Banana Pudding Brownies: A Luscious Fusion of Comfort and Indulgence

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Pudding Brownies combine two beloved classics into one irresistible dessert. With their rich, fudgy base and silky banana pudding swirl, these brownies offer layers of flavor and texture that feel both comforting and indulgent. The natural sweetness of bananas pairs beautifully with the creamy pudding, creating a dessert that is nostalgic yet completely unique. I once tried adding a touch of caramel to the batter, and it gave the brownies an even deeper richness that complemented the banana beautifully. This recipe requires only basic kitchen tools and can be customized easily depending on how bold you want the banana flavor to be. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a firmer, custard-like texture, Banana Pudding Brownies suit casual gatherings, holiday spreads, or simple weeknight cravings. Their beautiful marbled top makes them visually impressive while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bananas
Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture. Their soft texture incorporates easily into the batter, ensuring each bite carries authentic banana flavor.

Banana Pudding Mix
This mix delivers instant creaminess, enhancing the banana profile without overpowering the brownie base. It helps create the marbled swirl that makes this dessert visually appealing.

Butter
Melted butter enriches the brownie batter, adding smoothness and depth. It contributes to the fudgy, tender texture that distinguishes these brownies.

Granulated Sugar
Sugar ensures balanced sweetness throughout the brownies and helps achieve a delicate crust on top.

Eggs
Eggs provide structure and cohesiveness. They help the brownies bake evenly while maintaining a soft, moist crumb.

All-Purpose Flour
Flour forms the structure of the brownies, blending with the wet ingredients to create a dense but tender texture.

Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor, bridging the warm notes of the brownie batter with the fruity sweetness of the banana pudding.

Salt
A pinch of salt intensifies the sweetness and rounds out the flavors, preventing the dessert from becoming overly sugary.

Milk
Milk is used to prepare the banana pudding layer, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency that swirls beautifully into the batter.

Directions

Begin by preparing the banana pudding. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth, then set it aside to thicken slightly. Preheat your oven and line your baking pan with parchment to ensure easy removal after baking.

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until creamy. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated. Whisk in the flour and salt gently, taking care not to overmix. The batter should remain thick and slightly lumpy from the banana.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Spoon dollops of the banana pudding across the surface and use a knife or skewer to swirl the mixture into elegant ribbons. Avoid over-swirl to preserve distinct patches of pudding.

Bake until the edges are set and the center remains slightly soft. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing; this lets the pudding layer firm up and creates cleaner cuts. Serve at room temperature for a soft, gooey texture or chilled for a denser, pudding-like experience.

Equipment needed :

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 yields approximately 12 servings. Preparation requires about 15 minutes, and baking takes roughly 30 to 35 minutes. Cooling time adds at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. These brownies can also be frozen for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Reheating is optional, but if desired, warm individual squares briefly in the oven at a low temperature to restore softness. For a firmer texture, enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.

Variations and Customizations

Chocolate Chip Banana Brownies
Fold chocolate chips into the batter for extra decadence and a touch of crunch.

Caramel Swirl Version
Add thin ribbons of caramel sauce alongside the pudding swirl for deeper sweetness.

Nilla Wafer Crumble
Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top before baking for added texture and nostalgic banana pudding flair.

Peanut Butter Banana Brownies
Swirl in a bit of peanut butter to create a flavorful combination reminiscent of a classic sandwich.

Dark Chocolate Base
Use a cocoa-rich brownie batter for a more intense contrast with the creamy banana layer.

Banana Cream Cheese Swirl
Replace part of the pudding with sweetened cream cheese for tangy, cheesecake-like ribbons.

Almond Banana Brownies
Add a touch of almond extract to create a fragrant twist that complements banana well.

Nutty Crunch
Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter to introduce a delightful crunch.

Cinnamon-Spiced Banana
Add a hint of cinnamon to the brownie base for warmth that enhances the banana flavor.

Extra Banana Layer
Use an additional banana for more pronounced banana notes and a moister texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade banana pudding?

Yes, homemade pudding works beautifully and adds extra richness.

Can these brownies be made without eggs?

You may use an egg substitute, though the texture may become slightly denser.

Do the brownies need refrigeration?

Yes, because of the pudding layer, refrigeration keeps them fresh and firm.

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Yes, a boxed mix can replace the brownie base to simplify preparation.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Very ripe bananas with brown spots provide the best sweetness and texture.

Can these brownies be frozen?

Yes, they freeze well for up to two months when stored in an airtight container.

How do I prevent the pudding from sinking?

Use pudding that has thickened slightly and avoid overmixing it into the batter.

Can I make the recipe gluten-free?

Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour.

How do I achieve clean slices?

Chill the brownies before cutting and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.

Can I add frosting?

While not necessary, a light cream cheese drizzle can enhance the overall flavor.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Brownies masterfully combine the nostalgic charm of banana pudding with the satisfying richness of brownies. Their marbled appearance and layered flavors create a dessert that feels both comforting and refined, suitable for gatherings or personal indulgence alike. With simple ingredients, adaptable variations, and a preparation process that remains accessible for any skill level, this recipe is one you will likely revisit often. Enjoy each square for its blend of creamy banana notes and fudgy chocolate depth, served warm or chilled according to your preference.

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