Banana Pudding Brownies: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Banana Pudding Brownies: Prepare to have your dessert world rocked! Imagine the fudgy, decadent goodness of a classic brownie swirled together with the creamy, comforting flavors of banana pudding. It sounds too good to be true, right? But trust me, this recipe delivers an unforgettable treat that will have everyone begging for more.

While the exact origins of combining these two iconic desserts are a bit hazy, the inspiration is clear. Banana pudding, a Southern staple, evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, often gracing family gatherings and potlucks. Brownies, on the other hand, are a universally loved indulgence, perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving. Marrying these two beloved desserts creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.

What makes these banana pudding brownies so special? It’s the perfect balance of rich chocolate, sweet banana, and a hint of vanilla. The fudgy brownie base provides a satisfying chew, while the creamy banana pudding swirl adds a delightful lightness and a burst of fruity flavor. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special celebration. Get ready to experience a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting – you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients:

• For the Brownie Layer:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
• For the Banana Pudding Layer:
  • 1 (5.1 ounce) box instant banana cream pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• For the Whipped Cream Topping:
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional Garnish:
  • Vanilla wafers, crushed
  • Extra banana slices
  • Chocolate shavings

Preparing the Brownie Layer:

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make them easy to remove later. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for even easier removal.
2. Melt the Butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter completely. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to burn the butter!
3. Combine Sugar and Cocoa: Add the granulated sugar and cocoa powder to the melted butter. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and there are no lumps of cocoa powder. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
4. Add Salt and Vanilla: Stir in the salt and vanilla extract. These ingredients enhance the flavors of the chocolate and add depth to the brownies.
5. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This is important for creating a fudgy texture. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough brownies, so mix until just combined.
6. Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the flour in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
7. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter. This will add extra chocolatey goodness to your brownies.
8. Pour into Pan and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as they will continue to cook as they cool.
9. Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the banana pudding layer. This is crucial because if the brownies are still warm, the pudding will melt and become runny. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour.

Preparing the Banana Pudding Layer:

1. Whisk Pudding and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant banana cream pudding mix and cold milk until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of pudding mix.
2. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract. This will enhance the banana flavor of the pudding.
3. Let it Set: Let the pudding mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow it to thicken. It should have a pudding-like consistency.
4. Slice the Bananas: While the pudding is setting, slice the bananas into thin rounds.
5. Assemble the Pudding Layer: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the banana pudding evenly over the top.
6. Arrange Banana Slices: Arrange the sliced bananas over the pudding layer. You can create a decorative pattern or simply scatter them evenly.
7. Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the pudding to set completely and the flavors to meld together.

Preparing the Whipped Cream Topping:

1. Chill Bowl and Whisk: Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment (or beaters) in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the whipped cream whip up faster and hold its shape better.
2. Combine Ingredients: Pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Whip the Cream: Beat the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. Then, increase the speed to high and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter.
4. Spread Over Pudding: Once the banana pudding layer has chilled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top.

Final Touches and Serving:

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the whipped cream. You can also add extra banana slices or chocolate shavings for a more decorative look.
2. Chill Again: If you have time, chill the brownies for another 30 minutes to an hour after adding the whipped cream. This will help the whipped cream set and make the brownies easier to slice.
3. Slice and Serve: Cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy! These Banana Pudding Brownies are best served cold.
4. Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream may start to soften after a day or two, but the brownies will still taste delicious.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These banana pudding brownies are truly something special, a delightful fusion of two classic desserts that will have everyone begging for more. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Banana pudding…in a brownie?” Trust me on this one. The creamy, sweet banana pudding layer perfectly complements the rich, fudgy brownie base, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the comforting familiarity of banana pudding combined with the decadent indulgence of a brownie. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a special celebration. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! The recipe is straightforward, and even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these beauties in no time. But the best part? The endless possibilities for customization! While the recipe as written is absolutely divine, feel free to get creative and put your own spin on it.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Go Bananas! For an extra burst of banana flavor, try adding sliced bananas to the top of the brownie batter before baking. * Nilla Wafer Crunch: Sprinkle crushed Nilla wafers over the banana pudding layer for added texture and a classic banana pudding touch. * Chocolate Chips Galore: Mix chocolate chips into the brownie batter or sprinkle them on top for an even more decadent treat. * Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter for a delightful crunch. * Whipped Cream Dream: Serve these brownies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance. * Ice Cream Sundae Brownies: Warm up a brownie and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an unforgettable dessert. * Caramel Swirl: Swirl caramel sauce into the banana pudding layer before baking for a rich and gooey treat. * Peanut Butter Bliss: Add a layer of peanut butter between the brownie and banana pudding layers for a Reese’s-inspired twist. * Boozy Brownies: Add a tablespoon of banana liqueur to the banana pudding mixture for an adult-friendly version. I truly believe that these banana pudding brownies will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect combination of comfort food and indulgence, and they’re guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing brownies. I promise you won’t regret it! And once you’ve tried them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a comment below. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy this delicious dessert. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what you create!

Print