Few recipes have captured the internet’s attention quite like the famous chrissy teigen banana bread recipe. When the cookbook author and model famously traded a pair of her husband John Legend’s underwear on Twitter for ripe bananas, the world knew this recipe was going to be something special. It quickly became a viral sensation, and for good reason: it is incredibly moist, rich, and packed with unexpected flavors that elevate it far beyond your average quick bread.
If you have ever struggled with dry, bland, or dense banana bread, this recipe is the ultimate cure. By combining overripe bananas with instant vanilla pudding mix, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate chunks, Chrissy created a masterpiece. In this guide, we will walk you through the magic behind this viral bake, share the exact recipe, and offer helpful tips to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly golden brown and delicious every single time.
Grab your mixing bowls and let’s dive into what makes this particular bake so legendary. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you are about to create a dessert that your family will request week after week.
Why This Banana Bread Broke the Internet
Before we look at the ingredients, it is worth understanding the cultural phenomenon behind this dish. When Chrissy Teigen was developing her second cookbook, Cravings: Hungry for More, she spent months perfecting this recipe. The internet watched in real-time as she tested different ratios of fruit, sugar, and mix-ins to achieve the ultimate texture.
The secret to its massive success lies in its unique texture and flavor profile. Unlike traditional recipes that rely solely on flour and sugar for structure, this version introduces instant vanilla pudding mix. This single ingredient keeps the crumb incredibly soft and moist for days, preventing the dry texture that plagues so many homemade loaves.
Additionally, the combination of dark chocolate chunks and unsweetened shredded coconut creates a tropical, decadent flavor profile. It feels less like a simple breakfast bread and more like a rich, comforting dessert. Once you taste this unique combination, it is very difficult to go back to plain banana bread.
The Science of Moisture: Key Ingredients Explained
To truly appreciate the chrissy teigen banana bread recipe, we must look at how the ingredients work together. The most critical component is, of course, the bananas. You need extremely ripe bananas—the kind that are covered in dark brown spots and feel incredibly soft to the touch. These bananas contain the highest sugar content and the strongest aroma, which translates directly into the baked loaf.
If you prefer a simpler, more traditional sweetness, you might also enjoy a classic banana bread recipe brown sugar variation. However, Chrissy’s recipe uses a combination of light brown sugar and instant pudding mix to achieve its signature caramel-like depth. The pudding mix contains cornstarch and artificial vanilla flavor, which tenderize the gluten in the flour and lock in moisture.
Finally, the addition of coarse salt and dark chocolate balances the intense sweetness. The chocolate melts into rich pockets throughout the bread, while the shredded coconut adds a subtle chew and nuttiness. It is a carefully balanced symphony of textures and flavors that makes every bite exciting.
Chrissy Teigen’s Famous Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 6 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups mashed)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 box (3.5 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix (not cook-and-serve)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 bar (3.5 ounces) dark chocolate, chopped into chunks (or chocolate chips)
- Butter, for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease a 10-inch bundt pan or two 8×4-inch loaf pans with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher.
- Add the eggs and canola oil to the mashed bananas. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, dry instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Fold gently with a spatula just until combined; do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut and dark chocolate chunks until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, with no wet batter (some melted chocolate is fine).
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the bread. Allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
For the best results, use a bundt pan as recommended by Chrissy. The central tube helps the dense, moist batter cook evenly without burning the edges. If you do not have a bundt pan, you can use two standard loaf pans, but you will need to reduce the baking time to about 45 to 50 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking!
Storage
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15 seconds for a warm, fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 380 | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 34g
Step-by-Step Baking Guide: Mastering the Technique
While the steps for this recipe are straightforward, paying attention to details will elevate your bake. Start by ensuring your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Room temperature eggs emulsify much better with the oil and mashed bananas, creating a uniform batter that rises beautifully in the oven.
When mashing your bananas, aim for a relatively smooth consistency with a few small chunks left for texture. If you prefer a completely smooth crumb, you can use a hand mixer or food processor to puree the bananas. However, the rustic charm of the traditional chrissy teigen banana bread recipe comes from those tiny, sweet pockets of fruit dispersed throughout the cake.
Another crucial step is folding the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. You want to use a rubber spatula and a gentle hand. Overmixing the batter activates the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, rubbery texture instead of a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Stop mixing as soon as you see no more streaks of dry flour.
Variations and Ingredient Substitutions
One of the best things about baking is making a recipe your own. If you do not have instant vanilla pudding mix on hand, you can experiment with other flavors like banana cream or French vanilla pudding. Some bakers even enjoy using butterscotch pudding mix to add a deep, caramelized flavor to the final loaf.
For those looking for a quicker preparation method, you might want to explore a banana bread recipe bisquick version. While it will have a different texture than Chrissy’s decadent version, it is a fantastic option for busy weekday mornings. Alternatively, if you want to experiment with different moisture-boosting agents, you can try a banana bread recipe greek yogurt base to add a pleasant tang and extra protein.
If you love unique baking hacks, you might also be curious about a banana bread with mayonnaise recipe, which uses the emulsified fats in mayo to create an incredibly soft crumb. However, if you are a purist who prefers classic spiced flavors, you can never go wrong with a traditional banana nut bread recipe with cinnamon. You can easily add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to Chrissy’s recipe to give it a warm, cozy autumn aroma.
How to Serve and Store Your Banana Bread
Once your banana bread has cooled, it is ready to be sliced and enjoyed. While it is delicious at room temperature, warming a slice in the toaster oven makes it truly spectacular. The chocolate chunks melt slightly, and the coconut releases its fragrant oils, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
For an extra indulgent treat, spread a thin layer of salted butter or cream cheese over a warm slice. The contrast between the sweet bread and the salty spread is absolutely divine. It pairs beautifully with a cup of strong black coffee, a hot espresso, or a glass of cold milk in the afternoon.
If you find yourself with leftovers, do not worry. This bread actually tastes even better the second day as the flavors have time to meld together. Keep it wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out, and it will remain soft and delicious for several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chocolate chips instead of chocolate chunks?
Yes, you can absolutely use chocolate chips. However, chopped dark chocolate bars are recommended because they melt into uneven pools of chocolate throughout the bread. Chocolate chips contain stabilizers that help them keep their shape, whereas chopped chocolate melts smoothly into the batter.
What can I use instead of instant vanilla pudding mix?
If you cannot find instant pudding mix, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. However, keep in mind that the pudding mix contains specific sweeteners and flavor enhancers that contribute to the unique taste and texture of the original recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your instant pudding mix is also certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain trace amounts of gluten or cross-contamination.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
Banana bread usually sinks in the middle if it is underbaked or if there is too much moisture in the batter. Make sure to measure your mashed bananas accurately (about 2 cups) and test the center of the loaf with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
Can I make this recipe in a standard loaf pan?
Yes, you can divide the batter between two greased 8×4-inch loaf pans. Since the volume is split, they will bake faster than a single bundt pan. Start checking them for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
Conclusion
The chrissy teigen banana bread recipe is a modern baking classic that deserves a spot in your recipe box. By combining simple pantry staples with clever additions like instant pudding and shredded coconut, it delivers a bakery-quality loaf right from your home oven. It is rich, moist, and packed with delicious textures that will impress anyone who tries a slice.
Whether you are baking for a special brunch or simply trying to use up a counter full of brown bananas, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Give it a try this weekend, and experience the viral sensation for yourself. Happy baking!
