I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread and Butter Pudding. It was a chilly afternoon, and I had a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on the counter. They were beyond being just perfect for smoothies. I needed something comforting and indulgent. That’s when I stumbled upon Jamie’s twist on the classic bread and butter pudding-using bananas to add an extra layer of sweetness. I knew instantly it was going to be something special. The aroma that filled my kitchen was enough to make me swoon, and the taste? Absolutely divine.
Bread and butter pudding is one of those dishes that brings back cozy memories. But add bananas to the mix, and you’ve got an entirely new level of indulgence. It’s rich, sweet, and absolutely perfect for a dessert or even a comforting breakfast. Now, every time I have some leftover bananas, I think about how this recipe turned a simple fruit into something magical.
Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread and Butter Pudding is the perfect blend of a traditional comfort dessert with a fruity twist. He takes the concept of bread and butter pudding, which is typically made with raisins or sultanas, and infuses it with ripe bananas. It’s rich and satisfying but not overly heavy. The bread soaks up the custard, while the bananas add an unexpected sweetness that pairs beautifully with the buttery bread.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to throw together. No need for complex ingredients or steps. It’s all about layering simple ingredients and letting the oven do the hard work. This pudding is the kind of dish that feels like a hug in dessert form.
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread and Butter Pudding, you’ll need:
- Bananas: Ideally ripe, slightly soft bananas work best. They’re sweeter and add to the pudding’s texture.
- Bread: Thick slices of white bread or brioche are perfect for this. Make sure it’s not too fresh – slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better.
- Butter: A generous amount of butter will ensure that the bread has a golden, crispy edge.
- Eggs: 3 large eggs to form the custard base.
- Milk: Full-fat milk works best, giving the custard a rich and smooth texture.
- Double Cream: For an ultra-creamy custard.
- Sugar: I like to use a mix of white and brown sugar. The brown sugar gives a caramel-like richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the flavor.
- Cinnamon: A small dash to bring warmth and balance.
- Pinch of Salt: To bring out the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread And Butter Pudding
- Prep the bread: Start by spreading butter on each slice of bread. I always go extra on the butter-it makes the pudding so much better. Layer the bread slices into a buttered dish, ensuring they’re snugly packed.
- Bananas: Slice the bananas and layer them over the bread. The bananas should be spread evenly to get that sweet banana flavor in every bite.
- Make the custard: In a bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, milk, double cream, and vanilla extract. Add a pinch of cinnamon and a small pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and bananas, making sure it’s evenly soaked. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial as it gives the bread time to absorb the custard.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Pop the dish into the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the custard has set.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s even better with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Understanding the science behind some of the ingredients really elevates the recipe:
- Bread: Stale bread is a must because it’s drier and will soak up the custard without falling apart. Fresh bread would turn soggy and lose its texture.
- Eggs: Eggs are the key to the custard. They help thicken the milk and cream, creating that luscious, silky texture. The proteins in the eggs form a network when cooked, binding the custard together.
- Bananas: Bananas contain pectin, a natural thickening agent. When baked, they break down and become soft, adding a jam-like texture to the pudding. The sugars in bananas caramelize when exposed to heat, giving them a deeper, more complex sweetness.
- Butter: The fat in the butter helps crisp up the top of the pudding while keeping the interior soft and rich.
Expert Tips
- Use overripe bananas: The more ripe, the better. Ripe bananas are sweeter, and their flavor deepens when baked.
- Let the custard soak: Don’t rush the soaking step. Allow the bread to absorb the custard fully to get a creamy, uniform texture.
- Try different breads: While brioche or white bread are the classics, you can experiment with sourdough or even a cinnamon raisin bread for extra flavor.
- Baking time: Keep an eye on the pudding in the oven. If the top is golden brown and firm to the touch, it’s done. Don’t worry if a slight wobble remains in the middle; that’s normal.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips or cocoa nibs between the layers of bread for a more decadent pudding.
- Coconut: Sprinkle some shredded coconut between the layers for a tropical twist.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch that contrasts with the softness of the pudding.
- Spices: If cinnamon isn’t your thing, experiment with cardamom or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Final Words
What’s great about Jamie’s Banana Bread and Butter Pudding is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the ingredients, and it’ll still deliver that warm, comforting feeling we all crave. It’s not just a dessert, it’s an experience. Every bite has a perfect balance of soft, sweet bananas and crispy, buttery bread with the rich custard. There’s something about this dessert that always feels like home.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread And Butter Pudding Different?
Jamie’s version uses ripe bananas to add extra sweetness and richness. He also adds a mix of cream and milk for a lush, custardy texture.
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead Of Banana Bread For This Recipe?
While the recipe is designed for banana bread, you can substitute regular bread. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar as regular bread is less sweet.
How Long Should I Bake Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread And Butter Pudding?
Bake it for about 35-40 minutes at 180°C (350°F) or until the top is golden and the custard is set.