Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

This rich and custardy recipe is made more interesting by combining bittersweet chocolate and Grand Marnier, transforming a homey dessert into easy decadence. Use extra-ripe bananas to get a more intense fruit flavor. 

8 eggs

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cups cream

1 1/2 cups milk

2 tablespoons Grand Marnier liqueur

pinch of salt

1 loaf bread, torn into small pieces, about 8 cups

2 ripe bananas, sliced 

1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, cream, milk, Grand Marnier and salt. Add the bread pieces, bananas, and chocolate chips and toss to combine thoroughly. Leave bread pudding mixture in the bowl about 1 hour, mixing every 15 minutes.

3. Spray a large ovenproof casserole or pan with nonstick cooking spray, then pour in bread pudding mixture. Bake until bread pudding is puffed up, golden brown on top and set in the center. Remove pan from the oven and cool at least 30 minutes.