Description
This Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding is a comforting and wholesome dessert or breakfast option. Made with whole grain bread, ripe bananas, creamy Greek yogurt, and natural sweetness from maple syrup, it offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The dish bakes to golden perfection, with a soft, custardy interior and optionally topped with crunchy nuts for added texture. It’s an easy, nutritious recipe perfect for cozy mornings or a healthy dessert.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups whole grain or day-old bread, cubed
- 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
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the 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 Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, begin by mashing and adding the ripe bananas.
- Add Greek Yogurt: Incorporate the Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) into the mashed bananas.
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk of your choice, either dairy or non-dairy.
- Add Maple Syrup: Add the maple syrup to the mixture for natural sweetness.
- Add Eggs: Crack and whisk in the two large eggs for custard structure.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor complexity.
- Add Spices and Salt: Mix in the ground cinnamon and salt to enhance taste and balance flavors.
- Combine Thoroughly: Whisk all ingredients until the custard mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Custard Over Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Press Bread Down: Gently press the bread cubes down so they absorb the liquid custard.
- Soak: Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Add Nuts: If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
- Serve with Toppings: Drizzle with extra maple syrup, add a dollop of Greek yogurt, or dust with cinnamon for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture and to prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
- Optional nuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free diets.
- Serve warm or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.