BANANA CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING

In a former life, I used to have this special Friend who would pick me up once a week in a stretch limo. No kidding! It was about an hours drive to downtown Pittsburgh, where he loved to have lunch at one of his favorite spots, Ruth’s Chris. Not only do I have the fondest memories of those weekly trips, but also the amazing Chocolate Bread Pudding we always had for dessert! As much as I am a self-proclaimed NON-BAKER. I have been getting into it a lot more lately. I just had to try this fabulous recipe for Banana Chocolate Bread Pudding. See, I love FALL. FALL everything. It may still be the last dog days of Summer, but my mind is already thinking about Fall and Winter recipes! The original version of this recipe I found on Pinterest and can be viewed by clicking here! I just made a few slight changes. So grab four ripe bananas and a loaf of challah. I found this amazing one at Harris Teeter from Zaro’s Bakery!

Let’s talk bread. The original recipe called for french bread. You can definitely use that, if you wish. However, I was strolling the bakery aisle in my local Harris Teeter trying to find french bread for this recipe and I came across this lovely Challah bread and decided to use this instead. So very glad I did! Cut the bread into one inch cubes and place in a large bowl. I used this huge stainless steel bowl. Grab one for yourself by clicking here! I use this bowl quite often. Definitely worth the investment.

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Mash your bananas in a plate or bowl. In a separate bowl, combine and mix well the eggs, cream, milk, condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.

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Add in the mashed bananas, one cup of the chopped walnuts, and the chocolate chips. Stir to combine. I tried this recipe using regular sized chocolate chips and mini…use the mini…the larger chips have a tendency to create a bitter taste…not the case with the mini chocolate chips! Pour custard mixture onto the cubed bread and fold well so as to coat every single piece of bread.

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Heat oven to 350 degrees. Allow the bread to soak and absorb the custard for at least 20 minutes. Mix a few times during the soak.

Prepare a baking dish (9×13), by spraying with non-stick spray. Spread the bread pudding mixture evenly and allow to bake for about an hour. At about the 40-minute mark…top with the remaining chopped walnuts. The Chocolate Banana Bread pudding is done when the middle is set. I have made this twice and the first time it took the entire hour and the second, it was done in 50 minutes. Check often after 45 minutes by placing a knife in middle. If it comes out clean, it’s done. Try hard NOT over bake. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes in the baking dish while your prepare the caramel sauce.

In a microwave safe bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the caramel sauce. Microwave for thirty seconds…remove and stir…continue this in thirty second intervals until the sauce is bubbling…should take about a minute and a half to two minutes.

Cut the Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding into squares and top with the caramel sauce and ENJOY!!! Get creative. Use this basic custard mixture and create your own version! Please leave comments below!!! If you like to sous vide, check out my recipe for Sous Vide Bread Pudding.

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I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

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