Two iconic New Orleans desserts rolled into one luscious comfort food dessert: Gluten-Free Bananas Foster Bread Pudding. Rich flavors of caramelized bananas, silky custard, golden brown crust topped with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
This post is sponsored as part of Boulder Locavore’s ongoing partnership with Udi’s Gluten Free. All opinions are my own.
A completely fun and festive holiday is right around the corner and I have created a special dessert in its honor! Mardi Gras, or ‘Fat Tuesday’, has always fascinated me. The riot of color, the pageantry and of course the food! I’ve combined two iconic New Orleans desserts into one luscious treat that is easy to make and irresistible: Gluten-Free Bananas Foster Bread Pudding.
For anyone who has not had bread pudding, it’s a combination of bread cubes soaked in a custard base and cooked in a water bath. The end result is a one of the best comfort foods on the planet (so says me). A silky, moist, cake-like consistency with a golden brown crisp top from baking.
Originally bread pudding was created as a means to use up stale bread. Leftover heels and neglected partial loaves that had dried out were transformed like Cinderella into this fantastic dessert. I for one am not going to wait for bread to go stale to make this mouthwatering dessert; I suggest you don’t either!
My trick is to cut up bread into cubes and leave it out, uncovered, on a baking sheet overnight. By the morning, the bread has become dry and a bit hard which is perfect for soaking up the milk, eggs, vanilla, rum, sugar and more!
Historically bread pudding was not a dessert readily found in gluten-free form but I’ve taken care of that today! For this recipe I’ve used a loaf of Udi’s Gluten Free Millet-Chia Bread. One loaf cut into cubes is the perfect amount for a batch of bread pudding (volume equivalents in the recipe). The bread has a substantial consistency and when it’s dried overnight the cubes have a perfect texture for the bread pudding. I love the extra crunch the millet adds to the crispy golden top too.
Typically bread pudding is served with vanilla ice cream, whipping cream and/or a rum sauce. Likewise, with Bananas Foster which has a boozy, caramel sauce from the preparation. Gluten-Free Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is no exception. Hot out of the oven with a drizzle of Butter Rum Toffee Sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream really is heavenly.
Though there is a scant 2 tablespoons of rum and banana liqueur combines, I realize not everyone is comfortable putting alcohol in desserts or may want flexibility to serve it to children as well. Should you wish to substitute extract for the rum and banana liqueur, use 1 ½ teaspoons of rum extract and 1 teaspoon of banana extract.
More fun recipes for Mardi Gras include: Classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch (cocktail), Gluten-Free King Cake (including the good luck baby inside), Slow Cooker Louisiana Red Beans and Rice and Classic Bananas Foster.
This Gluten-Free Bananas Foster Bread Pudding recipe marries all the favorite flavors from Bananas Foster with the silky, luscious textures of bread pudding. It’s easy to make and adds a fun surprise to any meal.
Gluten-Free Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Udi’s Gluten-Free Millet-Chia Bread (approximately 7 cups); cut into ¾ cubes*
- 4 large Eggs , lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon ground Cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 4 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 ½ cups Whole Milk
- 1 tablespoon Gold or Dark Rum
- 1 tablespoon Crème de Banana liqueur
- 3 cups ripe firm 3/4-inch Banana Slices (approximately 5-6 small to medium size bananas)
- Suggested toppings: Vanilla Ice Cream , Whipped Cream and/or Butter Rum Toffee Sauce
Instructions
- Night prior to making the bread pudding: set the bread cubes out on a large baking sheet, uncovered, the night before making the bread pudding.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2 quart soufflé dish or casserole dish. Place the prepared dish in a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish.
- Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, ½ cup brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- In a small sauce pan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. When melted, stir in the milk. Pour ¼ of the butter-milk mixture into the mixing bowl with the eggs and whisk quickly together. Slowly pour the mixture back into the small saucepan and stir constantly over low heat until it thickens slightly (if the heat is too high the eggs can scramble). Remove from heat and stir in the rum and crème de banana.
- Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and using a large mixing spoon, stir to allow all the bread cubes to be coated. Let set while preparing the bananas.
- In a large skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the banana slices and sauté to coat the bananas and allow them to begin to soften (2-3 minutes). Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar and toss to coat allowing the sugar to melt (1-2 minutes). Remove from heat and spoon ½ of the bananas into the prepared soufflé or casserole dish.
- Spoon in half of the bread mixture on top of the bananas. Follow with the remaining bananas, spooning them and any liquid evenly over the top of the bread cubes. Finish by spooning the remaining bread cubes and liquid over the bananas.
- Pour hot water to fill the 13-inch by 9-inch pan half full. Allow to bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes until the custard part of the bread pudding is set. Check around 40 minutes both for doneness and any over-browning of the top; a piece of foil (dull side facing the bread pudding) may be put on top to prevent undesired browning.
- Scoop into bowls and top with desired toppings.
Recipe Notes
Converting this to a gluten recipe: I would suggest using 6 cups of sliced whole grain bread. The absorbency of gluten and gluten-free bread differs so an additional 1/4-1/2 cup whole milk may be needed.
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
This bread pudding is absolutely gorgeous and I have to point out something that reminds me of one of my favourite books that is totally off the subject. The COW CREAMER! That totally reminds me of the Jeeves and Wooster books which I adore! I loved the story when Bertie was forced by his aunt to steal the cow creamer. 😀
Toni Dash says
I love that Rebecca! Thanks for sharing the memory jog. Isn’t that cow creamer the cutest? I love it too. Thanks for popping over and taking time to leave your comment, I really appreciate it.
robin rue says
That cow creamer IS the cutest! I absolutely love it.
