Jamie Oliver Banana Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread and Butter Pudding. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, the kind where the world feels slow and cozy. I wanted something comforting but a little different from the usual desserts. This recipe caught my eye because it felt like a mash-up of two classics – banana bread and bread and butter pudding. The aroma that filled my kitchen was like a warm hug. Every bite was soft, sweet, and richly nostalgic.

If you’re someone who loves familiar comfort food with a twist, this recipe is for you. It’s perfect for weekends, family dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special.

Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s take on banana bread and butter pudding brings together the best of both worlds. Think of the soft, moist banana bread layers soaking in a creamy custard, spiked with cinnamon and vanilla, then baked to golden perfection. The bananas add a natural sweetness, while the custard binds everything in a luscious, velvety hug.

It’s a recipe that’s simple but impressive. You don’t need fancy skills or hard-to-find ingredients. And yet, it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy café.

Ingredients Needed

When I first read the ingredient list, I loved how straightforward it was. Nothing too fancy, just everyday things you might already have. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Banana bread (store-bought or homemade, sliced)
• Butter (for spreading on the bread slices)
• Bananas (ripe, sliced)
• Eggs (for the custard base)
• Whole milk
• Double cream (or heavy cream)
• Caster sugar (fine sugar)
• Vanilla pod or extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Fresh nutmeg (optional but adds warmth)
• Lemon zest (for a subtle citrus lift)

Each ingredient plays a role in balancing the texture and flavor. And the best part? If you don’t have everything, there’s room to improvise without losing the magic.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread And Butter Pudding

Making this pudding is like a mini adventure. The steps are easy but you’ll feel like a baking pro by the end. Here’s the rundown:

• Butter the banana bread slices. This helps create crispy edges and a rich base.
• Layer the bread and banana slices in a baking dish, alternating for maximum flavor spread.
• Make the custard by whisking together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon zest until smooth.
• Pour the custard evenly over the bread layers, pressing down lightly so everything soaks up the liquid.
• Let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is key – it allows the bread to absorb all that creamy custard.
• Bake at moderate heat until golden, bubbling, and set but still a bit wobbly in the middle.
• Cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm with ice cream or cream on the side.

The texture is soft with a little crusty crunch on top, and the flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s a fun bit I discovered about the ingredients:

• Bananas aren’t just sweet; their natural sugars caramelize slightly during baking, adding depth to the pudding.
• Butter on the bread creates a barrier so the custard doesn’t make it too soggy but instead gives a crispy crust.
• Eggs and cream combine to form that custardy, silky texture – eggs coagulate gently with heat while cream adds richness.
• Vanilla and cinnamon work as aromatic enhancers, tricking your brain into tasting more sweetness and warmth than is actually there.
• Lemon zest cuts through the richness with a bright, fresh zing that keeps each bite lively.

Understanding this helps you appreciate how every little detail matters for the perfect pudding.

Expert Tips

From my experience and a bit of digging into Jamie Oliver’s methods, here are some tips to nail this pudding every time:

• Use ripe bananas – the sweeter, the better. Avoid green or overly mushy ones.
• Don’t skip the resting time before baking. It’s worth the wait for the custard to soak in.
• If you like texture contrast, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips between layers.
• Bake it on the middle rack to ensure even cooking without burning the top.
• Keep an eye on the pudding during the last 10 minutes – you want it golden, not dry.
• Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

These little things make a big difference in the final result.

Recipe Variations

I love how this recipe invites creativity. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Swap banana bread for brioche or challah for a richer pudding.
• Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries between layers for extra texture and tartness.
• Stir in some dark chocolate chunks for a bittersweet surprise.
• Replace vanilla with cardamom or ginger for a spiced twist.
• Use plant-based milk and cream to make a vegan version (just add a little cornstarch to thicken the custard).
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or honey just before serving for extra sweetness.

It’s fun to experiment and find your own favorite spin.

Final Words

Every time I make this pudding, I’m reminded of those slow afternoons where comfort is king. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned cook, Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread and Butter Pudding is satisfying and approachable.

It also makes great leftovers (if there are any!). Just warm it gently in the oven or microwave, and it’s almost as good as fresh.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Banana Bread And Butter Pudding?

You’ll need banana bread, butter, bananas, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

Can I Use Regular Bread Instead Of Banana Bread?

You can, but it won’t have the same sweet, fruity flavor. Banana bread adds that extra special touch!

How Ripe Should The Bananas Be?

The bananas should be really ripe! The more spots they have, the sweeter they will make your pudding.

Can I Make This Dessert Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Is There A Non-dairy Version Of This Recipe?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk and butter. You can also use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

What Can I Serve This With?

A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it extra indulgent.

Can I Add Nuts Or Chocolate To The Pudding?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips can add a great texture and flavor.

How Long Do I Bake The Banana Bread And Butter Pudding?

Bake it for about 40-45 minutes at 180°C (350°F), until it’s golden and slightly crispy on top.

How Do I Know If The Pudding Is Cooked Through?

It should be set in the middle and slightly wobbly. A skewer should come out clean.

Can I Freeze Leftover Banana Bread And Butter Pudding?

Yes, you can! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.