If you’ve ever wished you could combine two all-time favorite desserts into one heavenly bite, you’re going to adore this Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe. Imagine the moist, dense richness of a classic brownie mingling with the creamy, nostalgic flavors of banana pudding, all wrapped up in a dessert that’s both fun and comforting. It’s a true crowd-pleaser with a twist that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to impressing friends at your next party. Once you try it, this recipe might just become your go-to sweet treat that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key, but don’t worry, this Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe calls for simple, relatable staples that work together beautifully for that irresistible taste and texture. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s the lushness of melted butter or the tropical sweetness from ripe bananas.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb to the brownies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness that balances with the banana flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create a fudgy structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their structure without weighing them down.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures just a touch of lift so the brownies aren’t too dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1 cup banana pudding mix (instant): The secret ingredient that infuses those unmistakable banana pudding vibes into the batter.
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas: Adds natural banana sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): For a melty, chocolaty surprise to delight your taste buds.
How to Make Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. This prep ensures your brownies won’t stick, making for easy removal and clean edges that look as good as they taste.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy — this creates a luscious base. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and glossy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the instant banana pudding mix. By blending these separately, you ensure even distribution of the leavening and banana flavor throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough, so be gentle here. Then fold in the mashed ripe bananas to give the batter that distinct sweet, fruity punch.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches and Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you love a little surprise in every bite, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into those mouthwatering squares.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a classic pairing, but a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top elevates the banana pudding vibe even more. Fresh banana slices can also add a lovely, fresh contrast to the warm brownie.
Side Dishes
Serve your Banana Pudding Brownies with a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance the richness. These sides bring brightness and texture contrast, making your dessert experience all the more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering chunks of the brownie with banana pudding and whipped cream in dessert glasses for a beautiful parfait presentation. You could also drizzle caramel sauce or a bit of melted peanut butter over the brownies to add extra layers of flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Pudding Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and flavorful, ready to enjoy with minimal effort whenever a sweet craving hits.
Freezing
Want to keep these delicious treats longer? Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen this way, they’ll maintain their taste and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For a warm, freshly-baked feel, thaw frozen brownies overnight in the fridge, then heat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This brings back that gooey, soft texture that makes the Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use fresh banana pudding instead of instant mix?
Instant banana pudding mix is key in this recipe because it helps create the correct batter consistency and infuses a concentrated banana pudding flavor. Using fresh pudding would alter the texture and moisture levels, so it’s best to stick with the instant mix here.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
If you don’t have mini chocolate chips, you can use regular-sized chocolate chips or even skip them altogether. The brownies are delicious on their own, but the chips do add a lovely melty touch that complements the banana flavor beautifully.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, gluten-free flour blends can be used, but results may vary slightly in texture. For best outcomes, choose a blend designed for baking that contains xanthan gum or other binding agents.
Are these brownies very sweet?
These Banana Pudding Brownies have a balanced sweetness—thanks to the combination of banana pudding mix, sugar, and natural banana sweetness. They satisfy your sweet tooth without being overpowering.
Can I make these into cupcakes instead of brownies?
Absolutely! Simply pour the batter into a lined cupcake pan and bake for about 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking since cupcakes tend to cook faster than brownies.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on this wonderfully fun and delicious Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe, there’s nothing standing between you and a batch of these show-stopping treats. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to spoil yourself, these brownies are sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy dance moves. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for one of the most delightful crossovers in dessert history!
Print
Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Banana Pudding Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the creamy, nostalgic flavor of banana pudding. Moist and tender with a hint of vanilla and ripe bananas, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and impressing friends and family alike.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup banana pudding mix (instant)
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and instant banana pudding mix, ensuring even distribution of the dry components.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add mashed bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas thoroughly, ensuring they are evenly incorporated into the batter for the perfect banana flavor and moist texture.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add chocolate chips (optional): If desired, sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter to add a delightful chocolate touch.
- Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the brownies are done.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 16 squares. This helps the brownies set and makes for clean slices. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure bananas are ripe for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and moist.
- Using parchment paper makes removing the brownies from the pan easier.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional but add a nice chocolate contrast.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can refrigerate for longer storage, but bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
