Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

Irresistible Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Decadent chocolate brownies get a delightful Southern twist with this banana pudding brownies recipe that marries rich, fudgy textures with creamy banana goodness.

Layers of intense chocolate mingle perfectly with sweet banana notes, creating a dessert that surprises and delights.

Each bite promises a nostalgic journey through classic comfort flavors.

The combination brings together two beloved treats in one irresistible package.

Soft, moist brownies become extraordinary with the addition of silky banana pudding.

Expect a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds and begging for the recipe.

You’ll want to bookmark this indulgent treat for your next baking adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients That Bring Banana Pudding Brownies to Life

For Brownie Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, velvety texture and deep flavor foundation for decadent brownies.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, creates chewier texture, and brings caramel-like warmth to the dessert.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create structure with silky protein networks.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and adds aromatic depth.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates sturdy brownie base with perfect crumbly consistency.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light, tender brownie texture with gentle rising.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor notes.
For Creamy Banana Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers luxurious, tangy richness and smooth spreadable consistency.
  • Instant Banana Cream Pudding Mix: Infuses powerful banana essence and guarantees foolproof creamy texture.
  • Eggs: Contribute to setting and stabilizing pudding layer.
  • Whole Milk: Provides additional creaminess and helps activate pudding mix.
For Crunchy Topping:
  • Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Introduces delightful textural contrast with crisp, sweet crunch.

Tools to Bake Banana Pudding Brownies the Way

  • 9×9 inch baking pan: perfect for creating thick, delicious brownies with even layers.
  • Parchment paper: helps easily remove brownies from the pan without sticking.
  • Mixing bowls: two separate bowls for preparing brownie and pudding layers.
  • Handheld mixer: essential for beating cream cheese and creating smooth pudding mixture.
  • Rubber spatula: helps scrape down bowl sides and mix ingredients thoroughly.
  • Small offset spatula: allows gentle spreading of pudding layer without disturbing brownie base.
  • Whisk: great for blending wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Toothpick: helps check brownie doneness by testing center.

Directions to Make Banana Pudding Brownies from Scratch

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen space and ready a cozy baking pan with parchment paper, creating a welcoming surface for our delightful dessert.

  • Brownie Foundation

Mix melted butter and sugary sweetness into a rich, creamy blend. Fold in eggs and vanilla, transforming the mixture into a silky smooth batter. Gently incorporate flour and essential seasonings, stirring until the texture becomes luxuriously thick.

  • Banana Magic Layer

Whip cream cheese into a fluffy cloud. Introduce pudding mix, eggs, and milk, blending until the concoction becomes a dreamy, creamy landscape. Tenderly spread this golden layer across the brownie base, creating a luscious blanket of flavor.

  • Crispy Cookie Crown

Arrange vanilla wafers in a playful grid, like little soldiers guarding your dessert’s surface. Slide the pan back into the warm oven, allowing the layers to merge and dance together. Wait patiently as golden edges form and the center sets into a perfect, quivering state.

  • Cooling and Serving

Let the brownies rest and cool completely, allowing flavors to mingle and settle. Slice into squares, revealing the beautiful layers of decadent deliciousness waiting to be enjoyed.

Toppings and Twists for Banana Pudding Brownies

  • Flavor Boosters: Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the brownie batter for a warm, subtle spice that complements the banana pudding perfectly.
  • Texture Twist: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the brownie layer for an extra crunch that provides delightful contrast to the creamy pudding topping.
  • Storage Secrets: Keep these brownies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as they sit, making them even more delicious the next day.
  • Decadent Decorations: Before serving, top each brownie square with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh banana slices for an impressive and Instagram-worthy presentation that adds both visual appeal and extra flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the brownie and pudding layers separately the night before, then assemble and bake just before serving to reduce day-of preparation time and ensure maximum freshness.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Brownies Just Right

  • Sweet Slice Companion: Serve each brownie square on a small dessert plate with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
  • Cool Cream Topping: Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafer cookies on top of the whipped cream to add a delightful crunch and enhance the classic banana pudding flavor profile.
  • Chilled Delight Option: Refrigerate the brownies for 1-2 hours before serving to create a firmer texture and intensify the banana pudding's creamy richness, perfect for warm summer days.
  • Beverage Pairing Magic: Complement these decadent brownies with a cold glass of milk, strong coffee, or a light vanilla chai tea to balance the sweet dessert.

Store Banana Pudding Brownies Soft and Moist

  • Smart Portioning: Cut brownies into perfect squares and stack them with small pieces of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This method helps control serving sizes and keeps treats looking pristine.
  • Chilled Delight Storage: Refrigerate brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or sealed lid to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Best enjoyed within the first 3 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe zip-top bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving to maintain their soft, creamy consistency.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare brownies one day in advance and store in refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and develop deeper, richer taste. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance overall enjoyment.
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Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

Decadent Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Creamy banana pudding meets rich chocolate brownie in this Southern-inspired dessert. Layers of intense flavor blend seamlessly, offering indulgent comfort that satisfies deep chocolate and banana cravings you will savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs (for brownie layer)
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
  • 2 large eggs (for pudding layer)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 3.4 oz (96 g) instant banana cream pudding mix
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 16 vanilla wafer cookies

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating easy-release handles for later removal.
  2. Brownie Base: Blend melted butter and brown sugar into a silky mixture, then fold in eggs and vanilla extract until achieving a glossy, uniform consistency. Gently incorporate flour, baking powder, and salt to form a thick brownie batter.
  3. Initial Baking: Distribute brownie batter evenly across the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes. Allow the base to cool completely while transitioning to the pudding layer.
  4. Pudding Layer: Whip cream cheese until airy and smooth, then integrate instant banana pudding mix, eggs, and milk. Mix thoroughly to create a velvety, lump-free pudding mixture.
  5. Assembly and Final Bake: Delicately spread pudding mixture over the cooled brownie base, then meticulously arrange vanilla wafer cookies in a precise grid pattern. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, monitoring for a golden edge and set center.
  6. Serving: Remove from oven and allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into elegant squares.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir brownie batter just until ingredients combine to maintain a tender, fudgy texture without developing tough gluten.
  • Temperature Matters: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
  • Cookie Placement Strategy: Arrange vanilla wafer cookies in a uniform grid for even coverage and a professional-looking dessert presentation.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Let the dessert cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and allow layers to set properly, enhancing overall texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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