Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of banana pudding and brownies. Banana pudding, with its creamy layers of custard, whipped cream, and sweet bananas, is a beloved dessert across the world, often evoking memories of family gatherings, picnics, and holiday celebrations. Brownies, on the other hand, are the quintessential treat for chocolate lovers, known for their rich, fudgy texture and deep, indulgent flavor.

So, what happens when you combine these two classic desserts? Banana Pudding Brownies are born—a beautiful fusion of flavors and textures that elevates both the humble banana pudding and the classic brownie to a new level of decadence. The result is a luscious, layered dessert that blends the best of both worlds: the soft, gooey richness of a brownie paired with the creamy, dreamy sweetness of banana pudding.

Whether you’re a fan of banana pudding, brownies, or both, this recipe will captivate your taste buds. Imagine biting into a dense, fudgy brownie base, only to be met with a smooth and velvety banana pudding layer, finished off with a sweet, fluffy whipped topping. Each bite offers the perfect balance of chocolate, banana, and creamy sweetness.

But beyond just flavor, the beauty of Banana Pudding Brownies is in their versatility. They can be served as a fun twist on traditional banana pudding for gatherings or enjoyed as an indulgent treat for any occasion. The layers of banana pudding can be customized with different toppings, like caramel, vanilla wafers, or even crushed nuts, making them as unique as they are delicious.

This guide will take you through every step of making Banana Pudding Brownies, from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the techniques that will make this dessert a hit. Along the way, you’ll find helpful tips, variations, and expert advice to ensure that your brownies turn out perfectly every time.

Why Banana Pudding and Brownies Make the Perfect Pair

Banana pudding and brownies might seem like an unusual pairing at first, but when you consider the complementary flavors and textures, it becomes clear why they work so well together. The richness and depth of the chocolate brownie base create a perfect contrast to the sweet, creamy banana pudding layer. Let’s break down why these two desserts make such a great match:

1. Balance of Sweetness
   Banana pudding has a naturally sweet flavor thanks to the combination of ripe bananas, custard, and vanilla wafers. When layered over a rich chocolate brownie base, the sweetness of the pudding is balanced by the deep, bittersweet notes of the chocolate. This balance makes each bite incredibly satisfying, without being overwhelming.

2. Textural Contrast
   Brownies are dense and fudgy, with a slightly chewy texture that gives them substance. Banana pudding, on the other hand, is soft, creamy, and smooth. The contrast between these two textures creates a delightful experience for your palate—each bite offers a combination of fudgy, creamy, and light textures.

3. Layering for Visual Appeal
   The beautiful contrast of the dark chocolate brownie layer and the pale yellow banana pudding creates a striking visual appeal. The light and fluffy whipped cream topping adds a soft finishing touch, creating an elegant dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

4. Tropical Comfort
   Bananas are often associated with tropical flavors, and when paired with the richness of chocolate, they create a comforting yet exotic flavor profile. The combination of banana and chocolate is a classic one, and adding the creamy element of banana pudding brings an extra layer of indulgence to the dessert.

Together, banana pudding and brownies create a dessert that has everything: flavor, texture, visual appeal, and an undeniable comfort factor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special celebration, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, Banana Pudding Brownies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Pudding Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the brownies. While the oven is heating up, prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan:

• Lightly grease the pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

• For extra assurance that the brownies won’t stick, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and grease it as well. This makes it much easier to remove the brownies once they’re baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Now, it’s time to prepare the brownie base. Follow these steps for the best results:

a. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Set the dry ingredients aside for a moment. Whisking them together helps to distribute the leavening agents and prevent clumps in your brownie batter.

b. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter and 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar. Use your electric mixer (handheld or stand) on medium speed to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps to incorporate air into the batter, creating a tender and chewy texture in the finished brownies.

c. Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.

d. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with your electric mixer on low speed. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and fold the batter to ensure everything is fully mixed.

e. Pour the Brownie Batter into the Pan

Once the brownie batter is smooth and well-combined, pour it into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula. Tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles, ensuring an even bake.

Step 3: Bake the Brownie Base

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Keep a close eye on them, as overbaking can result in dry brownies.

Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to cool slightly before adding the banana pudding layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Banana Pudding Layer

While the brownies are cooling, you can prepare the banana pudding layer. This step involves making the banana pudding mixture and then layering it on top of the brownies once they’ve cooled.

a. Mix the Pudding Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the following:

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk

• 1 can (14 oz or 396g) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 package (3.4 oz or 96g) instant vanilla pudding mix

Whisk the ingredients together over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly for a few minutes.

b. Add the Sliced Bananas

While the pudding is cooling, slice 2 ripe bananas into thin rounds. You’ll need about 1 to 1 1/2 bananas to cover the top layer of the brownies. Gently fold the sliced bananas into the pudding mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Banana Pudding Brownies

Once the brownies have cooled and the banana pudding layer is ready, it’s time to assemble the dessert.

• Take the slightly cooled brownies and spread the banana pudding mixture evenly on top of them. Use a rubber spatula to spread it out so that the pudding completely covers the brownie base.

• Be gentle when spreading the pudding to avoid disturbing the brownie layer underneath. Smooth it out to create an even layer.

Step 6: Add the Whipped Cream Topping

The final layer is the whipped cream topping, which adds a light and fluffy finish to the dessert.

a. Whip the Cream

In a separate mixing bowl, add 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This means the whipped cream will hold its shape when you lift the beaters out of the bowl.

b. Spread the Whipped Cream

Once whipped, spread the whipped cream evenly over the banana pudding layer using a spatula. The whipped cream should form a thick, smooth layer that covers the banana pudding completely.

Step 7: Decorate and Finish

To finish off your Banana Pudding Brownies, you can add a few finishing touches:

• Crushed Nilla wafers: Gently crush a few Nilla wafers and sprinkle them over the top of the whipped cream. This adds texture and a bit of extra flavor that’s reminiscent of classic banana pudding.

• Sliced bananas: For a decorative touch, you can add a few extra banana slices on top of the whipped cream layer.

• Shaved chocolate or chocolate chips: For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle shaved chocolate or mini chocolate chips on top of the whipped cream.

Once your dessert is decorated, place it in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours to allow the layers to set and chill. This step is crucial because it allows the banana pudding to firm up and the brownies to absorb some of the pudding’s creaminess.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

After chilling, your Banana Pudding Brownies are ready to serve. Slice them into squares using a sharp knife, and carefully lift them out of the pan. You’ll notice the layers will remain beautifully intact, giving you a perfect presentation with every slice.

Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor. These brownies are rich, creamy, and full of the comforting flavors of both banana pudding and chocolate brownies.

Tips for Success

• Banana Ripeness: For the best banana flavor, make sure the bananas you use are ripe but not overripe. Overripe bananas can become mushy when mixed into the pudding.

• Cooling the Brownies: Let the brownies cool for at least 15-20 minutes before adding the pudding layer to prevent the pudding from melting.

• Pudding Consistency: If you prefer a firmer pudding layer, let the pudding set for a few minutes before adding the bananas.

• Storage: Store the assembled brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer they sit, the more the flavors meld together!