Banana pudding brownies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: rich, fudgy brownies and creamy banana pudding. This recipe combines the moist, dense texture of homemade brownies with the nostalgic flavors of a classic Southern banana pudding. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to impress both family and friends with their unique flavor combination and appealing presentation. The chocolate and banana flavor pairing creates a mouthwatering treat that is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a standout option for any dessert table. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this easy banana dessert recipe will elevate your dessert game to a whole new level, guaranteed to leave your guests asking for seconds. Interestingly, banana pudding is a cherished dish in Southern cuisine, often associated with family gatherings and celebrations, adding cultural richness to our modern twist of banana pudding brownies. A fun fact is that banana pudding has roots dating back to the 19th century, showcasing how traditional recipes can evolve into new favorites like these brownies.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base

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

For the Banana Pudding Layer

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent banana browning)

For Topping

• 1/2 cup whipped cream (optional, but highly recommended for added creaminess)
• 1 banana, sliced (for garnish, adds a fresh touch)
• Chocolate shavings or drizzle (for decoration, enhancing visual appeal)

For the best flavor, ensure your bananas are ripe. The natural sweetness of overripe bananas enhances the creamy banana pudding and pairs beautifully with the chocolate brownie base, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. You can also use homemade brownies if you prefer a more personalized touch, but this recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible for everyone, regardless of baking experience. If you’re looking for an extra layer of flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder for the brownies and pure vanilla extract instead of imitation. Using pure ingredients elevates the overall quality of the dish, making each bite even more enjoyable. You can learn more about this topic and explore various interpretations of this delightful dessert, including those featuring different types of bananas or alternative flavoring techniques.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies once baked. Using parchment paper not only helps with removal but also gives the sides of the brownies a nice finish.
2. Prepare the brownie batter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once the butter is completely melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar, mixing until fully combined. Let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s warm but not hot, to preserve the integrity of the eggs in the next step. This cooling phase is crucial, as adding eggs to a hot mixture can scramble them.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. This technique helps to create a rich, fudgy texture by incorporating air into the batter. Afterward, stir in the vanilla extract, which will give the batter a wonderful aroma and enhance the overall flavor profile.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser brownie texture. The goal is to achieve a smooth batter without lumps while maintaining a light consistency.
5. Pour into the pan: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should look firm and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan, indicating that the brownies are baked perfectly. Keep an eye on them as they bake; the aroma of chocolate will fill your kitchen!
6. Cool the brownies: Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling phase is essential; it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, making them easier to handle and cutting them into perfect squares.
7. Make the banana pudding: In a mixing bowl, combine the whole milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk vigorously until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Setting the pudding aside for a few minutes allows the flavors to develop further, enhancing the overall taste.
8. Whip the cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Pay close attention to the cream; whipping it too long can turn it into butter. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well incorporated, creating a light and airy banana pudding layer that will contrast beautifully with the dense brownie base.
9. Add bananas: Toss the sliced bananas in lemon juice to prevent browning and preserve their vibrant color. This step is crucial as it keeps the bananas looking fresh and appealing. Then fold them gently into the pudding mixture, ensuring even distribution without mashing them. You want to maintain the slices as whole pieces to provide texture.
10. Layer the dessert: Once the brownies are cooled, spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring every corner is covered for a beautiful presentation. This layered approach not only looks appealing but also allows each bite to include both the brownie and pudding layers.
11. Chill: Refrigerate the banana pudding brownies for at least 2 hours to set the pudding layer properly. This step is crucial for the best texture and flavor, allowing the layers to meld together into a cohesive dessert. The chilling also helps the pudding firm up, making it easier to cut cleanly when serving.
12. Serve: Once chilled, cut into squares or rectangles for serving. Top with whipped cream, additional banana slices, or chocolate shavings if desired. This additional garnish not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor experience, making your banana pudding brownies truly delectable.

Tips & Tricks

For the best results, consider these tips: Check out our related guide for more tips to enhance your baking experience. These banana pudding brownies are a fun and interactive treat that can involve everyone in the kitchen.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bananas will start to brown over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you’re making these in advance, consider adding the bananas on the day of serving to ensure they stay vibrant.
• Make-ahead: The brownie base can be made a day in advance, allowing you to save time on the day you plan to serve. Just ensure you keep it covered to maintain its moisture and flavor. This way, all you have to do is prepare the pudding layer when you’re ready to assemble the dessert.
• Common mistakes: Avoid overmixing the brownie batter, as this can lead to a denser texture. Mix until just combined to retain the fudgy quality. Also, be cautious with the baking time; overbaking can dry out the brownies, ruining their fudgy nature, which is what makes banana pudding brownies so special.
• Pro technique: For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter before baking. This extra touch can elevate the chocolate experience, making your banana pudding brownies even more indulgent and satisfying. It’s a great way to enhance the rich taste of chocolate while maintaining the balance of flavors.

Enjoy experimenting with these banana pudding brownies! Their decadent layers and delightful flavors make them a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking with kids and sharing fun memories or impressing guests at a gathering, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations and any variations you try! Each batch can be a new adventure in flavor and creativity!

Print

Banana Pudding Brownies

Recipe by Chef

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 12 +

⏱️

Prep Time

30 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

—

Banana pudding brownies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: rich, fudgy brownies and creamy banana pudding. This recipe combines the moist, dense texture of homemade brownies with the nostalgic flavors of a classic Southern banana pudding.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Start cooking

Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup whipped cream (optional)
• 1 banana, sliced (for garnish)
• Chocolate shavings or drizzle (for decoration)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan generously with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.

2.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar until combined. Let cool slightly for about 5 minutes.

3.

Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate into the wet mixture until just combined.

5.

Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

6.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

7.

In a mixing bowl, combine the whole milk and instant vanilla pudding mix, whisking until thickened, about 2 minutes.

8.

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the pudding mixture.

9.

Toss the sliced bananas in lemon juice to prevent browning, then fold them into the pudding mixture.

10.

Once the brownies are cooled, spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the top.

11.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set the pudding layer.

12.

Cut into squares or rectangles for serving and top with whipped cream, banana slices, or chocolate shavings.

Nutrition Facts