Name: Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies for Ultimate Comfort Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 box Instant Banana Pudding (or instant vanilla pudding); 2 cups Milk (whole milk for best results); 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (or chocolate cake mix for a twist); 2 medium Bananas (overripe preferred); 1 cup Vanilla Wafer Cookies (or graham crackers/shortbread for variety)

As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of ripe bananas filled the air, transporting me back to carefree summer afternoons spent with family. That’s when I realized it was time to whip up a batch of Banana Pudding Brownies—a delightful twist on the classic brownie that brings together the comforting creaminess of banana pudding and the rich texture of cake. These treats are not only irresistibly moist and full of flavor, but they also come together in a snap, making them the perfect dessert for gatherings or cozy evenings with loved ones. With no need for complicated techniques or ingredients, you’ll find joy in every delicious bite. Curious to dive into this fusion of flavors? Let’s get baking!

Why are Banana Pudding Brownies irresistible?

Decadent, dreamy combination: These Banana Pudding Brownies unite two beloved desserts into one mouthwatering treat.

Quick and easy: With just six simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!

Moist and flavorful: The rich banana and creamy pudding infuse every bite with delightful goodness.

Great for gatherings: Perfect for parties or cozy family nights—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Customizable: Feel free to experiment—swap cake mixes or add nuts for a personal touch. If you’re in the mood for something different yet equally comforting, try your hand at Cinnamon Swirl Banana or Sticky Toffee Pudding for your next dessert adventure!

Banana Pudding Brownies Ingredients

For the Brownie Base

Instant Banana Pudding – Adds that signature banana flavor and moisture; feel free to swap with instant vanilla pudding for a more traditional twist.
Milk – Hydrates the pudding mix; using whole milk delivers the creamiest results.
Yellow Cake Mix – Serves as the perfect structure and sweetness; chocolate cake mix is a delightful alternative for a chocolatey twist.
Medium Bananas – Imparts natural sweetness and a soft texture; overripe bananas create the best flavor.

For the Topping

Vanilla Wafer Cookies – Adds a crunchy texture that beautifully complements the banana; graham crackers or shortbread cookies can be used instead for variety.

Feel free to indulge in this recipe and discover just how delightful Banana Pudding Brownies can be on your dessert table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Pudding Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, take a 9×13 baking dish and generously grease it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your Banana Pudding Brownies don’t stick. This step is crucial for easy removal after baking, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Mix the Pudding and Milk
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix with 2 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth and fully dissolved. It should be thickening slightly, which means you’re on the right track. Make sure to break up any lumps as you mix to ensure a creamy base for your brownies.

Step 3: Combine with Cake Mix
Add the yellow cake mix to the pudding mixture and stir until well combined. For a smoother texture, you can use a hand mixer to beat the batter until everything is incorporated. You should see no dry pockets of cake mix remaining. The batter will have a rich color and a slightly thick consistency.

Step 4: Fold in the Bananas
Gently fold in 2 medium bananas that have been sliced. Take care not to overmix to maintain the banana pieces, as they add to the banana pudding flavor. You want to see visible chunks of banana throughout your brownie batter for a delightful bite and moist texture.

Step 5: Pour into Baking Dish
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Ensuring an even layer will help your Banana Pudding Brownies bake uniformly, so take your time with this step.

Step 6: Add the Topping
Chop your vanilla wafer cookies into smaller pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the brownie batter. The cookies will provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft banana brownies beneath. Ensure they are scattered well for an even crispy topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The edges should look slightly firm while the center remains soft.

Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period is important for easy slicing. After they have cooled, cut the Banana Pudding Brownies into squares and serve, allowing everyone to enjoy this delightful treat.

What to Serve with Banana Pudding Brownies?

Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these splendid treats with delightful sides that will delight every palate.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich brownies, enhancing their flavor profile. The bright, tart fruit is a perfect balance to the sweetness of the brownies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm brownies, creating a lovely mix of textures. Each spoonful becomes a dreamy delight as the cold ice cream meets the warm, fudgy brownies.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luxurious finish to your dessert. A dollop on each brownie not only elevates presentation but also offers a luscious creaminess that blends wonderfully with the banana flavor.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the brownies for an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will appreciate. The extra layer of chocolate creates a rich, decadent experience that’s hard to resist.
Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes add a delightful crunch and tropical touch to your brownies. They beautifully complement the banana flavors, making each bite feel like a little getaway.
Almond Milk Shake: A cold almond milk shake pairs nicely, offering a nutty flavor that enhances the banana notes. Blend in a bit of banana for an even more cohesive dessert theme.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavor of coffee or espresso can elevate the sweetness of the brownies, creating a delightful contrast. Sip a warm cup alongside to round out your comforting dessert experience.
Mini Cheesecakes: For those who love variety, serving mini cheesecakes will make for an impressive dessert spread. The creamy cheesecake pairs well with banana pudding brownies, providing a nice change of pace in flavors.

Expert Tips for Banana Pudding Brownies

Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing; cutting while warm can lead to sticky, messy pieces.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can result in dry Banana Pudding Brownies, while underbaking leaves them too gooey.
Optimal Banana Choice: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness; their natural sugars will enhance the brownie mix beautifully.
Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans in the batter; just ensure they are evenly distributed.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring you can indulge throughout the week!

Make Ahead Options

These Banana Pudding Brownies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the brownie batter—mixing the pudding, milk, and cake mix—up to 24 hours in advance; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its delightful moisture. Additionally, you can slice the bananas and chop the vanilla wafers ahead of time, keeping them in separate containers for freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply fold the bananas into the chilled batter, pour it into the greased dish, and sprinkle the vanilla wafers on top before popping it in the oven. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have delicious, homemade Banana Pudding Brownies with minimal last-minute effort!

Banana Pudding Brownies Variations

Feel free to explore these delicious twists to make your Banana Pudding Brownies even more scrumptious!

Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and coconut yogurt in place of regular milk and pudding for a delightful dairy-free version.
Chocolate Delight: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix, merging two dessert favorites into one mouthwatering treat.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Top your brownies with a rich layer of cream cheese frosting after cooling for an indulgent finish.
Add Nuts: Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans before baking for a satisfying crunch that complements the creaminess beautifully.
Fruity Remix: Add shredded coconut and diced pineapple to bring a tropical vibe that pairs splendidly with the bananas.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note that elevates the classic banana flavor.
Mini Brownies: Pour the batter into a muffin tin instead for adorable mini brownies—perfect for bite-sized indulgence!
Whipped Topping: Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for an attractive presentation.

As you continue your baking journey, don’t forget to check out other delightful recipes like White Chocolate Brownies for additional comfort treats!

How to Store and Freeze Banana Pudding Brownies

Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Enjoy them as a delightful snack or dessert throughout the week!
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Chilling can enhance the flavors, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Freezer: Freeze your Banana Pudding Brownies in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat.
Reheating: To reheat, place an individual brownie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The warmth brings back their moist texture, making for an irresistible snack!

Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe bananas for Banana Pudding Brownies?
Absolutely! Look for bananas that are overripe, with brown spots dotting the peel. This indicates that they are sweet and have reached optimal ripeness, providing the best flavor and moisture for your brownies. If they’re too green, they may lack sweetness and will not mix as well into your batter.

What’s the best way to store leftover Banana Pudding Brownies?
For optimal freshness, store your leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer, refrigerating them can also work, extending their shelf life to about 7 days. Just be sure they’re in a container that seals tightly to maintain their moisture and flavor!

Can Banana Pudding Brownies be frozen? If so, how?
Very! To freeze your Banana Pudding Brownies, place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, delightful snack.

What if my Banana Pudding Brownies turn out too gooey?
If your brownies are excessively gooey, it could be due to underbaking. Ensure that you bake them until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If they do seem too gooey after cooling, you can always try to return them to the oven briefly to set further—just keep a careful watch!

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! Since this recipe contains cake mix, pudding mix, and cookies, it’s essential to check each product for allergens like gluten or dairy. If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, avoid adding nuts as a topping. You can also substitute the cake mix and pudding for gluten-free options to accommodate gluten sensitivities!

How can I customize Banana Pudding Brownies?
Feel free to indulge in personalization! Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate to create chocolate banana pudding brownies. If you like textures, consider mixing in chopped nuts or using a variety of cookies on top, such as graham crackers or shortbread. The more, the merrier!