If you’re craving comfort food that’s equally perfect for a celebration, breakfast, or cozy afternoon snack, get ready to fall head over heels for this Banana Pudding Banana Bread. It marries the beloved banana bread you know and love with creamy banana pudding flavors and that iconic crunch from vanilla wafers. Every bite is pure nostalgia with a touch of whimsy, and it’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Trust me, friends are going to beg you for the secret to this irresistibly moist and flavorful treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how brilliantly simple this ingredient list is! Each one serves a purpose, creating that signature Banana Pudding Banana Bread flavor and texture that’s equal parts pillowy, moist, and just the right hint of sweet crunch. Here’s what makes this bread such a standout:
- Ripe bananas: Bananas with lots of brown spots mean more sweetness and moisture, which are both key for irresistible banana bread.
- Unsalted butter, melted: This brings richness and helps every crumb stay tender without making the loaf heavy.
- Granulated sugar: Classic sweetness balances the bananas and pudding mix perfectly.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and contribute a lovely soft structure.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash amps up the pudding flavor and adds warmth.
- Sour cream: Don’t skip this! It adds tang and keeps the bread melt-in-your-mouth moist.
- Instant banana pudding mix (dry): Secret weapon! This gives the bread a creamy, dreamy banana pudding flavor that’s next level.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure while letting the other flavors shine.
- Baking soda: Helps the loaf get that beautiful, even rise.
- Salt: A pinch brightens and balances the sweetness.
- Crushed vanilla wafers (plus more for topping): For that authentic banana pudding crunch—trust me, you want this in every slice.
How to Make Banana Pudding Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You want to make sure every corner is coated so your loaf slides out easily with those gorgeous vanilla wafer crumbles intact.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until everything looks creamy and unified. Next, add your eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, and keep stirring until everything is silky and smooth. This mixture should smell absolutely heavenly at this point!
Step 3: Add the Banana Pudding Banana Bread Magic
Time to sprinkle in the dry banana pudding mix. Stir it into the wet mixture until it’s fully incorporated. This is what infuses the bread with that “banana pudding” flavor, making it so much more than your average banana bread.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients Separately
In a different bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so your Banana Pudding Banana Bread rises like a dream and is perfectly seasoned in every bite.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, folding just until everything comes together. The key here is not to overmix—stop once you don’t see streaks of flour. Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers for a little surprise crunch in every slice.
Step 6: Fill the Pan and Top with Wafers
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Scatter a handful of extra crushed vanilla wafers over the batter. This gives your Banana Pudding Banana Bread an irresistible golden topping that pairs perfectly with each soft, buttery bite.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide the loaf into the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the nostalgic aroma of fresh banana pudding and sweet bread. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack so it can firm up fully. If you can wait for it to cool completely before slicing, more power to you!
How to Serve Banana Pudding Banana Bread
Garnishes
To give your Banana Pudding Banana Bread an even more inviting presentation, I love adding an extra shower of crushed vanilla wafers right before serving. You can even dollop on some lightly sweetened whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. For a bit of flair, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh banana slices on top.
Side Dishes
This bread is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs like a dream with a strong cup of coffee, your favorite tea, or an ice-cold glass of milk. If you’re serving it for brunch, add a scoop of Greek yogurt and berries alongside for a fresh, creamy counterpoint. It’s also lovely with a simple fruit salad or even a side of crispy bacon if you want sweet and savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Cut thick slices and layer them with homemade whipped cream or pudding for a quick banana pudding trifle. For dessert, toast slices gently and top with vanilla ice cream and an extra sprinkle of wafers. Or, cut the loaf into cubes and serve with toothpicks on a platter for a brunch buffet—Banana Pudding Banana Bread is always the first thing to disappear at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Pudding Banana Bread ultra fresh by storing slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm or extra humid, refrigerate to stay on the safe side, but let slices come to room temperature before enjoying for best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Banana Pudding Banana Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then tuck into a freezer bag. It’ll stay delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before digging in.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. If you’re feeling decadent, toast with a little butter right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different pudding mix instead of banana?
Absolutely! While the classic Banana Pudding Banana Bread gets its signature flavor from banana pudding mix, vanilla or even butterscotch pudding will give you a unique twist while still providing wonderful moisture and aroma.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour. Make sure to check that your pudding mix and vanilla wafers are gluten-free as well.
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Double all ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Keep an eye on the baking time, since it may vary slightly depending on your oven.
What’s the best way to keep the bread extra moist?
The key is not to overbake and to store the Banana Pudding Banana Bread well wrapped. Using super ripe bananas, sour cream, and mixing until just combined all help lock in that tender, irresistible crumb.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make Banana Pudding Banana Bread, I’m reminded of lazy weekends, family potlucks, and pure joy baked into every bite. It’s everything you love about banana bread, with the playful spirit of your favorite classic dessert. I hope you’ll share a warm, delicious slice with someone special soon—you might just make a new tradition!
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Banana Pudding Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of classic banana bread and creamy banana pudding with this scrumptious Banana Pudding Banana Bread recipe. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a satisfying crunch of vanilla wafers, it’s a true treat for banana lovers.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix (dry)
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Stir in banana pudding mix.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Complete Batter: Fold in crushed vanilla wafers. Pour batter into pan, top with more wafers.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with an extra banana for more flavor.
- Experiment with cream cheese swirls or a glaze topping.
- Store leftovers sealed for up to 3 days or freeze for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
