Banana Nutella Bread Pudding

Last night, Bryan and I were catching up on a few episodes of Modern Family. We kept looking at each other and couldn’t stop laughing. In one of the episodes, Mitch was complaining how Cam kept forgetting to turn off the lights. It is one of those moments that you are like, “YUP, this is me!” I nag Bryan about not switching off the lights all the time. Modern Family is one of those shows that will lighten up your day, make you laugh and sometimes, touch your heart.

Like the show, this bread pudding will put a smile on your face and warm your heart. Rich, warm, sweet and chocolatey… This bowl of warm bread pudding and a couple of episodes of Modern Family at the comfort of our home is what I call a perfect night!

To start this bowl of goodness, you first need a loaf of brioche bread. Eggy and sweet brioche is the one for bread pudding. If you can’t find any, use challah or even croissant. I like to toast the bread lightly, so the bread gets dry and able to absorb more liquid. Add the toasted bread in the egg mixture. Give it a good gentle toss. Stir in the banana slices and Nutella. They are ready to go in ramekins and chill in the fridge for 6 hours. When ready to bake, don’t forget to sprinkle with Turbinado sugars. They add a nice crunchy texture to the pudding.

With a scoop of vanilla ice cream, dessert is all set! This bread pudding can also be served as breakfast too. Think about it… There are banana, bread, egg, and Nutella. Doesn’t it sound like breakfast? Ok, probably without the ice cream. But if you are like me, maybe ice cream is totally acceptable for breakfast! It is entirely up to you. 😛 Make the bread pudding the night before and bake them in the morning. With a cup of coffee, your fancy and delicious breakfast is ready!

Banana Nutella Bread Pudding

2 servings

Ingredients:

–  5 slices (1-inch thick) brioche bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)

–  ½ tablespoon vegetable oil

–  2 eggs

–  1 teaspoon vanilla extract

–  1/3 cup half and half

–  1 teaspoon sugar

–  ¼ teaspoon salt

–  2 ripe bananas (thinly sliced)

–  ¼ cup Nutella

–  2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar

–  2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F (180˚C).
2. Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Cook in the oven until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
3. Lightly greased 2 6-inch ramekins with vegetable oil.
4. In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, vanilla, half and half, sugar and salt. Whisk until combined. Add the bread and gently toss to coat. It is ok if the bread starts to break apart. Stir in the banana slices.
5. In a small bowl, add the Nutella to a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds or until runny. Add to the bread mixture and just toss for a few times. It doesn’t need to be well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared ramekins. Pat down gently. Cover the ramekins with plastic wraps and keep in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
7. Before baking, sprinkle the top evenly with Turbinado sugar. Bake in the oven until the pudding has puffed slightly, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for 10 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips:

1. If your bread is stale, you can skip the toasting part.
2. If you can’t find brioche, use challah or croissant.
3. Half and half refers to half milk and half heavy cream.
4. You can substitute Nutella with peanut butter.
5. Turbinado sugars give the bread pudding some crunchy texture. Do not skip.
6. The serving size is generous. If you want, you can do this recipe in 4 smaller ramekins.

(Adapted from The Kichn)