Name: Banana Pudding Brownies That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3.9 ounces Instant Banana Pudding (Consider substituting with vanilla pudding for a lighter taste.); 2 cups Milk (Almond or soy milk can be used for a dairy-free option.); 15.25 ounces Yellow Cake Mix (A chocolate cake mix offers a richer flavor alternative.); 2 medium Bananas (Opt for overripe bananas for extra sweetness.); 2 cups Vanilla Wafer Cookies (Graham crackers can be an excellent substitute.)

As I scrolled through my recipe stash, a whimsical thought struck me: what if I combined two classics into one delectable treat? Enter Banana Pudding Brownies—a delightful fusion that transforms ordinary brownies into something extraordinary. This quick and family-friendly dessert features creamy banana pudding layered within rich, moist brownies, creating a sweet escape that’s perfect for busy days. Not only does this recipe simplify dessert prep by using yellow cake mix, but it also guarantees a crowd-pleasing result that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or an enthusiastic beginner, these brownies are your ticket to homemade happiness. So, are you ready to indulge in this delightful twist on tradition? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Will You Love These Brownies?

Simplicity at Its Best: With just a few ingredients and a yellow cake mix base, you’ll whip up these brownies in no time!

Creamy Banana Goodness: The addition of instant banana pudding infuses rich flavor and keeps them moist, ensuring each bite is delightful.

Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, these brownies will have everyone coming back for more, just like my popular Cinnamon Swirl Banana and Chocolate Chip Banana recipes.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite flavors—try chocolate pudding for a decadent twist or even diced strawberries for a fruity flair!

Perfectly Textured: Enjoy the unique combination of fudgy brownies topped with a delightful crunch from vanilla wafer cookies, creating an irresistible contrast that elevates every bite.

Banana Pudding Brownies Ingredients

For the Brownies

Instant Banana Pudding (3.9 ounces) – Adds rich banana flavor and creaminess; consider substituting with vanilla pudding for a lighter taste.
Milk (2 cups) – Activates the pudding; almond or soy milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 ounces) – The base of the brownies providing sweetness and texture; a chocolate cake mix offers a richer flavor alternative.
Bananas (2 medium, thinly sliced) – Brings a fresh banana flavor and moisture; opt for overripe bananas for extra sweetness.

For the Topping

Vanilla Wafer Cookies (2 cups, roughly chopped) – Introduces a delightful crunch and subtle vanilla flavor; graham crackers can be an excellent substitute for a different texture.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Pudding Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉. While it warms up, take a 9×13 baking dish and generously grease it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This creates the perfect canvas for your Banana Pudding Brownies, ensuring they slide right out when they’re ready to serve.

Step 2: Mix the Pudding
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3.9-ounce package of instant banana pudding with 2 cups of milk. Whisk them together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This creamy base is essential for infusing your brownies with rich banana flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Once your pudding mixture is smooth, add the 15.25-ounce yellow cake mix to the bowl. Stir it gently with a spatula or use a hand mixer on low speed, mixing just until everything is combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and gooey, embodying the heart of these Banana Pudding Brownies.

Step 4: Fold in the Bananas
Gently fold in two medium, thinly sliced bananas into your brownie batter. Use a spatula to incorporate them carefully, making sure not to mash the bananas too much. This step adds fresh banana flavor and delightful texture, making your brownies irresistibly moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Transfer the Batter
Pour the luscious brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. This ensures each bite of your Banana Pudding Brownies bakes uniformly, resulting in a perfect texture. Patience here will lead you to a cake-like brownie that holds its shape while being luxuriously moist.

Step 6: Add the Topping
Sprinkle roughly chopped vanilla wafer cookies over the surface of the brownie batter, distributing them evenly. This will create a crunchy layer on top that adds a delightful contrast to the softness of the brownies. The vanilla wafers will caramelize slightly during baking, enhancing the overall flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Now, it’s time to bake your creation! Place the baking dish in the oven and let the Banana Pudding Brownies bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring a fudgy yet firm texture that everyone will love.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This cooling time is crucial, as it helps them set beautifully, allowing you to achieve clean slices that showcase the delicious layers. Once cooled, cut them into squares and indulge in the delightful combination of flavors!

Storage Tips for Banana Pudding Brownies

Room Temperature: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to enjoy their delightful texture and flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, store in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent drying out.

