pudding made with buttery biscuits cooked in a slow cooker, layered with a creamy banana pudding filling, and topped with a smooth cream cheese icing, whipped cream, and fresh banana slices. Perfect for a cozy dessert or special occasion treat.
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Base
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cans Grands Biscuits
For the Banana Cream Filling
- 1 large ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 package banana cream instant pudding (3.4-ounce size)
- 1/2 cup half n half
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 1 large ripe banana
- 1 package cream cheese (8oz, softened)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving
- Whipped cream
- Banana slices
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Prepare Biscuits: Turn the slow cooker (Crock-Pot) on high and place the stick of butter inside to melt. Once melted, open the cans of Grands Biscuits and cut each biscuit into fourths. Add the biscuit pieces to the crockpot and stir well to coat them evenly in the melted butter.
- Cook Biscuits: Cook the biscuits in the crockpot for about 2 hours, stirring approximately every 20 minutes. Be sure to turn the biscuits inside the crockpot so they brown evenly and cook through completely.
- Prepare Banana Cream Filling: Peel one ripe banana and place it in a blender or food processor. Add the sweetened condensed milk and half n half, then pulse to blend smoothly. Add the banana cream instant pudding mix and pulse again until well combined.
- Add Filling to Biscuits: Pour the banana cream filling over the cooked biscuits in the crockpot. Stir well to mix the pudding filling evenly with the biscuit base. Turn the crockpot to low and cook for an additional 30 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking. Then turn off the crockpot.
- Make Cream Cheese Icing: In a blender or mixer, mash one ripe banana until smooth. Add softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar a little at a time and continue mixing until fully blended and smooth.
- Serve: Scoop servings of the banana bread pudding into bowls or dessert plates. Spoon the cream cheese icing over each serving. Top with whipped cream and banana slices for garnish. Enjoy this rich and creamy dessert warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Stirring the biscuits frequently during cooking ensures even browning and prevents sticking.
- The slow cooker low setting gently melds the flavors and keeps the pudding moist.
- The cream cheese icing adds a luscious, tangy contrast to the sweet banana pudding.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor in both the filling and icing.
- This dessert can be served warm or chilled depending on preference.
