I remember the first time I tried Banana Bread and Butter Pudding. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I was rummaging through my kitchen for something comforting to bake. I had ripe bananas, some leftover bread, and a few simple ingredients. I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s version of this dish, and it felt like the perfect cozy recipe to try. From the moment the rich, custardy pudding came out of the oven, I was hooked. It’s warm, indulgent, and the bananas add a natural sweetness that’s just irresistible.
This dessert has been a favorite ever since, and I love how it takes the classic bread and butter pudding to another level by incorporating bananas. The pudding is soft and creamy on the inside, with a crispy, golden top that gives it the perfect balance of textures. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in dessert form.
Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few things are as satisfying as Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread and Butter Pudding. This recipe takes a traditional dessert and adds a fun twist with bananas, creating something that’s both nostalgic and new. What I love about Jamie’s take is that it’s simple yet packed with flavor. You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients, just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of love.
This pudding feels special without being complicated. You can whip it up quickly and have a dish that’s bound to impress, whether it’s for a cozy evening or a dinner party. Jamie’s attention to simplicity and flavor shines through in this recipe, making it a winner every time.
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread and Butter Pudding, you’ll need:
- Bread: Ideally, use slightly stale white bread (butter or brioche bread works well for a richer flavor). About 6-8 slices will do.
- Bananas: 3 ripe bananas. The riper, the better – they bring sweetness and moisture to the pudding.
- Butter: Softened, for spreading on the bread slices.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs.
- Milk: Full-fat or semi-skimmed milk – you’ll need around 500ml.
- Double cream: Adds richness and creates a silky custard. Around 100ml.
- Sugar: Castor sugar for sweetness (about 75g).
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Just a pinch can add a lovely warmth.
- A pinch of sea salt: To balance the sweetness.
You can already tell this is a pretty straightforward recipe. Most of the ingredients are staples in any home kitchen, making it easy to whip up when the craving hits.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread And Butter Pudding
Here’s how to bring all those ingredients together into something magical:
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 180°C (350°F). This ensures your pudding cooks evenly.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the bread into thick slices. Spread butter on one side of each slice, making sure it’s generous enough to soak in the custard later. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, use more butter for that rich flavor.
- Layer the bread: In a buttered baking dish, start by laying the buttered bread slices on the bottom. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the bread, layering them evenly across the slices. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the bread and bananas.
- Make the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, double cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. You can also add cinnamon here if you want to spice things up a little. Make sure everything is well combined – this is your pudding base.
- Pour the custard over the bread: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and bananas, allowing it to soak into all the nooks and crannies. Press the bread down gently with a spoon to make sure it absorbs the custard fully.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. You should see the edges crisping up while the inside stays soft.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The magic behind this dessert lies in the science of its ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening in the dish:
- Bread: When you soak bread in a custard mixture, it acts like a sponge, soaking up all the liquid and holding it together during baking. The bread becomes soft and custardy inside, while the butter helps it crisp up on the outside.
- Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the pudding. As they cook, the sugars in the bananas caramelize, giving the pudding extra depth.
- Eggs and Cream: The eggs help bind the custard together, while the cream adds richness. When baked, the custard firms up but remains creamy inside, enveloping the bread and bananas.
- Sugar: The sugar in the custard helps create that golden, slightly caramelized top. It also balances the richness of the cream and eggs, ensuring the dessert isn’t too heavy.
- Vanilla and Cinnamon: These warm spices give the pudding an aromatic depth, with vanilla offering a natural sweetness and cinnamon a hint of warmth that complements the bananas.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the buttering step: The buttered bread slices are crucial for getting that golden, crispy top. It also adds richness and flavor to the entire pudding.
- Soak the bread long enough: Let the custard soak into the bread for at least 5-10 minutes before baking. This ensures the bread is completely saturated and will cook evenly.
- Use slightly stale bread: Fresh bread can turn soggy in the custard. Slightly stale bread holds up better and absorbs the custard without falling apart.
- Experiment with different fruits: Try using other fruits like berries or pears if you want to mix it up, though bananas are classic in this recipe.
Recipe Variations
- Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans can give the pudding a nice crunch and complement the softness of the bananas.
- Make it boozy: A splash of rum or bourbon in the custard will add an adult twist to this dessert. You could also soak the bread in a little bit of liquor.
- Vegan Version: Swap the eggs and cream for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream. Use vegan butter for the bread.
- Spicy Kick: Try adding some ground ginger or nutmeg to the custard for a spicier flavor profile.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread and Butter Pudding is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether it’s your first time baking it or your tenth, this recipe always delivers. It’s comforting, versatile, and a great way to use up overripe bananas and leftover bread.
FAQs
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead Of Banana Bread For This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but banana bread adds extra flavor and sweetness that makes the pudding more unique.
Do I Need To Use Ripe Bananas For This Pudding?
Yes, ripe bananas work best since they’re sweeter and softer, which helps create a rich pudding texture.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.