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This banana bread with walnuts recipe stands out with its secret ingredient—instant vanilla pudding—which adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture, making it irresistibly tender without being gummy! The Greek yogurt ensures a moist crumb; every slice is perfectly soft and flavorful.
When I make this recipe, I know I’m not just baking; I’m creating something special for my family packed with love and care. Plus, the sweet aroma that fills the house while it bakes is unbeatable—the smell draws everyone to the kitchen, eager to enjoy a slice together. It’s more than just banana bread; it’s a way to share joy with those you love.
What You’ll Love About Banana Bread with Walnuts
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make it a breeze to whip up.
- Unique Flavor Boost: The instant pudding adds a surprising and delicious twist, setting this banana bread apart from other recipes.
- Great for Sharing: The recipe makes two loaves, perfect for sharing or freezing for later.
Ingredients
- Sugars (Granulated and Brown): Sweetens the bread and adds a hint of caramel.
- Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Eggs: Adds richness and helps the bread rise.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness and adds a warm flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds a slight tang and extra moisture.
- Mashed Bananas: Gives natural sweetness and deep banana flavor.
- Flour: Provides structure and holds everything together.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Instant Pudding: Adds a unique flavor twist and extra moisture.
- Nuts (Optional): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
How To Make Banana Bread with Walnuts
***This is just a teaser! To see the complete ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Prep Oven and Pans:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Grease two loaf pans.
Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together sugars, oil, and eggs.
- Stir in vanilla, Greek yogurt, and mashed bananas.
- Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and Jello mix in another bowl.
- Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Add walnuts.
- Mix in nuts until just combined.
Bake and Enjoy!
- Pour the batter into the pans.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the loaves cool for 30 minutes, then slice and serve.
Equipment
- Two 9×5-inch loaf pans
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Important Recipe Tips
Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are sweeter and more flavorful, which makes the bread moist and packed with natural banana flavor.
Avoid Overmixing the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Remember, the goal is a soft, tender texture, so be careful not to overmix.
Storage
STORE: Store your banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic for up to 3 days.
FREEZE: This banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaves in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for 3 months.
THAW: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Recipe FAQs
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can substitute sour cream or plain yogurt for Greek yogurt. They both add the same moisture and slight tang.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut make great additions. Just fold them in with the nuts.
How can I tell if the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. It’s done if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs. If it’s still wet, bake a bit longer.
What’s the best way to mash the bananas?
A fork works well for mashing bananas. For a smoother texture, you can also use a potato masher or a hand mixer.
More Desserts
Banana Bread with Walnuts
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pans
- Stand mixer
- mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoons vanilla extract
- 12 oz plain greek yogurt
- 4 large ripe bananas
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3.4 oz package instant vanilla pudding
- 2 cups walnuts , chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and coat two loaf pans with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together sugars, oil, and eggs. Stir in vanilla extract. Add Greek yogurt and mashed bananas, mixing well with a mixer.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and instant pudding mix.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Fold in nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the loaves for 30 minutes and then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
