Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding

Name: Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H20M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H45M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT1H5M0.000S
Ingredients: 2 loaves banana bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (10 cups, loosely packed); 2 cups heavy cream; 12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped; 2 cups half and half; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rum; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 3 large egg yolks

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One of my all-time favorite comfort foods is a fresh loaf of banana bread, still warm from the oven. To create a decadent dessert, worthy of the red carpet, I have combined that simple loaf with a velvety chocolate ganache. Top it with a spoon of creme fraiche or a scoop of chocolate ice cream. The result is elegant comfort food fit for any occasion, including breakfast.

Level: Easy
Total: 1 hr 5 min

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 45 min

Level: Easy
Total: 1 hr 5 min

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 45 min

Ingredients

2 loaves banana bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (10 cups, loosely packed)

2 cups heavy cream

12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

2 cups half and half

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons rum

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 large eggs

3 large egg yolks

Directions

To make the pudding: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Fill ten 6-ounce ramekins with the banana bread cubes, set aside.
In a medium sized saucepan bring the cream to a simmer. Turn off the heat and add the chocolate. Swirl the pot gently so the chocolate is completely covered by the cream, cover the pot and let sit for 3 minutes. Whisk the cream and chocolate together until smooth. Add the half and half, brown sugar, rum and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and yolks. Add the eggs to the chocolate mixture and mix until combined.
Place the ramekins on a cookie sheet. Slowly ladle the chocolate mixture over the banana bread.
You will want to gently push the cubes into the chocolate, so that the bread will absorb the chocolate. Fill the ramekins nearly to the top.
Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the chocolate is set firm on the edges, but the center is still a little soft.
Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 15 minutes before serving. They can be served warm, at room temperature or chilled. You can also reheat them for about 30 seconds in the microwave or 10 minutes in a 350 degrees F oven.
Top with unsweetened creme fraiche at brunch or with your favorite ice cream for dessert.