If you have a soft spot for classic banana bread but crave a little extra something special, this Banana Pudding Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the comforting, moist texture of traditional banana bread but with the creamy, nostalgic flavor of banana pudding woven right in. Each bite is a delightful balance of sweet banana goodness and a subtle pudding richness that transforms this simple treat into a showstopper, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime snack cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this banana bread is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a vital role, from the fluffy texture created by the flour and baking soda to the luscious moisture brought by ripe bananas and sour cream. The instant banana pudding mix is the star that adds that unmistakable flavor and tender crumb, while the crushed vanilla wafers introduce a playful crunch and hint of vanilla charm.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the bread.
- Instant banana pudding mix (dry): Adds creamy banana flavor and enhances moistness.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and keeps it fluffy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with browning.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds deep, caramel notes and moisture.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and aid leavening.
- Sour cream: Boosts moisture and provides a slight tang for balance.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm vanilla tones.
- Ripe bananas (mashed): The heart of the bread, offering natural sweetness and softness.
- Crushed vanilla wafers: Introduce a delightful texture contrast and classic vanilla flavor.
- Optional – extra vanilla wafers and banana slices: Perfect for garnishing and adding visual appeal.
How to Make Banana Pudding Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your banana pudding banana bread releases perfectly after baking, preventing any frustrating sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dry banana pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture acts as the foundation for your bread’s texture and flavor, ensuring even distribution of all the essential leavening and seasoning elements.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is where you incorporate air to help make the bread tender and create that lovely rise during baking.
Step 4: Blend In Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Afterward, blend in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. These wet ingredients add moisture, richness, and the unmistakable banana flavor that makes this bread special.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet one, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough bread, so keep it light for the best texture.
Step 6: Fold in Crushed Vanilla Wafers
Gentle folding of the crushed vanilla wafers into the batter introduces a satisfying crunch and complementing vanilla notes, keeping your banana pudding banana bread recipe true to its inspiration.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center, which should come out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect garnish makes all the difference. Add extra vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices on top of each slice for an inviting look and additional texture. For a truly indulgent touch, dollop a spoonful of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These additions elevate your banana pudding banana bread recipe from homemade treat to dessert worthy of company.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte, balancing sweetness with robust flavors. If serving at brunch, consider fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to complement the richness of the bread without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your banana pudding banana bread thick for a decadent snack or even toast it lightly for a crisp exterior with a warm, soft center. Turn slices into mini sandwiches by layering them with cream cheese and sliced bananas or use thick slices as a base for banana pudding trifles. The possibilities are as creative as your appetite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your banana pudding banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread soft without drying out, ensuring every slice tastes just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you need to make the bread ahead or save leftovers for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Your banana pudding banana bread recipe can be frozen for up to three months without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to revive that warm, freshly baked feeling. This brings back the soft moisture and enhances the banana pudding essence, making it taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of the instant mix?
The instant banana pudding mix is essential for this recipe because it contains stabilizers and flavoring that contribute to the bread’s texture and moisture. Homemade pudding might not yield the same tender crumb, but you can experiment by adding some vanilla and banana extracts if you prefer.
What if I do not have sour cream? Can I substitute it?
Yes! Greek yogurt or buttermilk makes a great substitute for sour cream. They add similar tanginess and moisture, keeping your banana pudding banana bread recipe deliciously moist and tender.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this banana bread?
Definitely. Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or white chocolate chips to the batter provides extra texture and richness that pairs beautifully with the banana pudding flavor. Fold them in during the same step as the crushed vanilla wafers.
Why is my banana bread not rising properly?
Make sure your baking soda is fresh and that you don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can deflate the air incorporated during creaming of butter and sugar, resulting in a dense bread. Following the steps gently will help you get a nice rise and fluffy texture.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots and soft skin are ideal because they are sweeter and mash easily, infusing the bread with more natural banana flavor, essential for the best banana pudding banana bread recipe.
Final Thoughts
This banana pudding banana bread recipe is one of those delights that never fails to bring smiles and a bit of nostalgia to the table. Its perfect blend of banana bread comfort with pudding-inspired moistness makes it a standout treat to enjoy with loved ones or as a special indulgence just for you. I encourage you to whip up a loaf, savor every slice, and share the joy of this comforting, delicious recipe.
Print
Banana Pudding Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Pudding Banana Bread combines the moist texture of banana bread with the creamy flavor of instant banana pudding mix. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, featuring ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and a tender crumb that’s sure to delight banana lovers. Easy to make and wonderfully rich, this bread is a delicious twist on a classic treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup instant banana pudding mix (dry)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
Additional
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- Optional: extra vanilla wafers and banana slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dry instant banana pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, followed by the sour cream, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Mix until fully combined for a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Crushed Vanilla Wafers: Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers to add texture and flavor throughout the bread.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess.
Notes
- For an extra pudding-like experience, top slices with whipped cream and sliced bananas.
- You can also mix white chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to keep it fresh.
