Description
This Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding is a wholesome and comforting dessert or breakfast option featuring whole grain bread soaked in a creamy custard made from mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, and warm spices. Baked until golden and set, this dish is naturally sweetened and offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, with an optional crunchy topping of chopped nuts.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Base
- 4 cups whole grain or day-old bread, cubed
Custard Mixture
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bread pudding.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Bread Cubes: Spread the cubed whole grain or day-old bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Custard Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is coated thoroughly.
- Soak the Bread: Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes to fully soak.
- Add Nuts: If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with extra maple syrup, add a dollop of Greek yogurt, or dust with additional cinnamon to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Use whole grain or day-old bread for best texture and absorption.
- You can substitute dairy milk with non-dairy alternatives such as almond or oat milk.
- For added crunch, nuts are optional but highly recommended.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- This recipe can be customized with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom for more warmth.
