Banana bread pudding is a timeless comfort food, perfect for using up overripe bananas and leftover bread. But imagine taking that classic dessert and giving it a twist with the irresistible richness of Nutella. This Nutella Swirl Banana Bread Pudding is a warm, cozy, and decadent treat that’s rich, chocolatey, and gooey, making it the ideal indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to use up old bread or want to make a dessert that will wow your guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
What is Nutella Swirl Banana Bread Pudding?
Nutella Swirl Banana Bread Pudding is a deliciously indulgent dessert that combines the classic elements of bread pudding with the rich, chocolatey goodness of Nutella. The dish begins with cubed day-old bread and ripe bananas, soaked in a creamy, spiced custard made from milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. The twist comes when Nutella is gently swirled into the bread mixture before baking, creating ribbons of chocolate hazelnut goodness throughout the pudding. Once baked, the top becomes golden and slightly crispy, while the center remains soft and gooey—perfect for serving warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel.
The Origin of Bread Pudding
Bread pudding has been a beloved dessert for centuries, originating as a way to repurpose stale bread and reduce food waste. While its exact origin is debated, bread pudding is found in various forms across cultures. The classic version often features bread soaked in a sweet, creamy custard, but many variations exist, from savory to sweet, and often include different fruits, nuts, or spices. By adding Nutella and bananas to the mix, this recipe gives a modern twist to a much-loved tradition.
Ingredients for Nutella Swirl Banana Bread Pudding
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this irresistible dessert.
Bread & Bananas
- 5–6 cups day-old bread, cubed (brioche, challah, French bread, or white bread)
- 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced or mashed
- ½ cup Nutella (warm slightly for easier swirling)
Custard
- 2 cups whole milk (or half & half for richer pudding)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Caramel drizzle
- Powdered sugar for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions for Nutella Swirl Banana Bread Pudding
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the preparation of this mouthwatering dessert.
1. Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish (or a small casserole dish) with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the bread pudding doesn’t stick while baking.
2. Add Bread & Bananas
Begin by placing your day-old bread cubes into the prepared baking dish. Layer them evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then, scatter banana slices (or spoon in mashed banana) throughout the bread. The bananas will add a natural sweetness and extra moisture to the pudding.
3. Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This will create the rich custard that will soak into the bread and bananas, giving the pudding its creamy texture. Once the custard mixture is smooth, pour it evenly over the bread and banana layers. Use a spatula to press lightly on the bread to help it soak up the custard.
Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to ensure the bread absorbs the custard fully.
4. Swirl in the Nutella
Next, warm the Nutella in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to swirl. Drizzle the warm Nutella over the top of the bread and custard mixture. Using a butter knife or spoon, gently swirl the Nutella into the mixture. This creates ribbons of rich, chocolatey Nutella throughout the pudding.
5. Bake the Pudding
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set but still soft. The edges should be slightly crisp. If you like a gooier texture, you can bake it for a shorter time, but keep an eye on it to ensure the top doesn’t burn.
6. Serve Warm
Once your Nutella Swirl Banana Bread Pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can serve it as-is or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of extra Nutella, or some caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Tips & Variations
Want to make this recipe even more indulgent or customized to your taste? Here are a few variations you can try:
- Extra gooey: Add ½ more cup of cream for an even richer, creamier pudding.
- More banana flavor: Mash all the bananas instead of slicing them to infuse the pudding with a stronger banana taste.
- Hazelnut crunch: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts before baking for an added texture and flavor contrast.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble the pudding, refrigerate it for 12 hours, and then bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Chocolate lovers: Add chocolate chips into the bread layer for extra chocolatey goodness.
FAQs About Nutella Swirl Banana Bread Pudding
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer, but brioche, challah, or French bread work best for their texture and ability to soak up the custard.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bread pudding a day in advance, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it the next day. This will actually enhance the flavors as the bread soaks up the custard.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled bread pudding (before baking). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
There you have it—Nutella Swirl Banana Bread Pudding is the perfect dessert for satisfying your sweet tooth while using up ripe bananas and stale bread. With its decadent Nutella swirl and rich, custardy center, it’s a treat everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this pudding is guaranteed to be a hit. So, go ahead and indulge in this warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert—you won’t regret it!
