Indulge in Decadent Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
As a vegan chef, I am constantly experimenting with new recipes to provide delicious and healthy options for my clients. And today, I would like to share with you one of my favorites – the Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding!
This recipe is perfect for those who are seeking a plant-based way to indulge in a classic dessert. It features cubed stale bread soaked in a creamy mix of non-dairy milk, arrowroot powder, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
Baked with ripe bananas, chocolate chips, and a touch of maple syrup, this vegan bread pudding is decadent, heartwarming, and satisfyingly sweet. You can enjoy it as a warm breakfast or dessert, or even as an afternoon snack.
Whether you are following a vegan lifestyle or simply looking for a healthier option, this recipe is bound to become your new go-to. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s get started on this delicious journey together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear friend, let me tell you why you’ll fall in love with this vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding. First of all, what’s not to love about a dessert that combines the deliciousness of banana bread with creamy chocolate chips in a comforting pudding form?
But wait, there’s more! This recipe is entirely plant-based, containing no dairy or animal products, making it an excellent option for those who follow a vegan lifestyle. Trust me; this dessert is so delectable that even non-vegans won’t miss the eggs or butter!
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile as it can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and tapioca flour. Fancy a different flavor? Mix things up and swap the chocolate chips for chopped nuts or add some raisins or cranberries to give the dish a tangy twist.
The ground nutmeg and cinnamon infuse the dish with warmth and set off perfectly against the sweetness of the ripe bananas and chocolate chips. The vanilla extract combined with the maple syrup elevate the flavors to an indulgent level that makes it hard to resist.
Lastly, this bread pudding is exceptionally forgiving, meaning that you don’t need to stress about any complicated techniques. You only need to combine some ingredients, whisk them together, pour them over cubed stale bread, bake in the oven, and voila – you have an incredible treat ready for devouring!
In conclusion, with its mouth-watering flavor combinations and simplicity of preparation, along with its plant-based goodness, you’re going to adore this dessert!
Ingredient List
- 6 cups of cubed stale bread (1 lb or about 1 loaf of bread) – country-style, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread work well for this recipe.
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced ½ inch thick – use very ripe bananas to achieve maximum sweetness.
- 1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks – semi-sweet, dark, or vegan chocolate all work well.
- 2 cups of almond milk or any non-dairy milk – soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk would also work well.
- ½ cup of maple syrup – adds natural sweetness and moisture to the pudding.
- 4 tbsp of arrowroot (or tapioca flour) – helps thicken the pudding and bind it together.
- 1 ¼ tsp of ground cinnamon – adds warmth and flavor to the pudding.
- ¼ tsp of ground nutmeg – a warm spice that pairs well with banana in this recipe.
- 1 tbsp of vanilla extract – adds depth of flavor and aroma to the pudding.
- ⅓ cup of brown sugar – an additional source of sweetness that complements the maple syrup.
- 3 tbsp of organic granulated sugar (100g) – helps create a crispy top layer on the pudding once baked.
- ½ tsp baking powder – helps give the pudding a little lift as it bakes.
- Pinch of salt – enhances the overall flavor profile.
Note: For a peanut butter twist, you can add 1/4c of peanut butter into the recipe for added richness and nuttiness.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s move on to the most important part of our recipe, the banana chocolate chip bread pudding. But before we begin, let us preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In this recipe, we will use 6 cups of cubed stale bread , preferably made from your favorite vegan bread.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of soymilk (you can substitute the soymilk with almond milk), 1/2 cup of maple syrup, and 3 ripe bananas that are thinly sliced (about 1/4-inch thick). Use a whisk to blend in the ingredients completely. Then add in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and continue stirring with a fork until everything is incorporated.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of tapioca flour (or arrowroot), 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Then add in the dry mixture into the wet mixture (the bowl where the blended sliced banana is) and stir until everything is mixed well.
Add Banana and Chocolate Chips
Now it’s time for some fun! We’re going to add our key ingredients, the star players that makes this dish extra special. Add in 3 cups of chocolate chips and make sure they are evenly distributed. Then add in 4 cups of cubed stale bread and fold them in gently until every piece is coated with goodness.
Putting it All Together
Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 pan and give it one last gentle shake to spread it out evenly. You can use butter or any non-dairy alternative for greasing.
Baking Your Golden Pudding
Bake this for approximately 45-50 minutes until golden brown on the outside with moist deliciousness on the inside.
Now that you’ve done all that hard prep work let it cool off a bit for about 10 minutes so you won’t burn your mouth when you dig in!
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, my friends. And, you can spice things up in many ways with this banana chocolate chip bread pudding recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
– If you don’t have maple syrup or prefer a different sweetener, go ahead and use honey or agave nectar.
– Instead of using arrowroot or tapioca flour, you can use cornstarch in equal amounts as a thickener.
– Swap out soymilk for almond milk or any non-dairy milk of your choice. Or, if you prefer dairy milk, go ahead and use that instead.
– For a more decadent dessert, try adding caramel sauce on top of the bread pudding after it’s baked.
– You can also add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to give the pudding extra crunch and flavor.
– To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread.
