Strawberry Banana Bread Pudding

Name: Strawberry Banana Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups stale bread, cubed; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup strawberries, chopped; 3 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Bread Making

I absolutely love making Strawberry Banana Bread Pudding because it's the perfect way to use up overripe bananas and leftover bread. The combination of sweet strawberries and rich custard creates an indulgent dessert that's incredibly comforting. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, and I find that it's a hit at every gathering! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe transforms simple pantry items into a spectacular treat that everyone will enjoy.

Created by

The Chefkarlcooks Team

Last updated on 2026-02-19T18:38:21.895Z

When I first experimented with Strawberry Banana Bread Pudding, I wasn't sure how the flavors would work together. To my delight, the sweet strawberries paired beautifully with the creamy custard and soft bread. I discovered that letting the mixture sit for a bit before baking deepens the flavors and ensures a perfectly moist pudding.

One tip I always share is to use a mix of stale bread, as it readily absorbs the custard mixture, leading to a richer texture. I love serving this warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Deliciously moist and flavorful combination of strawberries and bananas
Easy to prepare and perfect for using up leftover bread
Great for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack

Understanding the Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients heavily influences the final outcome of the Strawberry Banana Bread Pudding. Using stale bread is essential, as it absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart. White bread, brioche, or challah are great choices due to their texture, but avoid using overly crusty bread, which can become too chewy when baked. If you have leftover pastries or bagels, they can also work well; just be mindful they may impart additional flavors.

Bananas should be very ripe—think brown spots or even fully brown for optimal sweetness and moisture release. The strawberries add a vibrant flavor and a touch of tartness, balancing the sweetness from the bananas and sugar. If strawberries are out of season, consider using other berries or even chopped peaches for an equally delicious variation. Just remember to adjust the sugar slightly based on the fruit's sweetness.

Perfecting Your Technique

When combining the bread with the custard, it's important to avoid over-mixing. Gently fold the mixture until all the bread is soaked, but retain some delicious chunks of bread to create contrasting textures in the pudding. Letting it sit for 15 minutes is a crucial step; this allows the bread to soak up the liquid thoroughly before baking, which prevents dry spots and ensures even moisture throughout.

Bake the pudding until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the oven towards the end of the baking time, as the pudding should still jiggle slightly in the middle. If it browns too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the center to cook through.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to start your Strawberry Banana Bread Pudding:

Ingredients

4 cups stale bread, cubed
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup strawberries, chopped
3 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Once you have everything ready, you're set to make this scrumptious dessert!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Strawberry Banana Bread Pudding:

Prepare the Bread Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, mashed bananas, and chopped strawberries. Gently toss to mix.

Make the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Combine and Let Soak

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and fruit. Gently mix until all the bread is soaked, then let it sit for 15 minutes.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy with ice cream or whipped cream!

Your delicious Strawberry Banana Bread Pudding is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Banana Bread Pudding is fantastic served warm, but it also makes a lovely breakfast dish when served cold. I love adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top when serving it warm, as the creaminess complements the pudding's texture beautifully. A sprinkle of additional cinnamon or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can take the presentation to the next level.

To give this dish a unique twist, try serving it with a side of fresh berries or a citrus compote. The acidity from the citrus cuts through the richness of the pudding, providing a refreshing contrast. A sprinkle of toasted nuts on top adds crunch and depth of flavor, making each bite more delightful.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste. When you're ready to bake, just preheat the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the cold custard mixture.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. If you have a large batch that you won't finish within this timeframe, consider freezing portions for later enjoyment. Just let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, ensuring they’re stored safely for up to 3 months.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?

While stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard better, you can use fresh bread if needed. Just reduce the soaking time.

→ Can I replace strawberries with another fruit?

Absolutely! You can use other berries or even diced apples for a different flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake it right before serving for a fresh taste!