Indulge in Cozy Comfort with Banana Pudding Brownies
Ah, the delightful fusion of two classic desserts into one crowning glory—Banana Pudding Brownies! Imagine sinking your fork into a decadent layer of rich, chocolatey brownies, instantly softened by a smooth, creamy banana pudding that dances delightfully on your palate. It takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where the warm aroma of brownies baking would fill the air, ushering in hugs and laughter while the world outside grew cold and brisk. There’s something undeniably comforting about enjoying a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
These Banana Pudding Brownies are perfect for gatherings with family and friends, making them an easy weeknight dessert or a crowd-pleasing addition to any potluck. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, Decadent Layers: The combination of rich brownie and fluffy pudding creates a heavenly texture that melts in your mouth.
- So Simple to Make: With a brownie mix as your base, you’ll whip this up effortlessly, leaving you with more time to gather with loved ones.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a relaxed family dinner or a lively birthday celebration, these brownies bring joy wherever they go.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: This recipe is a hit with kids (and the young at heart!)—they love the unique banana flavor and the crunchy vanilla wafer topping.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: These brownies chill beautifully in the fridge, making them a great make-ahead dessert for easy hosting.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Pudding Brownies
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box brownie mix (or homemade for a 9×13 pan)
- Ingredients required for the mix (eggs, oil, water)
Banana Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1½–2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
- 1–1½ cups crushed vanilla wafers
- Banana slices (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Banana Pudding Brownies
Bake the Brownies: Prepare the brownie batter according to package or recipe directions. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. Allow them to cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until thickened (about 2 minutes). After that, pop it in the fridge for about 5 minutes to set.
Assemble Layers: Once the brownies are cooled, spread the banana pudding evenly over them, making sure to cover all corners.
Add Topping: Gently spread your whipped topping over the pudding layer, creating a smooth, creamy surface. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers generously on top for a crunchy finish.
Chill: Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours to set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve cold, perhaps garnished with banana slices for a cheerful touch.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Add chocolate pudding mix instead of banana for a rich, chocolaty twist that creates a jungle of flavors.
- Tropical Delight: Mix in crushed pineapple with the pudding layer for a zesty texture and flavor that complements the banana beautifully.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the whipped topping for an indulgent, crunchy addition.
- Berry Burst: Layer in fresh blueberries or strawberries on top of the pudding before adding the whipped topping for a refreshing fruity contrast.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: This dessert keeps well in the refrigerator. Make it a day in advance to let the layers meld together beautifully for an even better flavor.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about 3–4 days, though they may disappear faster than that!
- Slicing Tips: For cleaner slices, use a hot knife to cut through the brownies, wiping the knife clean between each cut to prevent sticking.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you want to make it dairy-free, you can use almond milk and a dairy-free whipped topping.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes! These brownies taste even better after they’ve chilled, so feel free to make them a day in advance.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the pudding flavor or even the cookie topping based on your preferences.
How do I store leftovers? Keep the brownies covered in the refrigerator; they’ll be good for about 3–4 days.
How long does it last? When stored properly, these Banana Pudding Brownies can last in the fridge up to 4 days.
A Cozy Closing Note
These Banana Pudding Brownies are more than just a dessert; they tell a story of warmth, sweetness, and family gatherings filled with laughter. With each bite, you’ll be transported to a place of comforting nostalgia. Make sure to save this recipe to your dessert board so it’s ready when you’re in the mood for something cozy and delicious! Happy baking!
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Banana Pudding Brownies
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion of chocolate brownies and creamy banana pudding, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (or homemade for a 9×13 pan)
- Ingredients required for the mix (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½–2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
- 1–1½ cups crushed vanilla wafers
- Banana slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the brownie batter according to package or recipe directions. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. Allow them to cool completely in the pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until thickened (about 2 minutes). Refrigerate for about 5 minutes to set.
- Once the brownies are cooled, spread the banana pudding evenly over them, making sure to cover all corners.
- Gently spread your whipped topping over the pudding layer, creating a smooth, creamy surface. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers generously on top.
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve cold, garnished with banana slices if desired.
Notes
For cleaner slices, use a hot knife and clean it between cuts. Can be made a day in advance for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Banana, Brownies, Dessert, Pudding, Easy Recipe