Pre-heat oven to 180C / 350F
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the milk, butter, cornflour, sugar, and vanilla
Mix well to combine and microwave for 1 minute on high until the butter melts
Beat this mixture well and set aside. You can also do this on the stovetop in a sauce pan if you don't use a microwave
Grease an 8x8 or 9x6 baking tray generously with butter. You can use a metal or glass pan
Cut each bread slice into 6 small squares
Arrange one layer on the greased tray
Pour half the milk mixture evenly over the bread pieces
Arrange one layer of sliced bananas over this
Then add some almond flakes on top followed by the chocolate chips (I used larger-sized chocolate chunks)
Repeat the bread pieces and pour the rest of the milk mixture over it
Add the remaining almond flakes and sprinkle the grated coconut (if using) and 2 tsp sugar (if using) over this
Bake in the pre-heated oven for 20-25 minutes. The top will turn a golden brown and the custard will be cooked by then
Bread pudding can be served warm or chilled
Cool completely before refrigerating if you prefer the chilled version