– For a healthy twist, replace the chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks or cocoa nibs.
– If you love peanut butter and bananas (who doesn’t?), add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter into the mixture for an easy vegan version of bread and butter pudding.
– This recipe works well with any type of bread. So why not try using country-style or whole wheat bread for a different spin on this classic dessert?
So there you have it – plenty of ways to switch things up when making this banana chocolate chip bread pudding. Get creative and enjoy!
Serving and Pairing
Once your banana chocolate chip bread pudding is ready, it’s time to enjoy this warm and comforting dessert. The combination of sweet banana bread and melty chocolate chips make for a heavenly treat, especially when served warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on top.
This vegan dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot tea. The cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg in the bread pudding blend perfectly with the warm aromas of coffee, making for an indulgent dessert experience.
If you want to take your serving game to the next level, try spreading some peanut butter or Nutella over the bread pudding before serving. The creamy and nutty flavors pair beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas and chocolate.
For a more breakfast-like experience, serve this banana chocolate chip bread pudding with a dollop of almond butter or mashed avocado. You can also add some fresh berries or sliced bananas on top for some extra sweetness.
Whatever way you choose to serve this delightful dessert, be sure to savor each bite and enjoy every moment of its comforting warmth and indulgent flavors.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a meal prep enthusiast, I know firsthand how important it is to have meals and snacks ready to go for the week. That’s why I love this recipe – it’s perfect for making ahead of time!
To make this banana chocolate chip bread pudding in advance, simply follow the recipe instructions as normal, then allow the pudding to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can either store your bread pudding in the fridge or the freezer, depending on when you plan on eating it.
If you’re planning on enjoying your pudding within a few days, store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to five days if stored properly. To reheat your pudding, simply pop a serving into the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute, or until heated through.
If you’re making your pudding ahead of time and planning on freezing it for later, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. You can freeze your bread pudding for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your pudding, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat your pudding in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for an easy make-ahead dessert, this banana chocolate chip bread pudding is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen arsenal.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect banana chocolate chip bread pudding can be a challenge that requires some skills, but don’t worry; I have compiled these helpful tips for you to achieve the best results.
Firstly, it is essential to use stale bread. The key to a good bread pudding is using bread that has had time to dry out, allowing it to soak up the custard while maintaining its structure. If you use fresh bread, the result will be too soggy and not well-formed.
Another tip is to slice your bananas evenly. When making banana pudding or banana bread, slicing the bananas into even thicknesses ensures that they cook and mix into the batter evenly, yielding a perfect flavor that is consistently spread throughout the pudding.
For an extra pop of flavor, try adding some chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts. The rich nutty taste and texture pair perfectly with the smoothness of the pudding and make it more satisfying overall.
When whisking together your ingredients, use a separate bowl to combine your wet and dry ingredients. It makes mixing easier and faster, resulting in a more consistent mixture.
To give your pudding an extra caramelized flavor note, drizzle maple syrup on top while baking. A bit of brown sugar on top contributes sweetness and crunchiness to the dish.
Lastly, if you want to make this dish ahead of time and store for later consumption, do not put chocolate chips in it since they’ll melt from reheating. Instead, allow individuals to sprinkle chips on top when serving.
By following these tips when making this delectable dessert, you can ensure reliable results that everyone will enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan banana chocolate chip bread pudding is a must-try for all dessert lovers out there! The combination of the sweet flavors of bananas and chocolate chips with the warm, comforting texture of bread pudding creates a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy your cravings in no time. This recipe is easily adaptable to meet all dietary restrictions and preferences, making it an inclusive option for all.
By using vegan ingredients such as non-dairy milk, arrowroot or tapioca flour, and maple syrup in place of traditional dairy and egg products, we can create a dish that not only tastes amazing but is also healthier and more ethically conscious. Additionally, this recipe allows for variations such as using gluten-free or whole wheat bread to cater to different preferences.
So go ahead and give this vegan banana chocolate chip bread pudding a try! You won’t regret it. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or paired with your favorite beverage, this dessert is sure to please. And don’t forget to share it with your friends and family—they’ll thank you for introducing them to this delicious treat!
Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding (Vegan) Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced 1/2 thick
- 2 -2 1/4 2 -2 1/4 cups almond milk or 2 -2 1/4 cups soymilk
- 3 tablespoons arrowroot or 3 tablespoons tapioca flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan with softened margarine. Place cubed bread in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl whisk together ½ cup soy milk and the arrowroot powder till no lumps remain. Add 1½ cups soy milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg and whisk to combine.
- Pour over cubed bread and stir to coat every piece. Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes for liquid to soak into bread. Depending on what kind of bread you use and how stale it is, add more soy milk (¼ cup at a time) and allow more soaking time till every piece of bread is saturated and there’s a little bit of extra liquid. Mixture should look mushy and wet.
- Fold in chocolate chips and bananas (using hands is the easiest for this), mashing up a little bit of the bananas.
- Pour mixture into loaf pan, patting down to make an even top.
- Bake 28-35 minutes till top is puffed, slightly browned and feels firm. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Also pudding can be scooped with an ice cream scoop when slightly cooled.
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.