Bread pudding

Banana Nut Bread Pudding: A Nostalgic Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to the world of flavors and tastes with a recipe that will bring a smile to anyone's face: bread pudding! This simple and delicious recipe transforms leftover bread into a moist, flavorful dessert, perfect for enjoying at any time of the day. Bread pudding has a rich history, being an ingenious way to use up stale bread, making it not only a delicious choice but also a sustainable one.

Ingredients:
- 15 slices of crustless bread
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 50 ml of milk
- 150 ml of cooking cream
- 3 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 5 ripe bananas
- 100 g of chopped walnuts
- A pinch of salt
- 15 g of butter (for greasing the pan)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the bread is crustless, as this will impact the texture of the pudding. The bananas should be well-ripened, as their sweetness will intensify during baking.

2. Preheating the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (370°F) to preheat. It is important for the oven to be well-heated to ensure even baking.

3. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar and salt using a mixer. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes fluffy and changes to a lighter color. This step is essential to incorporate air into the pudding, giving it a light texture.

4. Adding the liquid ingredients: Once you have a fluffy mixture, add the milk, cooking cream, and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The vanilla aroma will add a warm and comforting note to your pudding.

5. Preparing the bread and bananas: Cut the bread slices into small cubes. At the same time, slice the bananas into rounds. These will be evenly distributed in the pudding, giving each serving a sweet and aromatic flavor.

6. Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the bread cubes, banana rounds, and chopped walnuts. Pour the liquid mixture over the bread, banana, and walnut mixture, ensuring that each piece of bread is well-soaked. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

7. Preparing the baking pan: Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. You can use a 20x30 cm dish or a similar one. Then, pour the pudding mixture into the dish, distributing the ingredients evenly.

8. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pudding for about 45 minutes, or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch. You can check if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the pudding is perfectly baked.

9. Cooling: After baking, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This cooling will help the pudding set and make it easier to cut.

10. Serving: The bread pudding can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can add a dollop of cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce for extra flavor. It is an excellent option for an indulgent breakfast or a sweet snack between meals.

Helpful tips:
- For an even more intense flavor and aroma, you can add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the mixture.
- Substitute walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.
- If you love chocolate, you can add some dark or milk chocolate pieces to the mixture.

Nutritional benefits:
This bread pudding is a good source of carbohydrates and protein from the bread and eggs. Bananas add potassium and fiber, while the walnuts contribute healthy fats and protein. Compared to other desserts, it has a moderate calorie content, offering a healthier yet still delicious option.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of bread?
Yes, you can use any type of bread, but toast bread gives a fluffier texture to the pudding.

2. How can I store the bread pudding?
You can store the pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave.

3. Can the bread pudding be frozen?
Yes, the pudding can be frozen. Make sure it is well covered and then thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Share this recipe with friends and family, and enjoy a dessert that delights the senses and brings back pleasant memories! Whether you enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or as a dessert for a special dinner, banana nut bread pudding is the perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!