Get ready to indulge in a dessert that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South! Our Hummingbird Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the rich flavors of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, all enveloped in a warm, custardy embrace. This recipe not only promises to satisfy your sweet tooth but also makes for a stunning centerpiece at any gathering. With its golden-brown top and luscious salted caramel drizzle, it’s hard to resist diving in. Ready to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salted caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the mashed ripe bananas and drained crushed pineapple, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Add the cubed day-old bread to the wet ingredients, gently stirring to coat each bread piece thoroughly. Allow the bread to soak for 10 minutes, absorbing the liquid mixture.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the bread pudding mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and ensuring all ingredients are well-distributed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread pudding cool for 15 minutes to allow it to set completely.
- Warm the salted caramel sauce and drizzle generously over each serving just before presenting.
- Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: Opt for day-old bread to achieve the perfect texture. Fresh bread may become too mushy, while stale bread absorbs the custard beautifully.
- Let It Soak: After mixing the bread with the custard, allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes. This ensures that every piece of bread is infused with flavor and moisture.
- Bake to Perfection: Keep an eye on your bread pudding while it bakes. You want a golden-brown top with a slightly jiggly center—this means it’s perfectly cooked!
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to experiment! Add in some shredded coconut or swap pecans for walnuts to give your bread pudding a unique twist.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the bread pudding warm, topped with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate it even further!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
