If you love rich, fudgy brownies and creamy banana pudding, get ready to fall head over heels in love with this recipe. Banana Pudding Brownies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert Recipe takes the best of both worlds and marries them into one irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Moist, chocolatey brownies are layered with luscious banana pudding and creamy whipped topping, then crowned with fresh banana slices for a dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you’re bringing something special to a potluck or just indulging at home, this unique dessert will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet wonderfully effective in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Banana Pudding Brownies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the butter that ensures richness to the bananas that deliver fresh fruity sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich moisture and helps create that perfect fudgy brownie texture.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the batter, balancing the cocoa’s deeper notes.
- Large eggs (4): Provide structure and help bind everything together smoothly.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with warm aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The backbone of the brownies, lending them just the right density.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): Brings chocolate goodness with a hint of bittersweet depth.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift without compromising fudginess.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor complexity.
- Ripe bananas, mashed (1 cup): Provides moistness and natural fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Mini marshmallows (1 cup): Adds pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the brownies.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1 cup, optional): Introduces crunch and a nutty dimension to the dessert.
- Vanilla pudding mix (instant, 1 cup): Creates the creamy banana pudding layer that makes this recipe shine.
- Milk (2 cups): Needed to prepare the pudding and keep it smooth.
- Whipped cream (1 cup, for topping): Offers a light, fluffy layer that contrasts beautifully with the brownies.
- Banana, sliced (1, for garnish): Fresh slices add vibrant color and an inviting finishing touch.
How to Make Banana Pudding Brownies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it ensures your brownies come out cleanly, making serving and presentation a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, about 3 to 4 minutes. This aerates the batter, helping your brownies develop the perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add the eggs to your creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Adding these dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture on low speed will help maintain a tender crumb without overmixing, which can toughen brownies.
Step 5: Fold in Bananas, Marshmallows, and Nuts
Gently fold in the mashed bananas, mini marshmallows, and your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans if using. This gives each bite delightful pops of sweetness, texture, and flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Brownie Base
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out with a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to overbake so your brownies stay decadently moist.
Step 7: Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer
While the brownies cool, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens, usually 2 to 3 minutes. Next, fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding for a luscious, slightly airy texture that will give the brownie base an exciting new dimension.
Step 8: Assemble and Chill
Once cooled, remove the brownies from the pan and spread the banana pudding mixture evenly on top. Then layer on the remaining whipped cream and arrange fresh banana slices for that beautifully fresh finish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the pudding set perfectly.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Brownies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh banana slices are a classic choice, adding brightness and a lovely visual contrast on the creamy whipped topping. You can also sprinkle a few toasted nuts or mini marshmallows for extra texture and nutty aroma, enhancing the overall experience.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to amp up the indulgence. A simple cup of coffee or cold milk complements the sweetness and richness, making it an all-around crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the banana pudding brownies in individual glass dessert cups for an elegant touch at parties. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized squares and skewer with decorative picks for easy grab-and-go finger food that still dazzles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. Thanks to the pudding layer, these brownies stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days. The chilled texture only improves with time, making them even more enjoyable.
Freezing
This dessert freezes best without the pudding and topping layers. For best results, freeze just the brownie base in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight, then prepare the pudding and assembly fresh.
Reheating
Since the banana pudding layer is best enjoyed chilled, avoid reheating the assembled brownies. If you want a warm treat, gently warm individual brownie pieces before assembling with pudding and whipped cream.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal as they’re sweeter and softer, making the batter extra moist and flavorful. Just make sure they aren’t spoiled.
What can I substitute for instant vanilla pudding mix?
If you don’t have instant pudding mix, you can make homemade vanilla pudding from scratch, but keep in mind this will require additional cooking and chilling time.
Are the nuts necessary in Banana Pudding Brownies?
Not at all. The nuts are optional and can be omitted for those with allergies or personal preference. You can also swap them for other crunchy add-ins like toffee bits.
How long should I chill the Banana Pudding Brownies after assembling?
Refrigerate them for at least 2 hours so the pudding layer firms up nicely. For best flavor and texture, chilling overnight is ideal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be mindful of any cross-contamination and check that your pudding mix is gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that blends the comforting sweetness of banana pudding with the rich decadence of brownies, this recipe is your answer. Banana Pudding Brownies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert Recipe is not only a showstopper in flavor and presentation but also a fun baking project that will wow your friends and family. Don’t wait to give this delightful dessert a try — it might just become your new favorite treat to share and enjoy.
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Banana Pudding Brownies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Pudding Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic chocolate brownies with the creamy sweetness of banana pudding and whipped cream topping. This delightful twist includes mashed bananas, mini marshmallows, and optional nuts folded into the batter, layered with vanilla pudding, and garnished with fresh banana slices for a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for gatherings and special treats.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Pudding Layer
- 1 cup vanilla pudding mix (instant)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup whipped cream (for topping and folding into pudding)
- 1 banana, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Fold in Additional Ingredients: Fold the mashed bananas, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter evenly using a spatula.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Monitor closely to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Brownies: Remove brownies from the oven and cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Fold Whipped Cream into Pudding: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined. Reserve the remaining whipped cream for the topping.
- Remove Brownies from Pan: Once cooled completely, carefully lift brownies from the pan using the parchment paper and place on a serving platter or cutting board.
- Spread Pudding Layer: Evenly spread the banana pudding mixture over the top of the brownies.
- Add Whipped Cream Topping: Spread the remaining whipped cream evenly over the pudding layer.
- Garnish: Arrange the sliced banana pieces on top of the whipped cream for a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Chill: Cover the assembled brownies with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness in the batter.
- Folding in the marshmallows provides delightful pockets of sweetness within the brownies.
- Optional nuts add a crunchy texture but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before adding pudding and whipped cream to prevent melting.
- Refrigerating the dessert allows the pudding to set and flavors to meld beautifully.
- For easier serving, use parchment paper to lift the entire brownie slab out of the pan.
