Ultimate Easy Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe You'll Adore

Ever find yourself torn between the creamy comfort of banana pudding and the fudgy delight of brownies? What if I told you that you could have both in one ridiculously **easy banana pudding brownies** dessert? Yep, you heard right! We're talking about a chewy brownie base, topped with a luscious banana pudding layer, and finished with the iconic crunch of vanilla wafers. This recipe is a game-changer, perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a cozy night in when you need a sweet treat.

Ingredients for Easy Banana Pudding Brownies

Brownie Base Essentials

Let's start with the brownie foundation! For that rich, chewy texture, you'll need ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted to golden perfection. Next up, grab 1 cup of light brown sugar – the molasses in brown sugar is what gives these brownies their amazing chewiness. Don't forget 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that classic brownie flavor.

For the dry ingredients, you'll need ¾ cup of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. A pinch of salt (about ¼ teaspoon) balances the sweetness. These are the building blocks of our fudgy, banana-ready base!

Pudding Layer Power-Ups

Now, for the star of the show: the banana pudding layer! You'll need 6 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature – this is key for a smooth, creamy texture. Grab a 3.4-ounce package of instant banana pudding mix (or vanilla if you're feeling adventurous and want to add banana extract). You'll also need 1 large egg and 1 ¼ cups of milk to create that luscious pudding consistency.

Want to kick it up a notch? Consider adding a splash of banana extract for an extra burst of banana flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Finishing Touches

To complete our masterpiece, we need the iconic vanilla wafers! You'll need about 1 cup of vanilla wafers. Feel free to use more or less depending on how much you love that crunchy topping. Also, consider sliced bananas, optional for garnish!

These simple additions bring all the textures and flavors together, creating the ultimate banana pudding brownie experience. Get ready for a dessert that's both comforting and impressive!

Making Your Banana Pudding Brownie Base

Alright, let's get down to business and create the foundation for our **easy banana pudding brownies**: the brownie base! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's heating up, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This is crucial to prevent the brownies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and light brown sugar. Give it a good mix until it's smooth and well combined. This is where that chewy texture starts to develop!

Now, crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until everything is nicely incorporated and you have a glossy mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps the brownies rise properly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. You want a batter that's smooth but not overworked.

Assembling the Banana Pudding Layer

brownie base is done, now for the fun part: **assembling the banana pudding layer**! In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it's smooth and creamy. This is where a hand mixer or stand mixer comes in handy, but you can definitely do it by hand if you're up for a little arm workout. Add in the instant banana pudding mix (or vanilla pudding mix with a dash of banana extract) and mix until combined. Now, crack in the egg and pour in the milk. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. You should have a beautiful, creamy banana pudding mixture ready to go!

Once your pudding layer is ready, gently pour it over the partially baked brownie base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Now, here's where the magic happens: arrange the vanilla wafers on top of the pudding layer. You can create a neat, organized pattern or just scatter them randomly – it's totally up to you! If you're feeling fancy, you can even slice some bananas and tuck them between the wafers for an extra layer of banana goodness. This step not only adds flavor and texture but also makes your **easy banana pudding brownies** look absolutely irresistible.

Easy Banana Pudding Brownies Baking Instructions

Initial Bake: Setting the Stage

you've got your brownie base prepped and your creamy banana pudding layer ready to go. Now, it's time for the first bake! Carefully pour the brownie batter into your greased 9x13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for about 15 minutes. We're not looking for a fully baked brownie here; we just want it to be set enough to support the pudding layer. Think of it as building a solid foundation for all that deliciousness to come.

After 15 minutes, take the pan out of the oven. The brownie should look slightly firm around the edges but still a little soft in the center. This is the perfect time to add the banana pudding layer and those glorious vanilla wafers. Trust me, this partial bake is key to preventing a soggy brownie base and ensuring that everything bakes evenly.

The Second Bake: Marrying Flavors

With the banana pudding layer and vanilla wafers artfully arranged on top, it's time for the second bake! Gently place the pan back into the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes. Keep a close eye on it – you'll know it's ready when the pudding layer is set and the vanilla wafers are golden brown. The brownies should also be pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely heavenly!

Cooling and Setting: The Final Stretch

This is the hardest part, I know, but it's crucial: let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into them. I usually let them cool on a wire rack for at least two hours, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the pudding layer to fully set and the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you try to cut into them while they're still warm, the pudding layer will be too soft, and you'll end up with a gooey mess (still delicious, but not as pretty!).

Once the brownies are completely cool, cut them into squares and get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor. These **easy banana pudding brownies** are best served chilled, so pop them in the fridge for a little while before serving. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for more!

Serving and Storing Banana Pudding Brownies

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

Alright, you've baked these **easy banana pudding brownies**, cooled them to perfection, and now it's time to dig in! But before you do, let's talk about serving suggestions. These brownies are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them to the next level. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cool creaminess complements the rich brownies and banana pudding perfectly. A sprinkle of extra vanilla wafer crumbs or a drizzle of caramel sauce also adds a touch of elegance and flavor.

For a fun twist, try serving them with a side of fresh banana slices or berries. The fruit adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness of the brownies. And if you're feeling really adventurous, try pairing them with a light, refreshing beverage like iced coffee or a glass of cold milk. Trust me, it's a match made in dessert heaven! These **easy banana pudding brownies** are best served chilled, so pop them in the fridge for a little while before serving.

Storing Tips to Keep Them Fresh

So, you've made a batch of these irresistible **easy banana pudding brownies**, but you can't possibly eat them all in one sitting (or maybe you can, no judgment here!). Proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and delicious for as long as possible. The best way to store these brownies is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps to prevent the pudding layer from becoming too soft and keeps the brownies moist and fudgy. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any unwanted flavors from the fridge.

When stored properly, these brownies will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life even further, you can freeze them. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies will keep for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. They may not be quite as perfect as the day they were baked, but they'll still be incredibly delicious! Enjoy your **easy banana pudding brownies**!

Sweet Endings: Your Easy Banana Pudding Brownies Await!

So there you have it – a simple, yet utterly divine recipe for easy banana pudding brownies that's sure to become a new favorite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and endlessly adaptable. From the fudgy brownie base to the creamy banana pudding layer and the crunchy vanilla wafer topping, every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. Don't be surprised if these brownies disappear in record time! Enjoy sharing (or not sharing) your sweet creation, and remember, the best desserts are the ones made with love and a little bit of banana magic.