Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce. This comforting dessert is perfect for any occasion and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Bread pudding has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of bananas and chocolate chips adds a modern twist to this classic dish, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination.

Ingredients

1.25 lb (567 g) loaf of challah bread
3 large eggs
1.5 cups of milk
0.75 cups of half-and-half
0.75 cups of mashed overripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
1.5 cups of maple syrup
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
3 to 4 gratings of fresh nutmeg
1 tsp of vanilla extract
0.75 cups of mini chocolate chips
caramel sauce

How to prepare

Cut the bread into slices that are 0.75 inches thick. Remove the crust and cut the bread into cubes that are also 0.75 inches in size, resulting in 8 cups of bread cubes.
Set aside any extra bread for future use. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten.
Whisk in the milk, half-and-half, banana, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
Pour the mixture over the bread cubes. Add the chocolate chips.
Mix the ingredients together using a rubber spatula until the bread cubes are well moistened. Set the mixture aside for 30 minutes.
Set the oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 390°F (199°C).
Lightly coat an 18-inch round nonstick cake pan (or a deep-dish glass pie plate) with cooking spray.
Scoop the soaked bread mixture into the pan, filling it to the top.
Bake the pudding until the top is browned and puffed, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. This should take about 50 minutes.
Set the pan on a wire rack and let the pudding cool almost completely. Run a sharp, thin knife around the edge between the pudding and the pan.
Gently unmold the pudding onto a plate, then invert it back onto another plate so that the browned side is facing up.
To serve, cut the lukewarm or room temperature pudding into 4 wedges.
Pour warm Caramel Sauce over the pudding and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Variations

Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the bread pudding for added texture and flavor.
Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different twist on this classic dessert.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use overripe bananas for the best flavor and texture in this recipe.

- Let the bread cubes soak in the egg and milk mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure they are fully moistened.

- Use a nonstick pan or glass pie plate to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the pudding.

- Serve the pudding warm with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the bread pudding in a water bath can help prevent the edges from becoming too dry and ensure a creamy and custardy texture throughout.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have half-and-half, you can use all milk instead.

- Feel free to use any type of bread you have on hand for this recipe, such as brioche or challah.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the bread pudding mixture in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking for a quick and easy dessert the next day.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce on a decorative platter or individual dessert plates for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this rich and decadent dessert with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a satisfying and indulgent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce contains approximately 65 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and calcium from the bananas and milk used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and wheat. It may also contain traces of nuts from the caramel sauce.

Summary

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying treat for any occasion.

Summary

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this indulgent treat is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Rose for afternoon tea. As we chatted and sipped on Earl Grey, she brought out a tray of freshly baked treats. Among them was a decadent Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce that immediately caught my eye.

I took a bite and was instantly transported to dessert heaven. The combination of moist banana bread, gooey chocolate chips, and rich caramel sauce was simply divine. I knew right then and there that I had to get my hands on the recipe.

Rose laughed when I asked her for it, saying it was a closely guarded family secret passed down through generations. But after some pleading and promises of secrecy, she finally relented and shared the recipe with me.

The next day, I set to work in my own kitchen, gathering the ingredients and following the carefully written instructions. I mashed ripe bananas, mixed in eggs and sugar, and folded in the flour and chocolate chips. The aroma of the baking bread filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As the bread pudding baked to golden perfection, I whipped up a batch of homemade caramel sauce. The buttery sweetness of the sauce mingled with the rich flavors of the bread pudding, creating a dessert that was truly unforgettable.

When I finally took a bite of my creation, I closed my eyes in bliss. The flavors danced on my tongue, the textures melted in my mouth, and I knew I had found a new favorite recipe to add to my collection.

Over the years, I have made this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it never fails to impress and delight my guests.

I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a touch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of sea salt to make it my own. But the heart of the recipe remains the same, a testament to the simple pleasures of good food shared with loved ones.

As I sit here now, recalling the memories of that fateful afternoon with Rose, I am grateful for the gift of friendship and the joy of discovering new recipes. And as I prepare to make another batch of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce for an upcoming event, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the happy faces it will surely bring.

In the end, it's not just about the food itself, but the memories and connections that come with it. And for that, I will always be grateful.