Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
There’s a magic to desserts that blend two beloved classics, and Banana Pudding Brownies just might be the ultimate treat to satisfy every craving. Imagine fudgy brownies swirled with a creamy banana pudding layer, fresh banana chunks, and a generous crown of vanilla wafer pieces that bake to a glorious crunch. It’s the best of both worlds in each bite—deep chocolate flavor, velvety banana richness, and irresistible nostalgia. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply spoiling yourself on a regular Tuesday, these Banana Pudding Brownies will steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up these decadent bars with pantry staples and a few special touches. Every ingredient plays a unique role—some for structure, others for creaminess, and a couple just for that wow-factor flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Lends a hint of molasses depth and helps keep the brownies moist and chewy.
- White granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the banana flavor beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1 stick): Brings luscious richness to both the brownies and the pudding layer.
- Pure vanilla extract: Never skip this—vanilla enhances both the banana and chocolate flavors.
- Large eggs: These bind everything together and give the brownies their classic structure.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone that holds your Banana Pudding Brownies together.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that deep, chocolaty brownie base without extra sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes all the sweet flavors pop.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty chocolate pockets are what make these brownies seriously decadent.
- Cream cheese (8oz block): Gives the banana pudding layer its tangy, creamy consistency.
- Instant banana pudding mix (3.4oz box): Adds real banana flavor—skip anything but instant for best results.
- Dairy milk (1/3 cup): Loosens the pudding layer just enough for easy swirling.
- Small banana, chopped: Fresh banana bits burst with real fruit flavor in every bite.
- Vanilla wafers (1 to 1 1/2 cups, broken): Crushed on top, they bake up golden and give that signature banana pudding crunch.
How to Make Banana Pudding Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350F so that it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it overhang the edges for easy brownie removal later.
Step 2: Whip Up the Brownie Base
In a large bowl, beat together the light brown sugar, white granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter using a hand or stand mixer. Mix until the mixture is fluffy and pale, which sets the stage for a rich, chewy brownie. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Adding these dry ingredients to the wet batter in three groups ensures you don’t overmix, which keeps your Banana Pudding Brownies tender instead of tough.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and Spread the Brownie Layer
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, spreading the rich brownie batter into your lined pan. This is the base layer that gives every square that classic, fudgy chew with pools of melty chocolate baked right in.
Step 5: Create the Banana Pudding Layer
In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese until perfectly smooth—no lumps, please! Mix in the instant banana pudding powder and milk to create a thick but creamy pudding. Fold in the chopped banana gently so you get bits of soft fruit throughout the pudding without mashing it into oblivion.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Gently spread the banana pudding layer over the brownie base. Sprinkle the broken vanilla wafer pieces evenly over the top so they bake into crispy, golden nuggets of happiness.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake on the center rack for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know your Banana Pudding Brownies are done when the edges of the pudding layer are golden and the center feels set, not soupy. Let them cool completely—this is the hardest part, but cutting too soon means messy squares!
How to Serve Banana Pudding Brownies
Garnishes
To make these brownies look as irresistible as they taste, add fresh banana slices or a drizzle of melted chocolate just before serving. A dollop of whipped cream and a few extra vanilla wafer crumbs never hurt anyone, either!
Side Dishes
Since Banana Pudding Brownies pop with sweet flavors, a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream makes a dreamy pairing. For a post-dinner treat, serve them alongside fresh berries or a hint of tangy Greek yogurt to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your brownies into fun bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered stand for parties, or serve them as a show-stopping sundae base with creamy banana pudding ice cream on top. If you’re hosting, a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint gives a bakery-style finish no one will forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Banana Pudding Brownies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for a day or so at room temperature, but for best texture (and food safety, thanks to the cream cheese and bananas!), refrigerate them. The vanilla wafers will naturally soften a bit with time, blending into the bars for a lovely cake-like finish.
Freezing
Banana Pudding Brownies actually freeze better than you’d think! Once cooled, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before indulging again.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm, melty bite, you can microwave a refrigerated brownie square for about 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate will get gooey, and the banana scent will fill your kitchen all over again—almost like they’re freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for the pudding layer?
Yes! Overripe bananas are actually perfect for Banana Pudding Brownies because they’re sweeter and mash more smoothly, giving an extra boost of natural flavor.
Do I have to use instant pudding mix?
For best results, instant banana pudding mix is key. It thickens quickly without cooking and ensures your pudding layer is smooth and sliceable without extra fuss.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and double-check that your vanilla wafer cookies are gluten-free as well.
Will the vanilla wafers stay crunchy?
Right out of the oven, the vanilla wafers on top are delightfully crisp. Over time, they soak up moisture from the pudding layer and soften, which actually adds to the classic banana pudding vibe—so it’s delicious both ways!
Why do I need to let them cool completely before slicing?
Cooling allows all the layers to set up so you get clean, beautiful squares. Cutting into hot brownies might be tempting, but waiting means your Banana Pudding Brownies won’t fall apart when sliced.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly unforgettable dessert mash-up, it doesn’t get better than Banana Pudding Brownies. They’re the kind of treat that turns any day into a celebration and brings a smile to every face at the table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with every gooey, creamy, chocolatey bite!
Print
Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12–16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate brownies topped with a creamy banana pudding layer, creating a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Pudding Layer:
- 1 8oz block cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 3.4oz box instant banana pudding
- 1/3 cup dairy milk of any kind
- 1 small banana, peeled and chopped small
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafers, broken into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
- Cream sugars and butter: Using a hand or stand mixer, cream both sugars with the butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and eggs and mix until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in 3 parts, stirring until just combined.
- Prepare batter: Fold in chocolate chips and spread the batter into the lined pan.
- Prepare pudding layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in banana pudding and milk until well combined. Fold in chopped banana.
- Layer and bake: Spread the pudding mixture over the brownie layer. Top with vanilla wafer pieces. Bake for 30-40 minutes until set.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- The vanilla wafer texture will soften over time, but the flavors will continue to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Banana Pudding Brownies, Chocolate Banana Bars, Dessert Recipe
