Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly marries old-school Southern comfort with chocolaty decadence, Banana Pudding Brownies are about to become your next obsession. Imagine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, crowned with a sweet and creamy banana pudding layer, then finished with a sprinkle of crunchy vanilla wafers. Every bite is a cozy, nostalgic delight that feels like a hug from your favorite grandma, enhanced by the unexpected twist of brownies meeting banana pudding. It’s truly the dessert you didn’t know you needed—but once you try it, you’ll find yourself dreaming about Banana Pudding Brownies long after the pan is empty.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Banana Pudding Brownies come together with just a handful of familiar ingredients, but each one brings something special to the table. From the richness of real butter to the tropical essence of banana pudding mix, every element plays a key role in creating the finished masterpiece.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates those ultra-fudgy brownies; make sure it’s melted for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and the classic “shiny top” on brownies.
• Large Eggs: Help bind the batter and give brownies their luscious texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts aroma and flavor in both the brownie and pudding layers.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The chocolaty backbone of the brownie layer.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to give structure, keeping the brownies dense and soft.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor.
• Instant Banana Pudding Mix: The star of the creamy topping—just add milk to make magic happen.
• Cold Milk: Needed for the instant pudding, lending creaminess and body.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tang and richness to the pudding layer, making it smoother and more indulgent.
• Crushed Vanilla Wafers: Classic Southern touch—adds crunch and a gentle vanilla note atop the pudding.
• Whipped Topping or Whipped Cream (Optional): For those extra clouds of creamy delight on top.

How to Make Banana Pudding Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making removal a breeze later on. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until you get a glossy, thick mixture. Next, blend in the eggs and vanilla extract—this is where brownies get that irresistible fudgy chew! Sprinkle in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, stirring until just combined; overmixing can lead to cakier brownies, so stop once everything’s incorporated.

Step 2: Bake and Cool the Brownies

Pour the luscious brownie batter into your lined pan and smooth it out evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out with moist (not wet) crumbs attached. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan—patience now makes it all worthwhile later!

Step 3: Whip Up the Banana Pudding Layer

While your brownies are cooling, grab a bowl and whisk the instant banana pudding mix with the cold milk. In just about 2 minutes, you’ll see it thicken beautifully. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and lump-free. Combine the thickened pudding, cream cheese, and a splash of vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Layer and Chill

Gently spread the banana pudding mixture across the fully cooled brownie base. Use a spatula to get those gorgeous swirls right up to the edges. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of crushed vanilla wafers over the top for that classic Southern crunch. Pop the entire pan into the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours—this helps the layers meld and set, so they slice up neatly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, dollop or pipe on some whipped topping or whipped cream if you love a little extra indulgence. Lift the brownies out using the edges of the parchment and slice them into squares. Every bite is pure Banana Pudding Brownies magic, ready to impress your family or friends!

How to Serve Banana Pudding Brownies

Garnishes

A flourish of garnishes takes Banana Pudding Brownies from homestyle to irresistible showstopper. Try a swirl of whipped cream, a few more crushed vanilla wafers, or even thin banana slices for a pop of color and a burst of fruity freshness right before serving. If you love a toasted touch, a sprinkle of finely grated chocolate or a quick dusting of cocoa powder makes each bar look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Because these brownies are rich and indulgent, pair them with lighter side dishes for balance. A bowl of fresh berries—think strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries—brings brightness and acidity alongside each square. If you want to keep the Southern spirit alive, serve them after a comforting lunch of chicken salad sandwiches or as a sweet counterpoint to a simple summer picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Banana Pudding Brownies stand out on their own, but they also shine in fun presentations. Cut them into mini bars for a dessert platter, stack pieces in a trifle dish with more pudding and bananas for a stunning layered treat, or wrap individual squares in parchment for a sweet grab-and-go gift. You can even crumble leftover pieces over vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent sundae experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Banana Pudding Brownies, don’t worry—they keep beautifully! Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more as they sit, and the pudding layer stays beautifully creamy. Simply place the sliced brownies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed.

Freezing

Want to keep your Banana Pudding Brownies even longer? Slice and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight; just know that the pudding layer may soften slightly, but the flavor remains amazing.

Reheating

While these brownies are meant to be served chilled, you can bring them to room temperature for a softer texture if you prefer. Simply set the brownies out on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Skip microwaving, as the pudding can melt and become runny—these are best enjoyed cool for both taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade banana pudding recipe, you can use it as the pudding layer. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape on the brownies so each bite has that distinct layered look and taste.

Are Banana Pudding Brownies gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and traditional vanilla wafers, which contain gluten. However, you can easily make your own gluten-free version by swapping in your favorite gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free vanilla wafers.

Can I add real bananas to the recipe?

Definitely! For extra banana goodness, layer thinly sliced ripe bananas between the brownie and pudding layers before chilling. It adds a burst of fresh fruit flavor and really amps up the classic banana pudding vibes!

How do I keep the pudding layer from getting runny?

The key is using very cold milk when mixing the instant pudding, and allowing the dessert to chill for at least two hours before slicing. If you use homemade pudding, let it cool and thicken before adding it to the brownies. That way, your Banana Pudding Brownies will slice cleanly and look gorgeous.

What’s the best way to cut neat squares?

Use a long, sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts for picture-perfect squares. For even cleaner results, chill the dessert thoroughly and lift it from the pan using the parchment paper before slicing—it really is a game changer for beautiful Banana Pudding Brownies!

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a more joyful way to bring people together than sharing a batch of Banana Pudding Brownies. They’re fun, a little bit nostalgic, and sure to spark smiles with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something special, I hope you enjoy every gooey, creamy square. So don’t wait—gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a sweet slice of happiness today!

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