Enjoying ‘Ohana Bread Pudding with Bananas Foster Sauce at Home

If you have been reading the Disney Food Report for a while, then you know that I had a rude awakening during my recent visit to ‘Ohaha at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. For years my family has made it a point to make ADRs for the last night of our trip at ‘Ohana. Yes, we love the food but honestly we dine there because of the Bread Pudding with Bananas Foster Sauce. I have written several articles over the years about this delightfully sinful dessert that we look forward to all year.

While on our trip in December I texted Chip at Chip and Co and told him about the huge disappointment I had experienced. ‘Ohana was under new management and they changed some menu items, including our family favorite (which also happens to be Chip’s favorite). The new manager decided to bring back the Pineapple Coconut Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce that ‘Ohana served years ago.

Apparently, the new dessert was brought back because fans of that version had complained that they wanted it back. Well, no disrespect to any of you who pushed for this change but I am not happy about it at all. I have heard that they haven’t “officially” changed to the new dessert and that it is still being tested. Depending upon which night you visit ‘Ohana, you may be served either version. All I know is that we looked forward to it all year and then didn’t get it.

The way I see it, I have two options: I can whine about it until they (hopefully) change it back, or I can take matters into my own hands, get into the kitchen and make it myself. Being the latter personality, I will be doing just that.

I have owned this recipe for several years but it has intimidated me to the point that I have not tried it. Now that I have no other choice, I will be tackling it very soon. I wanted to share the recipe here for all of my fellow Bread Pudding with Bananas Foster Sauce lovers and encourage you to make it at home. There is no reason on earth we should have to go without life’s special indulgences. If you have never tried this dessert, you are in for one sinfully delicious treat!

Bon appétit!

‘Ohana Bread Pudding with Bananas Foster Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

Bread Pudding

5 eggs

3 cups whole milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 1/2 cups sugar

8 cups French bread

Foster Sauce

1/2 c sugar

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c corn syrup

1/2 c unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup spiced rum

1 cup banana(sliced)

DIRECTIONS:

For Pudding

1.  In bowl mix eggs, milk, salt, sugar, and nutmeg. Set aside.

2.  Cut bread in medium (usually 2-inch) pieces and place on cookie sheet pan. Put in 350 degree oven.

3.  Bake bread until lightly toasted: about 15 minutes. Remove bread and place in egg and milk mixture.

4.  Place mixture in a greased 10-inch cake pan, and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

5.  Let stand 5 minutes.

For Sauce

1.   Combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and half of heavy cream in a large pan. Bring to a boil and slowly add remaining heavy cream keeping mixture at a steady boil.

2.   Add spiced rum and flambe.

3.   Candy will brown slightly; cook 3 minutes until candy forms into a firm ball in cold water. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Add sliced bananas. Serve warm.

TO SERVE:

1.  Place a serving of bread pudding in a bowl while warm.

2.  Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

3.  Pour Bananas Foster sauce over the entire dessert, as desired.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Brenda writes here and at Ideally Disney. She’s also an Authorized Disney Travel Specialist with Pixie Vacations. She loves helping families plan magical Disney vacations, so email her at Brenda@PixieVacations.com or send her a message on www.facebook.com/thepixiebrenda.