The Best Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe!

A few weeks ago, I found myself craving a dessert that would combine the gooey goodness of brownies with the classic, creamy sweetness of banana pudding. After some experimentation, I came up with a fantastic recipe that brings together these two popular treats. In this article, I’m excited to share my banana pudding brownies recipe with you. I’ll walk you through each step, and share some of my personal tips for making this dessert a crowd-pleaser.

What Are Banana Pudding Brownies, Anyway?

Banana pudding brownies are a mouthwatering fusion of two favorite desserts: banana pudding and brownies. This dessert starts with a rich, fudgy brownie base, followed by a layer of luscious banana pudding. You can top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. It’s perfect for those who love bananas, chocolate, and the heavenly combination of the two.

How Did I Make These Banana Pudding Brownies?

Making banana pudding brownies involves preparing a brownie base and a banana pudding layer. After both components are ready, you’ll layer them in a baking dish, chill the dessert in the refrigerator, and then cut it into squares to serve. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

For the brownie base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup of cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the banana pudding layer:

• 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant banana pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
• 3 medium bananas, sliced
• Optional: Additional whipped topping or chocolate sauce for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: The brownie base

1. I started by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, I whisked together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Then, I added the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking well after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, I combined the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. I then gradually added the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
4. Next, I poured the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. I baked it for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center came out mostly clean. I allowed the brownie base to cool completely.

Step 2: The banana pudding layer

1. In a large bowl, I whisked together the banana pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickened.
2. I folded in the whipped topping until it was fully incorporated.
3. I arranged the sliced bananas in a single layer over the cooled brownie base.
4. I spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the banana slices.

Chill and serve

1. I covered the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerated it for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding layer was set.
2. Finally, I cut the dessert into squares and served it with additional whipped topping and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Can You Customize These Banana Pudding Brownies?

I’m a firm believer in making recipes your own, so feel free to customize these banana pudding brownies to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Try different pudding flavors

If you want to switch things up, you can use different flavors of pudding mix. I’ve tried using vanilla, chocolate, and even butterscotch pudding mix for a fun twist, and they all turned out great!

Add your favorite ingredients to the brownie base

You can also add some of your favorite ingredients to the brownie base to create unique flavor combinations. I’ve experimented with:

• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• Chocolate chips or chunks (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
• Peanut butter or Nutella swirls
• Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or cherries)

Experiment with different bases

If you’re not in the mood for brownies or simply want to try something new, you can use other bases for your banana pudding dessert. I’ve tried the following alternatives with great success:

• Blondies
• Chocolate chip cookie dough
• Graham cracker crust
• Oreo cookie crust

My Tips for Making Perfect Banana Pudding Brownies

Pick ripe bananas

For the best flavor, I always choose bananas that are ripe but not overly mushy. Ripe bananas are sweeter and more aromatic, which makes a big difference in the overall taste of the dessert.

Use quality ingredients

I’ve found that using high-quality ingredients results in a noticeably better final product. I always opt for a good-quality cocoa powder for the brownie base and real vanilla extract for the best flavor.

Avoid overbaking the brownie base

To ensure a moist and fudgy brownie base, I make sure not to overbake it. I keep an eye on the brownies as they bake and remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Give it time to chill

Patience is key when it comes to chilling the dessert. I always refrigerate the banana pudding brownies for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding layer is set. This makes cutting and serving much easier.

How Do I Store These Banana Pudding Brownies?

To store my banana pudding brownies, I cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cut squares to an airtight container. I keep the dessert refrigerated and enjoy it within 3-4 days for the best quality. Due to the presence of bananas and the pudding layer, I don’t recommend freezing this dessert.

In Conclusion

These banana pudding brownies have become a go-to dessert in my household. They’re the perfect treat for anyone who loves the classic flavors of banana pudding and the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies. I hope you enjoy making and devouring this dessert as much as I do. Remember, don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Have fun baking!