If you’ve ever been torn between fudgy brownies and creamy banana pudding, this is your dessert dream come true. Banana Pudding Brownies bring you the best of both worlds, combining a decadent, chocolatey base with a luscious banana pudding cream and crunchy vanilla wafers. It’s rich, nostalgic, and practically guaranteed to disappear at any gathering. If you love that classic banana pudding flavor and crave a brownie upgrade, get ready to dive in—these Banana Pudding Brownies are pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward, but each ingredient adds a special something to the final dish—whether it’s depth, creaminess, crunch, or the signature banana flavor. Don’t skip any; they all play a delicious role in making these Banana Pudding Brownies so memorable!
- Fudge brownie mix: The foundation for a rich, chocolatey base that stands up to the creamy topping.
- Eggs, oil, and water (for brownie mix): Essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture and glossy top in your brownies.
- Instant banana pudding mix: Infuses the recipe with that classic, irresistible banana flavor.
- Cold milk: Activates the pudding mix for a thick, silky texture that’s not too runny.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds body and a rich tang that balances the sweetness of the pudding layer.
- Whipped topping: Makes the pudding layer light, airy, and easy to spread over the brownies.
- Crushed vanilla wafers: Brings a classic banana pudding crunch, plus a subtle vanilla note that ties everything together.
- Ripe banana (sliced): For fresh, fruity bursts and that unmistakable banana pudding topping.
- Extra whipped topping and wafer crumbs: Perfect for garnishing and making your Banana Pudding Brownies look irresistible when serving.
How to Make Banana Pudding Brownies
Step 1: Bake the Brownie Layer
Start by preheating your oven following the instructions on the brownie mix box. Prepare the brownie batter as directed, using the eggs, oil, and water specified. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan and bake according to package directions. This step lays the rich, chocolatey foundation for your Banana Pudding Brownies, so make sure you don’t overbake—they’re best a little fudgy!
Step 2: Cool the Brownies
Once the brownie layer is baked to perfection, let it cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here; spreading the pudding while the brownies are still warm will cause everything to melt together, losing that beautiful, distinct layered effect that makes these brownies extra special.
Step 3: Make the Banana Pudding Layer
While your brownies cool, prepare the creamy pudding layer. In a medium bowl, whisk the instant banana pudding mix with the cold milk until it’s just slightly thickened—smooth but not fully set. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth and lump-free. Then fold the pudding and whipped topping into the cream cheese, mixing until light, fluffy, and fully combined. This fusion of flavors creates the ultimate Banana Pudding Brownies topping!
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Once the brownie base is cool, gently spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers for a signature bit of crunch. Arrange freshly sliced bananas on top, tucking them in so every slice will have a bite of fruit. Chill the finished brownies for at least one hour to set everything and make slicing a breeze.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Just before slicing and serving, add extra dollops of whipped topping and another sprinkle of wafer crumbs for a pretty, irresistible finish. Now your Banana Pudding Brownies look as fabulous as they taste—get ready for the “wow” factor at your dessert table!
How to Serve Banana Pudding Brownies
Garnishes
For a show-stopping presentation, spoon extra whipped topping onto each square and garnish with a final dusting of vanilla wafer crumbs. A couple of banana slices or even a chocolate drizzle really enhance the look and invite everyone to dig in right away.
Side Dishes
Banana Pudding Brownies are plenty decadent on their own, but for extra flair, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh berries. The cool, creamy ice cream or tangy berries balance out the richness perfectly—plus, it all looks absolutely gorgeous together.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Banana Pudding Brownies into small squares for a bite-sized treat at parties, or layer brownie pieces in parfait glasses with extra pudding and whipped topping for a fun, individual dessert. You could even make a brownie trifle by layering everything in a large glass bowl for a dramatic centerpiece at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Banana Pudding Brownies fresh and fabulous, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The moisture from the pudding keeps the brownies soft, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 2 days—if they last that long!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t the best option for this dessert because the banana slices and pudding layer can become watery once thawed. If you want to prep ahead, freeze just the brownie layer and assemble with pudding and toppings right before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you’d like your brownies a touch warmer, gently bring them to room temperature before serving. Avoid using the microwave, as heating can make the pudding layer runny and soften the wafer crunch. These are definitely at their tastiest when served well chilled.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite fudgy brownie recipe, use that in place of the boxed mix. What matters most is a dense, chocolatey base that can support the creamy toppings for that classic Banana Pudding Brownies experience.
How ripe should my bananas be?
Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas can become mushy and may release too much moisture on top of the brownies, while under-ripe ones won’t have that wonderful sweet banana flavor.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free vanilla wafers to make Banana Pudding Brownies that everyone can enjoy—no one will notice the difference because the flavors are so bold and creamy.
Is there a way to make these brownies ahead of time?
You can bake the brownie layer a day in advance, then cool and wrap tightly. Assemble the pudding and toppings a few hours before serving, chill, and you’re good to go. Just remember that the longer the banana slices sit, the more likely they are to brown, so add those just before serving for the prettiest presentation.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Of course! Freshly whipped cream adds a lovely, luxurious touch. Whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, then use in place of the store-bought whipped topping for a made-from-scratch upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Banana Pudding Brownies are pure joy for anyone who loves classic desserts with a creative twist. Every layer adds a little magic—rich brownie, creamy banana pudding, sweet bananas, and that irresistible vanilla crunch. Give these a try and watch every bite disappear. Trust me, you’ll be making them again and again!
Print
Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich fudge brownies layered with creamy banana pudding, topped with fresh banana slices and vanilla wafer crumbs in this delectable Banana Pudding Brownies recipe.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box fudge brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on box)
Banana Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup whipped topping
Additional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 1 ripe banana (sliced)
- Extra whipped topping and wafer crumbs for garnish
Instructions
- Brownie Layer: Preheat oven according to brownie mix instructions. Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box and pour into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake according to package directions, then let cool completely.
- Banana Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and cold milk until slightly thickened. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then fold in the pudding and whipped topping until fully combined. Once the brownies are cool, spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers and arrange banana slices on top. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing. Add extra whipped topping and wafer crumbs just before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use firm but ripe bananas for best texture.
- These brownies are best enjoyed within 1–2 days and should be stored in the refrigerator.
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