Description
A soft, moist banana bread enhanced with instant vanilla pudding for extra richness and a tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it can be made as a classic loaf, muffins, or even transformed into a banana bread pudding.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×5-inch loaf):
For the Bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup buttermilk or milk
Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Moisture Tip: Adding pudding mix keeps the bread extra soft and tender.
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Variations: Use chocolate pudding mix for a chocolatey twist, or reduce sugar slightly for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American