Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic that is banana pudding brownies! These delightful little treats are like a love letter to two of my all-time favorite desserts. Picture this: you bite into a rich, fudgy brownie and, just when you think it can’t get any better, there’s a luscious layer of creamy banana pudding waiting for you! I remember the first time I stumbled upon this combination at a potluck. I took one bite, and it was like fireworks in my mouth! I thought to myself, “Why haven’t I been making these all my life?” Trust me, once you try these banana pudding brownies, you’ll be just as hooked as I am. They’re perfect for gatherings, or even just a cozy night in when you want something sweet. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this heavenly dessert!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for these delicious banana pudding brownies! You’ll find that the list isn’t too complicated, and I promise it’s worth every single item. Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup butter (melted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup banana pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 banana, sliced
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go, it makes the process so much smoother. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every moment of making these brownies!
How to Prepare Banana Pudding Brownies
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these banana pudding brownies! I promise, the process is easy and oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that’ll impress everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because we want those brownies to bake evenly.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the granulated sugar until it’s combined and smooth. The smell of melted butter and sugar together? Absolutely divine!
- Add in your eggs and the vanilla extract, stirring until everything is blended nicely. You want that creamy goodness to shine through!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that there are no clumps and that your brownies will be perfectly fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until it’s smooth and luscious. You’ll really want to lick the bowl afterward, I won’t judge!
- Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. This is where the magic begins!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You want to keep an eye on it, as every oven is a bit different. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s hard to resist!
- While the brownies cool, prepare the banana pudding. In a separate bowl, whisk the pudding mix with the milk until it thickens up beautifully. You might want to taste it, but save some for the brownies!
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until it’s light and airy. This is what gives the pudding that dreamy texture.
- Once the brownies are cool, spread the banana pudding over the top. Don’t be shy—this is where you want to really layer on the goodness!
- Top it all off with sliced bananas for that fresh, fruity touch. Yum!
- Finally, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for a bit before serving. This helps everything set beautifully and makes it even more refreshing!
And there you have it! Each step is simple and straightforward, leading you to a decadent dessert that’s sure to be the star of the show. Enjoy the process—you’re going to love every bite of these banana pudding brownies!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for these banana pudding brownies! Each serving is packed with flavor and a few calories, so it’s good to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s an estimate of the typical nutritional values per brownie:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions. But hey, it’s dessert! Sometimes it’s worth indulging a little, right? Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat!
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Rich, fudgy brownies topped with creamy banana pudding is a flavor match made in heaven.
- Great for sharing; cut them into squares and watch them disappear at parties!
- Perfect balance of chocolate and banana flavors that satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Chilling time allows the flavors to meld, making it even better the next day!
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or add-ins for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your banana pudding brownies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that have helped me along the way:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding will be. Look for bananas with plenty of spots for the best taste!
- Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want them to be fudgy and soft!
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies a few minutes before the timer goes off. You want a toothpick to come out clean but not overbake them!
- Chill for best results: Letting the brownies chill in the refrigerator after adding the banana pudding not only helps everything set but also enhances the flavor. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
- Layer generously: Don’t be shy when spreading the pudding over the brownies. The more, the merrier! It adds to the creaminess and overall indulgence of the dessert.
- Garnish creatively: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Crushed cookies, a drizzle of chocolate, or even nuts can elevate your banana pudding brownies to the next level.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making some seriously delicious banana pudding brownies that everyone will rave about!
Variations
If you’re feeling a little adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize your banana pudding brownies! Here are some of my favorite variations that you can try:
- Chocolate Pudding Twist: Use chocolate pudding mix instead of banana pudding for an extra chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the brownies. It’ll be a chocoholic’s dream!
- Peanut Butter Bliss: Swirl in some creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking. The combination of chocolate, banana, and peanut butter is simply heavenly!
- Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a delightful crunch. The nutty flavor complements the banana pudding beautifully.
- Coconut Cream: Swap the banana pudding for coconut pudding mix and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. This will transport you to a beach paradise with every bite!
- Berry Good: Layer in some fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries on top of the banana pudding for a fruity pop of color and flavor. It adds a nice tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Mint Chocolate: Stir in some peppermint extract into the brownie batter for a refreshing minty flavor. Top with crushed mint chocolate candies for that extra touch!
These variations not only change the flavors but also keep things exciting, so feel free to experiment with your favorites. No matter how you choose to customize them, I can guarantee these banana pudding brownies will still be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious banana pudding brownies fresh and tasty! Proper storage is key to enjoying these treats for days to come. Here’s what you need to know:
- Storing Leftovers: Once your brownies have chilled and you’ve enjoyed some (or all, no judgment here!), cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. This will keep them from drying out and maintain that creamy pudding layer.
- Refrigeration: These brownies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You’ll want to keep them chilled because of the banana pudding, which helps to keep everything fresh and safe to eat.
- Freezing: If you want to save a batch for later, you can freeze the banana pudding brownies! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: If you prefer your brownies warm (who doesn’t love a warm brownie?), you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or the pudding layer might get too runny. A little warmth really brings out that chocolatey goodness!
By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your banana pudding brownies for days, and trust me, they’re just as good the next day—if not better! Enjoy every last crumb!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Absolutely! While banana pudding is a classic choice for these brownies, feel free to experiment with other flavors. Chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, or even coconut pudding can add a delightful twist!
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven. Just be careful not to overbake them!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, making them a day ahead is a wonderful idea because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just make sure to chill them in the refrigerator after adding the pudding layer for the best texture.
What if I don’t have whipped cream?
No worries! If you don’t have whipped cream on hand, you can substitute it with whipped topping or even make your own by beating heavy cream until stiff peaks form. It’s all about that light and airy texture!
How should I serve the banana pudding brownies?
You can serve them straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat, or if you prefer them warm, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds will do the trick. Just remember to top them with extra banana slices or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for that extra flair!
Indulge in 7 Delightful Banana Pudding Brownies Today!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious banana pudding brownies that combine the rich flavors of chocolate brownies with creamy banana pudding.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup banana pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 banana, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While brownies cool, prepare the banana pudding by whisking pudding mix with milk until thick.
- Fold in whipped cream gently.
- Spread the banana pudding over the cooled brownies.
- Top with sliced bananas.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe bananas.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be garnished with extra whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: banana pudding brownies