Banana Pudding Brownies

These banana pudding brownies are a mash-up that works better than it should. Fudgy chocolate brownies get a swirl of banana pudding flavor, then a layer of whipped cream and vanilla wafer crumbs goes on top. They taste like banana pudding and brownies decided to share a pan.

It is the kind of recipe you will come back to again and again — simple enough for a weeknight, and good enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy brownies with banana pudding flavor
• Whipped cream and vanilla wafer crunch on top
• A fun twist on two classics

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
• 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1 banana, sliced, for topping

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a large bowl in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
3. Whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the mashed bananas.

4. Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt just until combined.
5. Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely.
6. Whisk the pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, until thick. Spread the pudding over the cooled brownies.
7. Top with whipped cream, vanilla wafer crumbs, and banana slices. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips

• Do not overbake the brownies. A toothpick with moist crumbs means they are done. Dry crumbs mean they are overdone.
• Cool the brownies completely before adding the pudding, or the pudding will melt.
• Add the banana slices just before serving so they do not brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cold, straight from the fridge, with a glass of cold milk. They are best the day they are made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes. Bake a boxed mix in the 8×8-inch pan, cool it completely, then add the pudding and toppings the same way.

How long do they keep?

Refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 3 days. The topping softens over time, so they are best on day one.

Can I skip the pudding layer?

You can, but the pudding is what makes them taste like banana pudding. Without it, they are simply banana brownies.