There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, custardy bread pudding that feels both nostalgic and wholesome. The Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe takes this classic dessert to a whole new level by adding creamy Greek yogurt and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and maple syrup. This dish is a fantastic way to transform simple, everyday ingredients into a cozy treat with a beautiful balance of tang, sweetness, and texture, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making the pudding tender, flavorful, and full of depth. From the wholesome bread to the creamy Greek yogurt and the warm spices, every component adds something special to the mix.
- Whole grain or day-old bread, 4 cups cubed: Stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Ripe bananas, 2 mashed: Adds natural sweetness and moisture along with a lovely flavor.
- Greek yogurt, 1 cup (plain or vanilla): Brings creamy texture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Milk, ¾ cup (dairy or non-dairy): Adds richness and tenderness to the custard base.
- Maple syrup, ½ cup: Provides natural sweetness with its signature warm, caramel notes.
- Large eggs, 2: Essential for binding the pudding and creating that custardy texture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Elevates all the flavors with its sweet, fragrant aroma.
- Ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with banana and maple.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans, ¼ cup (optional): Adds delightful crunch and a nutty depth to the pudding’s texture.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. Using whole grain or day-old bread cubed into even pieces ensures the pudding holds its shape while soaking up the custard mixture perfectly. Spread the bread evenly in your baking dish to create a uniform base for the custard.
Step 2: Mix the Custard Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This mixture forms the heart of your Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe, blending sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors harmoniously.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard
Pour the custard over the bread cubes, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently press down on the bread so it absorbs the liquid well. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to soak up all those lovely flavors, setting the stage for a perfectly moist, tender bread pudding.
Step 4: Add Nuts and Bake
If you enjoy a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set but still soft to the touch. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before moving on to serving.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings can transform this dish from comforting to decadent. A drizzle of extra maple syrup adds a glossy sweetness, while a dollop of Greek yogurt refreshes each bite with creaminess and tang. A light dusting of cinnamon can bring warmth and a lovely aroma that invites you in.
Side Dishes
This bread pudding pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a simple fruit compote to brighten the plate. For a savory balance, a side of crispy bacon or turkey sausage offers a satisfying contrast of flavors. A hot cup of coffee or tea makes the perfect accompaniment for a cozy brunch setting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual portions in ramekins, topped with toasted nuts and a sprig of fresh mint. Layer slices between plates and add fresh banana slices for extra texture. Turning it into French toast casserole by baking in a larger baking dish also makes for an impressive brunch centerpiece your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week as a quick and comforting meal or snack.
Freezing
This bread pudding freezes well for longer storage. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture, then reheat before serving.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings gently in a microwave or warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. Adding a little extra drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of Greek yogurt upon reheating keeps the dish moist and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this pudding?
Absolutely! Day-old or whole grain bread works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart, but you can also use brioche or challah for a richer flavor and softer texture.
Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in this recipe?
Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang and protein boost, but you can substitute regular yogurt or even sour cream. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk for any plant-based alternative, use a vegan yogurt, and replace eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes. Maple syrup keeps the sweetness natural and vegan-friendly as well.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. They mash easily and add natural sugars without needing extra sweeteners.
Can I add other spices or mix-ins?
Definitely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or ground ginger can elevate the warm spice profile. Dried fruit, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut are fun additions that complement the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a personal favorite for cozy mornings or anytime you crave something sweet yet wholesome. Give it a go—you might just find your new go-to dessert or breakfast wonder!
Print
Greek Yogurt Banana Maple Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 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 or breakfast treat. Made with whole grain bread, ripe bananas, and creamy Greek yogurt, it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon for a deliciously warm flavor. This baked pudding is easy to prepare and perfect for using up day-old bread, resulting in a moist, custardy texture topped with optional crunchy nuts.
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 Toppings
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bread pudding.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Arrange Bread: Spread the cubed whole grain bread evenly in the baking dish to create the pudding base.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Custard and Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked and coated evenly.
- Soak Bread: Gently press the bread cubes down so they absorb the liquid fully. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soak thoroughly.
- Add Nuts: If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans evenly over the top of the soaked bread mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and firm.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with extra maple syrup, add a dollop of Greek yogurt, or dust with cinnamon for garnish.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps absorb the custard better and improves texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free yogurt.
- You can swap walnuts or pecans with any other nuts or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the maple syrup amount or adding a pinch of sugar if desired.
