Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 3 medium, extra ripe DOLE® Bananas, peeled
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons margarine, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 cups dried whole wheat bread cubes
• 2 medium, firm DOLE® Bananas, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• Frozen dessert topping, thawed for garnish (optional)

Directions

1.     Preheat oven to 350°F; spray an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.

2.     Purée 3 extra ripe bananas in a blender (about 1½ cups). Transfer puréed bananas to medium bowl; whisk in milk and cocoa powder. Beat eggs, sugar, margarine, cinnamon and vanilla in large bowl; add puréed banana mixer and beat just until incorporated.

3.     Layer 3 cups bread cubes in prepared dish; top with sliced bananas and remaining 3 cups bread cubes. Pour milk mixture over cubes, making sure all bread is completely covered; let stand 30 minutes.

4.     Sprinkle with almonds. Place prepared dish in a larger pan; pour boiling water into larger pan to come halfway up side of square baking dish. Bake 55 minutes or until top is golden brown and center is set.

5.     Serve bread pudding garnished with dessert topping, if desired.