Freezer: To enjoy these Banana Pudding Brownies later, freeze them wrapped individually or in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For the best taste, reheat thawed brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving, bringing back that gooey goodness!

Banana Pudding Brownies Variations

Feel free to make these delightful Banana Pudding Brownies your own with these tasty twists that will awaken your culinary creativity!

Strawberry Swirl: Swap the sliced bananas for diced strawberries for a fruity pop of flavor that brightens each bite.
Chocolate Indulgence: Use chocolate pudding instead of banana pudding for an ultra-rich, chocolatey brownie experience that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy element that enhances both texture and flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence that elevates the whole treat.
Coconut Bliss: Stir in shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the banana flavor.
Graham Cracker Crunch: Replace vanilla wafer cookies with crushed graham crackers to give your brownies a nostalgic s’mores vibe.
Spicy Zip: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an unexpected warmth that adds depth to every mouthful.
Fruity Fusion: Mash up some overripe blueberries or peaches into the batter alongside the bananas for a more delicious flavor medley that’s irresistibly tasty.

Feel inspired to explore and savor these variations! For even more banana goodness, check out my popular Banana Bread Cinnamon or Moist Chocolate Chip Banana recipes!

Expert Tips for Banana Pudding Brownies

Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure to whisk the pudding and milk until completely smooth to avoid any lumps. This guarantees a creamy base for your Banana Pudding Brownies.
Gentle Folding: When adding bananas to the batter, fold them in gently. Overmixing can break them down and alter the texture of your brownies.
Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan before slicing. This prevents them from falling apart and ensures cleaner edges.
Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness, inserting it into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This ensures perfect brownies every time!
Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Swap banana pudding for chocolate pudding or add nuts for extra crunch. Each variation will still yield delicious Banana Pudding Brownies.

Make Ahead Options

These Banana Pudding Brownies are fantastic for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy days! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance—just mix the pudding and cake mix, fold in the bananas, and transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. To maintain quality, refrigerate the batter instead of freezing, as freezing can change the texture of the bananas. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the chopped vanilla wafer cookies on top and pop them in the oven, baking until a toothpick comes out clean. This way, you’ll have a delicious homemade dessert with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Banana Pudding Brownies

Treat your loved ones to a wonderfully delightful dessert experience that pairs perfectly with these scrumptious brownies.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the brownies, creating a comforting sensation.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of whipped cream elevates each slice, making the dessert feel extra special and indulgent.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing tartness that cuts through the brownie’s sweetness, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Imagine sharing these brownies topped with whipped cream at a family gathering. The moment of joy when everyone takes their first bite is truly priceless!

Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For chocoholics, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of decadence to the already rich brownies.
Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the banana flavors beautifully and adds a pleasant bitterness that enhances the dessert experience.
Sweet Tea: For a Southern touch, sweet tea serves as a refreshing beverage, enhancing the overall flavors and rounding out your dessert table.
Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel offers a sweet, sticky richness that pairs marvelously with the banana and vanilla flavors in the brownies.

Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe bananas for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Look for bananas that are slightly overripe, with a few dark spots on the peel. These bananas are sweeter and will add a rich flavor to your Banana Pudding Brownies. If your bananas are still green or firm, leave them out at room temperature for a couple of days to fully ripen.

What’s the best way to store leftover brownies?
Very! Store your leftover Banana Pudding Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like them to stay fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to maintain their moisture and avoid drying out.

Can I freeze Banana Pudding Brownies, and how?
Of course! To freeze your brownies, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste!

What should I do if my brownies are too dense or gooey after baking?
Don’t worry; a little troubleshooting can help! If your Banana Pudding Brownies turn out too dense or gooey, it may be due to overmixing the batter after adding the bananas. For next time, mix gently and avoid over-whisking. Also, double-check the baking time; ensure you bake them until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re making these brownies for guests, consider any allergies they may have, particularly relating to bananas, milk, or gluten from the cake mix. For a dairy-free option, substitute regular milk with almond or soy milk. You can also use gluten-free cake mix if needed. This makes your Banana Pudding Brownies accessible to a wider range of dietary needs.

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Very! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of pudding mix to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Chocolate pudding can create a richer brownie, while vanilla pudding will maintain a lighter flavor. This versatility allows you to enjoy a variety of delightful twists on your Banana Pudding Brownies recipe!