Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies offer the perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy banana, with each bite giving you a little bit of both. The banana pudding swirl keeps them moist and adds a fun, unexpected twist that stands out from ordinary brownies. They look stunning with their marbled tops, smell incredible as they bake, and taste even better the next day. Best of all, they’re simple to prepare and require only pantry staples along with banana pudding mix. If you’re a fan of banana-based desserts, this is one recipe you’ll bookmark forever.
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Banana Pudding Brownies – A Luscious Fusion of Fudgy Brownies and Southern Banana Pudding
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 9–12 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Pudding Brownies are a dreamy mashup of fudgy vanilla brownies, creamy banana pudding, and crushed vanilla wafers. They’re gooey, sweet, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible — perfect for potlucks, parties, and banana lovers!
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- For the Banana Pudding Swirl:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- For Topping:
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- Banana slices (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined — do not overmix.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Make the Banana Pudding Mixture: In a bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Stir in sour cream and mashed banana until smooth.
- Assemble: Drop spoonfuls of banana pudding mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife to gently swirl through the top.
- Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake 28–32 minutes or until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly — brownies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool completely before slicing for clean squares.
Notes
- For extra banana flavor, add banana extract to the batter.
- Use cheesecake pudding for a creamier swirl.
- Store in the fridge for a firmer, chilled brownie or keep at room temperature for gooier texture.
- Top with whipped cream and extra banana slices for an indulgent finish.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Brownie batter: You can use your favorite homemade brownie batter or a good-quality boxed mix.
Instant banana pudding mix: Creates the creamy swirl and adds that signature banana pudding flavor.
Milk: Helps the banana pudding mixture reach the perfect thick, pourable texture.
Cream cheese: Adds richness and stability to the pudding swirl so it bakes smoothly.
Egg: Helps bind the pudding mixture and gives it a silky texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding swirl and balances the banana flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall sweetness.
Bananas (optional): Thinly sliced or mashed bananas can be added for extra banana flavor.
Nilla wafers (optional): Crushed or whole pieces add classic banana pudding texture and nostalgia.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Prepare your brownie batter according to your recipe or package instructions. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add banana pudding mix, milk, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract, whisking until creamy and slightly thickened. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to thicken fully.
Pour most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon the banana pudding mixture over the top in dollops, then add the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating a marbled pattern. For extra banana flavor, gently press in a few banana slices or sprinkle Nilla wafers over the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set but still soft. Cool completely before slicing to allow the swirls to firm up and the brownies to cut cleanly.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 9–12 brownies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They become even more flavorful after chilling. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Because of the pudding swirl, these brownies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature rather than warm.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Chip Banana Brownies: Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra richness.
Banana Bread Brownie Fusion: Stir mashed banana directly into the brownie batter for a deeper banana flavor.
Vanilla Wafer Crust: Press crushed Nilla wafers mixed with melted butter into the bottom of the pan before adding the batter.
Caramel Banana Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pudding swirl before baking.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle on top.
White Chocolate Banana Brownies: Fold white chocolate chunks into the pudding mixture.
Peanut Butter Drizzle: Add a swirl of warmed peanut butter for a banana-peanut butter twist.
Double Banana: Fold diced bananas into the pudding and top with more banana slices.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free vanilla wafers.
Brown Sugar Banana Swirl: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
FAQs
Do these brownies taste strongly of banana?
Yes, the pudding swirl adds a noticeable banana flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Can I use homemade banana pudding?
Yes, as long as it’s thick enough to swirl into the batter.
Do I have to include cream cheese?
It helps stabilize the swirl, but you can omit it—just expect a softer texture.
Can I use vanilla pudding instead of banana?
Yes, but you’ll lose the banana-flavored element unless you add mashed bananas.
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely—this recipe works perfectly with boxed batter.
How do I know the brownies are done?
The center should be set but slightly jiggly; they will firm up as they cool.
Can I add fresh bananas?
Yes—either sliced or mashed bananas work well.
Will the swirl harden as it cools?
Yes, it sets more firmly after chilling.
Can I make these ahead?
Definitely—they taste even better the next day.
Do they freeze well?
Yes, freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Brownies combine the richness of fudgy brownies with the creamy sweetness of classic banana pudding to create a dessert that stands out from the ordinary. With their marbled swirls, chewy texture, and luscious banana flavor, they’re a treat that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and comforting, these brownies are sure to become a new favorite. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked on this delicious fusion of two beloved desserts.
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