Banana Pudding Brownies

Banana pudding brownies are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with a luscious layer of creamy banana pudding for a unique and indulgent treat.

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Table of Contents

Let’s Dish: About These Brownies
Banana Pudding Brownies Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Why We Love This Recipe
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Our banana pudding brownies take a timeless Southern dessert and transform it into a rich, indulgent treat. The buttery brownie meets a smooth banana pudding topping, providing both a texture and taste that’s impossible to resist. We’ve added a layer of crispy vanilla wafers for just the right amount of crunch. While other recipes might cut corners or miss the mark on flavor balance, this one delivers a truly satisfying dessert experience that will have you reaching for seconds.

Let’s Dish: About These Brownies

Main Ingredients: Butter, brown sugar, eggs, flour, cream cheese, banana cream pudding mix.
Quick Steps: Make brownie batter, bake. Top with banana pudding layer, bake again, cool, and serve.
Total Time & Yield: 1 hour, makes 16 servings.

Why This Recipe

Many banana pudding brownie recipes use shortcuts like boxed cake mix, which can result in a more basic flavor profile.

Our recipe stands out by using real butter and brown sugar for a rich, chewy base, avoiding the sometimes cakey texture found in cake-mix-based versions.

The creamy pudding layer contrasts beautifully with the dense brownie, and the vanilla wafer adds the perfect nostalgic crunch. This elevates the classic banana pudding experience into a handheld treat.

Banana Pudding Brownies Ingredients

Banana Pudding Brownies raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll need:

For The Brownie Layer:

¾ cup of unsalted butter, melted
1 cup of light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract
1½ cups of all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon of baking powder
½ teaspoon of salt

For The Banana Pudding Layer:

8 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
3.4-ounce box of instant banana cream pudding mix
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ cup whole milk

For The Garnish:

16 vanilla wafer cookies

Substitutions And Additions

BANANA CREAM PUDDING MIX: If you can’t find banana cream pudding, substitute it with vanilla instant pudding mix and add 1-1½ teaspoons of banana extract for that delightful banana flavor.

MILK: While whole milk is ideal, you can use 2% milk as a substitute. Avoid using fat-free milk or dairy alternatives to maintain the desired richness.

How To Make This Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

STEP TWO: To make the brownie layer, add the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar to a large mixing bowl and whisk until fully combined.

Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother and more uniform texture in the brownie and pudding layers.

STEP THREE: Add the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk again until the eggs are fully incorporated.

STEP FOUR: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk one final time until your brownie batter is thick and smooth.

You may need to switch to a rubber spatula to be able to fully mix the batter once it thickens. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure that your batter is evenly combined.

flour, baking powder, and salt whisked together in a bowl

Spread the batter into an even layer in the prepared pan.

STEP FIVE: Bake the brownie layer for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on the counter while making the banana pudding layer.

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your brownies as the suggested baking time approaches.

STEP SIX: In a separate bowl, using a handheld electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

Add the instant banana cream pudding mix, large eggs, and whole milk. Beat again for 30 seconds to one minute or until the batter is smooth.

STEP SEVEN: Gently add dollops of the thick banana pudding mixture over the surface of the brownie bottom layer.

spread the banana mixture on top of the brownie layer in a pan

Carefully spread the banana mixture all the way to the edges of the brownie layer, using a small offset spatula, into an even layer.

Be gentle while spreading the banana pudding layer to avoid disturbing the brownie layer.

wafer cookies placed into the center of each serving

STEP EIGHT: Place the vanilla wafer cookies into the center of each serving. You will need four rows of cookies that are equally spaced to sit in the middle of each serving once the brownies have cooled and can be sliced.

STEP NINE: Bake the banana pudding layer for an additional 15-18 minutes or until the banana pudding brownies are lightly golden on the edges and the center of the pudding layer is set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

banana pudding layer baked in a baking dish

STEP TEN: Remove the banana pudding brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving.

PRO TIP:

Note that once these banana pudding brownies cool on the counter, the banana pudding layer will have the texture of a baked custard (where the upper surface of the pudding is a bit firmer than it is under the surface).

If you want really straight, clean slices, you can chill the banana pudding brownies for an hour or so, covered with plastic wrap, before slicing them.

For very clean cuts, you will need to slice them with a very sharp, straight knife.

How To Serve

This ultimate banana pudding brownie recipe is perfect served on its own, but it’s also fun to take it to the next level.

Serve banana pudding brownies as a decadent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Pair these brownies with a warm cup of coffee, a pumpkin spice latte, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting snack.

Create a dessert platter by serving banana pudding brownies alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream for an elegant presentation.

MORE BROWNIES RECIPES

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For a few of our other brownie recipes, our coconut brownies and cheesecake brownies are two of our favorites.

Storage

Whether you’re planning to make these ahead or have leftovers, here’s what you need to know:

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the brownie layer ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before adding the banana pudding layer and baking.

IN THE FRIDGE: Once baked, store banana pudding brownies in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for two to three days. Note that the vanilla wafer cookies may soften over time.

IN THE FREEZER: While it’s not recommended to freeze these banana brownies due to the pudding layer’s texture being compromised after thawing, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months.

Be prepared for some textural changes upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant vanilla pudding instead of banana cream pudding mix?

Yes, you can. Just add 1-1½ teaspoons of banana extract for that distinct banana flavor.

How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for two to three days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container.

Can I make the brownie layer ahead of time?

You can prepare the brownie layer and refrigerate it for up to two days before finishing this delicious banana pudding brownies recipe.

Can I freeze banana pudding brownies?

While not recommended, you can freeze them, but be prepared for some texture changes upon thawing.

Why We Love This Recipe

FLAVOR FUSION: The marriage of creamy banana pudding and decadent brownies creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

UNIQUE TWIST: Banana pudding brownies offer a unique twist on classic desserts, making them perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION: This recipe’s versatility allows you to serve it as a snack, dessert, or even at brunch, making it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

Our banana pudding brownies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them suitable for various occasions. Their creamy banana pudding layer over rich brownies is a true crowd-pleaser.

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Banana Pudding Brownies

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Banana pudding brownies are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with a luscious layer of creamy banana pudding for a unique and indulgent treat.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings

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Ingredients

Brownie Layer

¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Banana Pudding Layer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
3.4 ounces instant banana cream pudding mix
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ cup whole milk

Garnish

16 vanilla wafer cookies

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
To make the brownie layer, add the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar to a mixing bowl and whisk until fully combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk again until the eggs are fully incorporated.
Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk one final time until your batter is thick and smooth. You may need to switch to a rubber spatula to be able to fully mix the batter once it thickens. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure that your batter is evenly combined. Spread the batter into an even layer in the prepared pan.
Bake the brownie layer for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on the counter while making the banana pudding layer.
In a separate mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium speed beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the instant banana cream pudding mix, large eggs, and whole milk. Beat again for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the batter is smooth.
Gently add dollops of the thick banana mixture over the surface of the brownie layer. Carefully spread the banana mixture all the way to the edges of the brownie layer, using a small offset spatula, into an even layer. Be gentle while spreading the banana pudding layer so as not to disturb the brownie layer.
Place the vanilla wafer cookies into the center of each serving. You will need 4 rows of cookies that are equally spaced to sit in the middle of each serving once the brownies have cooled and can be sliced.
Bake the banana pudding layer for an additional 15-18 minutes or until the banana pudding brownies are lightly golden on the edges and the center of the pudding layer is set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the banana pudding brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your brownies as the suggested baking time approaches.
Note that once these banana pudding brownies cool on the counter, the banana pudding layer will have the texture of a baked custard (where the upper surface of the pudding is a bit firmer than it is under the surface). If you want really straight, clean slices, you can chill the banana pudding brownies for an hour or so, covered with plastic wrap, before slicing them. For very clean cuts, you will need to slice them with a very sharp, straight knife.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Banana Pudding Brownies