If you are on the hunt for a dessert that beautifully blends the fudgy goodness of brownies with the creamy, fruity charm of banana pudding, look no further than the Irresistibly Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe. This delightful creation combines layers of rich chocolate brownie, luscious banana-flavored pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafers, crafting an unforgettable treat that will charm your taste buds and satisfy any sweet craving. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these brownies promise a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Irresistibly Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe means gathering simple but essential ingredients that each play a special role in delivering a perfect blend of taste, texture, and appearance. Every element, from butter to banana pudding mix, works together to create a luscious and visually inviting dessert.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted: Enhances the richness and gives a gooey texture.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Ensures better incorporation for a fudgy brownie!
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to each bite.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps give the brownies a slight rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich and creamy texture.
- 3.4 ounces instant banana cream pudding mix: Infuses delicious banana flavor directly into the batter.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Second set ensures a smooth, cohesive banana pudding layer.
- ¼ cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the pudding mixture.
- 16 pieces vanilla wafer cookies: Provides a delightful crunch and a classic touch.
How to Make Irresistibly Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your brownies don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped. This step may seem small, but it sets the stage for easy removal and clean slices later, making your experience seamless.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar until fully combined. This creates a rich, caramel-like base that’s critical for that deliciously gooey texture. Then, add the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is smoothly blended. Incorporating the eggs gently but thoroughly helps produce that dense, fudgy consistency we all love. Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk again until you’ve got a thick and smooth batter ready to become brownie magic.
Step 3: Bake the Brownie Layer
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes. While this bakes to a beautiful dense texture, it’s important not to overbake, so watch the edges carefully. Once it’s done, let it cool completely to prepare for the next delectable layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer
In a separate bowl, use a handheld mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth—this creamy base will balance beautifully with the banana flavor. To that, add the instant banana cream pudding mix, eggs, and whole milk. Beat everything together until smooth and cohesive, creating a luscious pudding layer that’s bursting with authentic banana flavor wrapped in cheesiness.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon dollops of the banana pudding mixture over the cooled brownie layer and spread it evenly to cover. Next, gently place the vanilla wafer cookies in four neat rows across the banana pudding layer for that iconic crunch and texture contrast. Bake again for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. This final bake locks all the layers in harmonious unity.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature. This cooling phase helps set the pudding and brownie layers so your slices hold beautifully. When you cut into these brownies, you’ll see distinct layers that promise every bite is as delightful as it looks.
How to Serve Irresistibly Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra love to your presentation is always a good idea. Sprinkle some crushed vanilla wafers or finely chopped toasted pecans on top for crunch and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the sweetness without overpowering the delicate banana flavor.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Both add a creamy contrast to the dense dessert, making every mouthful a little more luxurious. A fresh fruit salad or slices of ripe banana alongside can complement the pudding’s banana notes and brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider serving these brownies in small portions on mini dessert plates topped with a thin slice of fresh banana and a mint leaf for a classy touch. Alternatively, crumble some brownies over yogurt parfaits to infuse dessert-like qualities into a breakfast or brunch option. Individual serving jars layered with whipped cream and crushed wafers can also turn these into charming, shareable treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain the perfect balance of softness and creaminess. If your kitchen is warmer, refrigerating them will help keep the cream cheese and pudding layers fresh without drying out the brownies.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance or keep them for later indulgence, they freeze beautifully. Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To regain that freshly baked warmth, reheat individual portions briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warm. This short burst of heat revives the gooey brownie aspect without melting the cream cheese pudding layer, creating an irresistible experience with each bite.
FAQs
Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant banana cream?
Instant pudding mix is preferred for the faster setting and smoother texture it creates, which is integral to the pudding layer in this recipe. Regular pudding mix typically requires cooking and might change the consistency or baking times.
Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs?
Yes! Room temperature eggs blend more easily with the wet ingredients, resulting in a smoother, more uniform batter that bakes up fudgy and moist rather than dense or lumpy.
Can I substitute the vanilla wafer cookies with something else?
Vanilla wafers add a signature crunch and mild flavor that complements the banana pudding perfectly. You could try shortbread cookies or graham crackers for a slightly different texture and taste, but vanilla wafers remain the classic choice.
How do I know when the brownies are fully baked?
The edges should turn golden, and a toothpick inserted near the center of the second bake (banana pudding layer) should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid baking too long to keep everything gooey and tender.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
With some substitutions—such as dairy-free butter, cream cheese alternatives, and plant-based milk—you can adapt this recipe. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Irresistibly Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, marrying two beloved desserts into one harmonious delight. The creamy banana pudding layered atop rich fudgy brownies, punctuated by crunchy vanilla wafers, creates a flavor and texture party that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for something to impress your friends, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Go ahead and treat yourself—these brownies are destined to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Print
Irresistibly Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Irresistibly Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies combine the rich fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy banana pudding layer and a delightful crunch from vanilla wafer cookies. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a unique twist on two favorite treats, this recipe delivers layers of sweet, creamy, and crunchy goodness in every bite.
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
- 3.4 ounces instant banana cream pudding mix
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 16 pieces vanilla wafer cookies
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, whisking until the batter is well blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk gently until the batter becomes thick and smooth, taking care not to overmix.
- Bake Brownie Layer: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool while preparing the pudding layer.
- Prepare Banana Pudding Mixture: Using a handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Pudding Ingredients: Add the instant banana cream pudding mix, eggs, and whole milk to the cream cheese. Beat thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Layers: Spoon dollops of the banana pudding mixture over the cooled brownie layer and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add Vanilla Wafers: Arrange the vanilla wafer cookies on top of the banana pudding layer in four neat rows, distributing evenly across the pan.
- Bake Final Layer: Return the assembled pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into 12 servings. Enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and fudgy layers all in one bite!
Notes
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- You can store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For an extra banana boost, add thinly sliced fresh bananas between the brownie and pudding layers.
- Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water to make clean cuts for more attractive servings.
