This Banana Pudding Brownies recipe mixes rich brownies and creamy banana pudding. It is easy and fun to make. If you like other banana treats, try these banana cottage cheese pancakes for breakfast ideas.
Why This Recipe Works
The dense brownie layer holds the soft pudding and topping. The instant banana pudding sets quickly and keeps the top creamy. Crushed vanilla wafers add crunch and a classic banana pudding flavor. Each part is simple and fits well in a 9×13 pan.
Why you should try this recipe
Try it because it is fast, family-friendly, and needs only a few store-bought items. You can make the brownie base from a box or from scratch. It looks like a special dessert but takes little time.
How to make Banana Pudding Brownies
This is a two-layer dessert with a topping. Bake the brownies first, then add pudding and whipped topping. For a fun twist on brownies, you can also look at a bright option like cosmic brownies for an extra colorful idea.
Ingredients :
Brownie Layer
- 1 box brownie mix (or homemade for a 9×13 pan)
- Ingredients required for the mix (eggs, oil, water)
Banana Pudding Layer
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1½–2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
- 1–1½ cups crushed vanilla wafers
- Banana slices (optional, for garnish)
Equipments Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Refrigerator space for chilling
Step-by-Step Instructions :
-
Bake the Brownies
Prepare brownie batter according to package or recipe directions. Bake in a greased 9×13-inch pan as directed. Cool completely. -
Prepare the Pudding
In a bowl, whisk pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla until thickened (about 2 minutes). Refrigerate for 5 minutes. -
Assemble Layers
Spread banana pudding evenly over cooled brownies. -
Add Topping
Gently spread whipped topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers evenly on top. -
Chill
Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to set. Slice and serve chilled.
How to serve Banana Pudding Brownies
Cut into squares and serve chilled. Add banana slices on top if you like. These go well with coffee or milk. For parties, keep them in the pan and let guests serve themselves.
How to store Banana Pudding Brownies
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze after assembling, because the pudding and whipped topping can separate when thawed.
Tips & Tricks
- Cool brownies fully before adding pudding to stop melting.
- Use instant pudding for quick setting.
- Crush vanilla wafers in a bag with a rolling pin for even crumbs.
- For fresher topping, make homemade whipped cream.
- If you want more banana flavor, stir small banana pieces into the pudding.
- For a fudgier base, bake brownies a couple minutes less than package time.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use homemade brownies instead of a box mix.
- Swap banana pudding with vanilla or butterscotch pudding for a change.
- Use Greek yogurt mixed with a little sugar as a lighter topping.
- Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolate.
- For a banana bread twist, try this chocolate chip banana bread idea as inspiration for banana flavors.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade pudding?
A: Yes. Cook and cool homemade banana pudding before spreading on brownies.
Q: How long does it take to set?
A: Chill for at least 1 hour. Two hours is better for clean slices.
Q: Can I skip the wafers?
A: Yes. The wafers add crunch but are optional.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes. Make it the day before and keep it refrigerated.
Q: Is it safe to leave out at room temperature?
A: No. Keep refrigerated because of the pudding and whipped topping.
Conclusion
For another take on banana pudding brownies, you can compare this method with a version on Fantabulosity’s Banana Pudding Brownies to see different assembly tips. If you want a simple family-friendly guide, read the step-by-step notes on The First Year’s Banana Pudding Brownies for extra serving ideas.
Banana Pudding Brownies
A delightful blend of rich brownies and creamy banana pudding, topped with crushed vanilla wafers for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (or homemade for a 9×13 pan)
- Ingredients required for the mix (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½–2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
- 1–1½ cups crushed vanilla wafers
- Banana slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare brownie batter according to package or recipe directions. Bake in a greased 9×13-inch pan as directed. Cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla until thickened (about 2 minutes). Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Spread banana pudding evenly over cooled brownies.
- Gently spread whipped topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers evenly on top.
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to set. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Cool brownies fully before adding pudding. Use instant pudding for quick setting. Crush vanilla wafers in a bag for even crumbs. For fresher topping, make homemade whipped cream. For extra banana flavor, stir small pieces into the pudding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg