Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

If you adore the comforting flavors of classic banana pudding but crave a fudgier, more indulgent treat, this Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Combining the rich, dense texture of homemade brownies with the sweet, creamy essence of banana pudding and a hint of fresh banana flavor, these bars are a delightful twist that’ll quickly become a go-to dessert. Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just sneaking bites for yourself, they hit all the right notes of nostalgia and decadence in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe is a breeze, and each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the basic pantry staples to the star ingredients like banana pudding mix and ripe bananas, your kitchen is about to transform into a haven of irresistible aroma and taste.

• 1/2 cup butter, melted: Provides richness and a tender crumb to the brownies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve that classic brownie chewiness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, fragrant touch.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure without weighing down the brownies.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough to help the brownies rise slightly and not become too dense.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies flavors.
• 1 cup banana pudding mix (instant): The magic ingredient that infuses these brownies with that unmistakable banana pudding taste.
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas: Adds natural banana sweetness and moisture.
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): For an extra layer of melty chocolate surprise in every bite.

How to Make Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper—this makes removing the finished brownies from the pan so much easier and ensures clean cuts.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

Pour the melted butter into a mixing bowl and whisk in the sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it ensures your brownies have a luscious texture and a nice balance of sweetness.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and silky smooth. This not only helps bind the batter but also enriches the flavor profile beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and banana pudding mix. This creates the foundation for the banana flavor and the proper rise of the brownies.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here – you want your brownies tender, not tough.

Step 6: Incorporate Mashed Bananas

Fold the ripe mashed bananas into the batter. These add natural sweetness, moisture, and that irresistible banana flavor that makes this Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe stand out from regular brownies.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan and Add Chocolate Chips

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth out the surface. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, sprinkle them across the top now—they’ll melt slightly during baking, adding a hint of chocolatey goodness.

Step 8: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes, keeping an eye on them towards the end. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for perfectly fudgy texture.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This resting time helps them set and makes them easier to slice without crumbling.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

For a truly show-stopping presentation, consider topping each brownie square with a dollop of whipped cream and a thin banana slice or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers. These little touches not only elevate the look but also enhance the traditional banana pudding flavor note.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk for an indulgent dessert experience. They also pair well with fresh fruit salad or a simple berry compote to add a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by layering these brownies in a parfait glass with extra banana pudding and crushed cookies or chop them into bite-sized pieces for a fun dessert platter. They also make adorable additions to lunchboxes or potluck tables because they’re easy to serve and fun to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe treats keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their freshness, store them in the fridge for up to a week—just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the brownies by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for a perfect texture.

Reheating

Warm the brownies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their softness, or pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This is especially delightful if you want that melty chocolate chip effect to shine through again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh banana pudding instead of instant mix?

Instant banana pudding mix is key to achieving the classic pudding flavor and desired texture in this recipe. Using fresh or homemade pudding may add moisture and affect the structure, so it’s best to stick with the instant mix here.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots are sweeter and mash easily, which enhances the flavor and moisture in the brownies. If yours aren’t ripe yet, try ripening them quickly by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.

Can I substitute the butter for oil?

Butter offers a rich flavor and tender crumb, but if you prefer, you can substitute with an equal amount of neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Keep in mind the brownies’ texture may be a bit different—slightly less dense and more moist.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

This Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. For a gluten-free version, you can try substituting with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary depending on the brand.

How can I make these more chocolatey?

Adding mini chocolate chips is the easiest way to amp up the chocolate flavor. You can also swirl in some softened cream cheese mixed with cocoa powder before baking for a marbled effect, which pairs deliciously with the banana pudding taste.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe, I guarantee it will become one of your favorite desserts to bake and share. It’s the perfect marriage of comfort and creativity, easy enough for any baker yet unique enough to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare yourself for some serious crowd-pleasing magic.

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