Jeanette says
That looks amazing! I am not gluten free myself, but OH Man I am willing to do it for this! I mean this looks SO good!
Toni Dash says
This is one of those recipe that with the right product you’d never know whether it’s gluten-free or ‘with gluten’. Anyway you make it, it’s delish!
robin rue says
I am going to have to make this for my dad. It combines two of his favorite things!!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That looks so good! I have to say, I’ve never seen a gluten dish that looked quite this good. I can’t wait to try it!
Jen Rattie says
BOOYAH! I have a good friend who is gluten free, and she hasn’t been able to enjoy anything truly delicious in a long time. I can’t wait to make this for our next get together.
Toni Dash says
I love that idea Jen. The biggest thing that I felt when becoming gluten-free over 10 years ago (and even more when my young kids had to become GF shortly afterwards) is that feeling of being left out. It’s a weird thing when you’ve always been able to eat whatever you want to. My life quest and that on my blog is to have everyone be able to eat what they want to even with some modification. I hope your friend will love this and you too.
Kristen Chidsey says
What a treat Toni–this looks absolutely perfect. I am huge sucker for bananas foster so I know I will love this!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Looks wonderful – great photography!
Toni Dash says
Thank you Megan!
Pam says
I love bread pudding I have never ever made an Gluten Free version. This sounds so tasty.
Diana Rambles says
I have never had bananas foster, but it looks fantastic. I’ll have to make it for my daughter who loves bananas.
Cacinda says
I don’t find enough gluten free dessert recipes that actually look good. YUM!
Toni Dash says
Oh no! Well I hope you find this to be an exception then!
Sarah says
You can’t go wrong with a good bread pudding recipe! Wish I was at your house right now to dig into this.
Meagan says
I have never had bananas foster before. This looks like such a delicious recipe so I may have to try it.
Sarah Bailey says
This looks really yummy! I have never had Bananas Foster before but it looks like something I definitely need to try.
Jeni Hawkins says
I have not had this dish in a while. I remember when my grandmother used to make it and it was a favorite of everyone.
Amy Desrosiers says
I love bananas foster and really would love to make this for my kids. I love that this gluten free too so we can all enjoy it.
Tara says
I love bread pudding and bananas foster. What a delicious combination. My daughter is going to love this.
Claudia Krusch says
I am always looking for gluten free recipes to try. I will have to get the ingredients I need to make this for dessert this week.
gingermommyrants says
I love bread pudding. This banana bread pudding looks amazing. I am excited to give this recipe a try.
Liz Mays says
Ooh, I wouldn’t mind introducing my family to bread pudding with this flavor. I don’t think they have ever had it!
Cathi says
What a great combination! The kids and grandkids will love it and won’t believe it’s gluten-free.
Theresa says
I love banana pudding, but haven’t tried bread pudding before. Sounds like a must try for sure!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I love bread pudding. It reminds me of my grandmother. She’d always make some when we come over to visit. Sadly, not a single one in the family can re-create her pudding recipe! 🙁 I will try your recipe. I think it would be just like the way grammy made it.
Rachel Ferrucci says
I have a signature banana fosters recipe that everyone expects when they come over but this sounds amazing. Bookmarking this!
Jonna says
I have quite a few gluten free family members who I think would love this recipe. I’ll make sure to pass it along to them to try. Thanks for sharing!!
Heather Kinnaird says
this is such a wonderful combination of two amazing desserts! I cannot wait to try it
Melissa says
You are not helping my diet by showing me such a luscious dessert with my favorite bananas. Your bananas look perfect but can you use older bananas and will it come out as good?
Toni Dash says
I wouldn’t use really old soft, black bananas like with banana bread. They need to be ripe but still firm so you can saute them without them turning to mush. The ripeness of the bananas in the photos is the right maturity.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
Bread pudding certainly is an interesting dish.
I cannot believe this is gluten-free.
I love the banana flavor.
Karrie Truman says
I honestly have to say I’ve never had bread pudding before. I’ve been told it tastes amazing and based off of these photos, I have no doubt this recipe is delicious!
Louise Bishop says
Bread pudding is a staple in this house. We’ve never had a banana one like this before though! I have no doubt it tastes similar to banana bread. That caramel sauce looks like it adds the perfect touch.
Toni Dash says
Hi Louise. I wouldn’t say it tastes like banana bread. To me banana bread has distinct flavors due to the spices, prominence of bananas and the nuts. In this dessert, the bananas are interspersed with the custardy bread, and it has more ‘caramel notes’ from the brown sugar. Both are delicious but I didn’t want to steer you wrong on the flavor expectation.
fabiola@notjustbaked says
These pictures are so pretty and make me want the whole dessert all to myself :).
Brianne says
During my most recent pregnancy I got this huge affection for all things banana– and to my pleasure, that love has extended into the postpartum period! Bananas are life. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Rosey says
I have never tried bread pudding. It looks so lovely though. I have definitely been missing out!
Serena {Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
This looks heavenly! I love the flavors and can’t wait to try it!
Abby @ Heart of a Baker says
I’m going to New Orleans soon so I need to prep with making this!
Kristi says
This sure looks delicious and you make it seem so easy to make. I think I’ll actually give it a try, or maybe see if my husband want to try it and surprise me some evening this week. He loves to make fancy desserts.
Karly says
Looooove me some bread pudding! This looks SO delicious… perfect for breakfast or dessert (or anything in between)! 😉