Oh, let me tell you about the pure joy that is Banana Pudding Brownies! Imagine a soft, chewy brownie base layered with a creamy, dreamy vanilla pudding that just melts in your mouth. It’s like a delightful mashup of your favorite banana pudding and rich chocolatey brownies – it’s a flavor explosion! The first time I made these, I was looking for a way to use up some overripe bananas, and wow, did I stumble onto something magical. My family devoured them in minutes, and I knew I’d hit the jackpot! Trust me, once you try these beautifully decadent treats, they’ll become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and they’re perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat after a long day. You’re going to love them!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Banana Pudding Brownies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2-3 ripe bananas, the riper, the better!)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for just the right sweetness)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (this adds a rich flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (to give your brownies that lovely structure)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for a little lift)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (because chocolate makes everything better!)
- 1 cup vanilla pudding mix (for that creamy layer on top)
- 2 cups milk (to whisk with the pudding mix until dreamy)
Make sure everything is at room temperature for the best results, and you’re all set to start baking!
How to Prepare Banana Pudding Brownies
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part – making these Banana Pudding Brownies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures even baking, so those brownies come out perfectly chewy and delicious. While the oven heats up, you can get everything else ready!
Step 2: Mix the Banana Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed bananas, sugar, and melted butter. I like to use a fork to mash the bananas until they’re smooth, then mix everything together until it’s all well blended. You want that banana goodness to shine through!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt into the banana mixture. Gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want our brownies to be tender!
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Now comes the best part! Fold in the chocolate chips. Just use a spatula to gently incorporate them into the batter. This way, you’ll have melty pockets of chocolate in every bite!
Step 5: Prepare the Pudding Layer
In another bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until it thickens up nicely. This will create that creamy layer that makes these brownies so special. It should only take a couple of minutes – you want it thick but still pourable!
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Now, pour the brownie batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Then, gently pour the prepared pudding layer over the brownie batter, smoothing it out. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares. Trust me, it’s hard to wait, but it helps the layers set beautifully! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for a few days (if they last that long!). Enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Banana Pudding Brownies are an absolute treat, and here’s why you’re going to fall in love with them:
- Quick preparation means you can whip these up in no time!
- The rich flavor of bananas combined with chocolate is simply irresistible.
- That creamy pudding layer on top adds a delightful texture contrast.
- Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in.
- They’re a fun twist on traditional brownies that everyone will rave about!
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Banana Pudding Brownies turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Use ripe bananas! The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
- When mixing in the dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want them nice and tender.
- Ensure even distribution of the pudding layer by pouring it slowly over the brownie batter and gently spreading it out.
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing; this helps the layers set beautifully and makes cutting easier.
- Don’t skip the chilling time! Refrigerating leftovers enhances the flavors and texture.
With these tips, you’re on your way to brownie bliss!
Variations on Banana Pudding Brownies
If you want to mix things up a bit with your Banana Pudding Brownies, I’ve got some fun variations for you! Here are a few ideas that can take this dessert to the next level:
- Nuts: Swap chocolate chips for chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of creamy peanut butter to the brownie batter before baking for a nutty twist.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the pudding layer for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
- Fruit Add-ins: Toss in some chopped strawberries or blueberries for a fruity surprise!
Feel free to get creative and make these brownies your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content for each serving of these delightful Banana Pudding Brownies:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your treats with a smile!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these amazing Banana Pudding Brownies? No problem! Here are some common queries I get, along with my best answers:
Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing them up. They’ll work perfectly in your brownies!
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They taste even better chilled!
Can I substitute the pudding mix? Yes! You can use banana pudding mix for an extra banana flavor or even chocolate pudding for a double chocolate treat!
What’s the best way to serve these brownies? Serve them chilled or at room temperature. They’re delicious on their own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce never hurts!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Definitely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a tasty breakfast option, try our Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats!
For more information on the health benefits of bananas, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Banana Pudding Brownies: 7 Irresistible Layers of Joy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious banana pudding brownies with a creamy layer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, and melted butter.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the banana mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- In another bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until thickened.
- Spread the pudding over the brownie batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can substitute chocolate chips with nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Banana Pudding Brownies