If you’re looking for a comforting yet wholesome treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, the Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dish combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy tang of Greek yogurt and the rich depth of pure maple syrup. It’s a luscious, custardy bread pudding that’s both nourishing and indulgent without the guilt, perfectly balancing texture and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtfully selected ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the hearty bread providing structure, to the creamy Greek yogurt adding moisture and tang, and the maple syrup delivering a natural sweetness that elevates the whole dish.
- 4 cups whole grain or day-old bread: Using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard perfectly without becoming mushy.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: They lend natural sweetness and a creamy, fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the yogurt.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla): Adds a luscious creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the sweet notes.
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Helps create a smooth custard base that gently envelopes the bread.
- ½ cup maple syrup: The star sweetener that gives this pudding its rich, warm flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and achieving that perfect custard texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the pudding with a lovely aroma and depth.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds subtle spice and warmth, making the dish feel cozy and comforting.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the creamy pudding.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. This ensures your bread pudding won’t stick and allows for easy serving later on. Getting this step right sets the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Arrange the Bread
Spread the cubed whole grain or day-old bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. The even layer ensures every piece soaks up just the right amount of custard, creating a consistent, satisfying texture throughout.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and fully blended. This custard mixture is the heart of the pudding, bringing creamy texture and rich flavor to every bite.
Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces get coated. Gently press the bread down with a spatula or your hands so it absorbs the liquid well. Let the dish sit for about 10 minutes to really soak in the flavors. Trust me, this soaking time makes all the difference!
Step 5: Add Nuts and Bake
If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top now. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the center feels set when you gently shake the pan.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. This waiting time helps the pudding set and enhances the flavors. Feel free to drizzle a little extra maple syrup, add a dollop of Greek yogurt, or dust with cinnamon for that ultimate finishing touch.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
The easiest way to elevate your Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe is with thoughtfully chosen garnishes. A swirl of Greek yogurt on top adds creaminess and a subtle tang that offsets the sweetness. A drizzle of extra maple syrup brings that comforting richness, while a light sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the warm, inviting aroma.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines wonderfully on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a bright, refreshing contrast. A cup of hearty coffee or a warm chai tea complements the sweet and spicy flavors, making for a perfect breakfast or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this pudding in individual ramekins makes it extra special and perfect for sharing with friends or family. You can also layer it with some extra banana slices and yogurt in a clear glass for a beautiful and inviting presentation. To take it up a notch, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes or a handful of granola for textural variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bread pudding keeps well for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.
Freezing
This Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick and satisfying treat anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or place the whole container in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through. A quick warm-up brings back that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While whole grain or day-old bread works best for flavor and texture, you can also experiment with brioche or challah for a richer pudding. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale so it soaks up the custard nicely without becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, just substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a non-dairy Greek-style yogurt. The pudding will still turn out creamy and delicious!
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal for this recipe as they’re naturally sweeter and softer, which enhances the overall flavor and texture of the pudding.
Do I have to add nuts?
Not at all! Nuts add a nice crunch and flavor contrast, but the bread pudding is fantastic without them too. Feel free to leave them out or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if you prefer.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes! In fact, soaking the bread in the custard overnight in the fridge intensifies the flavors. Just cover the baking dish and pop it in the fridge; then bake it fresh the next day.
Final Thoughts
Making the Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe is like creating a cozy little celebration in your kitchen. It’s simple enough for any day but special enough to impress. So grab your bread, bananas, and that jar of golden maple syrup, and give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds) with a big smile on your face.
Print
Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding is a comforting and wholesome dessert featuring whole grain bread soaked in a creamy custard made with mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and topped optionally with nuts, this baked delight combines nutritious ingredients with rich flavors, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups whole grain or day-old bread, cubed
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent the bread pudding from sticking during baking.
- Arrange Bread Cubes: Evenly spread the cubed bread in the baking dish to create a uniform base for the custard.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Soak: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes so the bread can soak up the custard thoroughly.
- Add Nuts: If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the bread pudding cool slightly to allow it to firm up for easier serving.
- Serve: Drizzle with extra maple syrup, add a dollop of Greek yogurt, or dust with additional cinnamon if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps the bread absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute the milk with any non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
- For a nuttier texture, toast the walnuts or pecans before adding them on top.
- This bread pudding can be refrigerated and gently reheated for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add raisins or chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
