Banana Pudding Brownies: 7 Reasons They’re Worth Baking Now

Introduction

Creamy, dreamy, and totally irresistible—banana pudding brownies are the dessert mashup you didn’t know you needed. Imagine the rich, fudgy base of a chocolate brownie swirled with the smooth, vanilla-infused flavor of banana pudding and topped off with golden, buttery Nilla wafers. It’s like your favorite Southern comfort food met a bakery classic and decided to be best friends forever.

Fun fact: banana pudding has been a staple in Southern homes for over 100 years, and brownies have been charming dessert lovers since the 1890s. So why not combine these two legends into one seriously indulgent treat? This recipe is surprisingly simple, comes together in under an hour, and is 100% kid-approved. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want something special on a weekday night, these brownies deliver.

These banana pudding brownies are special because they give you the best of both worlds: the nostalgia of banana pudding and the decadent joy of a chocolatey brownie. It’s comfort food with a twist! If you loved our “Banana Cream Pie Bars” or “Fudgy Avocado Brownies,” you’ll go bananas for this.

Get ready to wow your taste buds and your guests. Let’s bake something unforgettable!

What is Banana Pudding Brownies?

You might be wondering, “Did someone really put banana pudding in a brownie?” Yes, and it’s magical. Banana pudding brownies are a layered dessert that combines the gooey texture of a classic brownie with a creamy banana pudding swirl. Add crushed vanilla wafers on top, and you’ve got yourself a flavor-packed dessert that feels both nostalgic and new.

The name may sound a little out there, but it makes perfect sense once you taste it. As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – and nothing melts hearts faster than the combo of banana and chocolate. So go ahead, take the leap—you’re going to love it.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

1. Flavor Explosion: The richness of the chocolate brownie base meets the smooth vanilla-banana pudding swirl in every bite. It’s sweet, creamy, fudgy, and totally indulgent.
2. Cost-Saving & Pantry-Friendly: You likely have most of the ingredients at home already—boxed brownie mix, instant banana pudding, milk, butter, and vanilla wafers. No need for fancy tools or hard-to-find items!
3. Versatile & Customizable: Want to add white chocolate chips? Go for it. Prefer homemade banana pudding? Be our guest. This recipe is a delicious playground of flavor.

If you liked our “Chocolate Chip Banana Bars,” this recipe will become your new go-to. Bake a batch, slice into squares, and prepare for compliments!

How to Make Banana Pudding Brownies

Quick Overview

Making banana pudding brownies is easy and super satisfying. You only need about 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to bake. You start with a basic brownie batter, swirl in banana pudding, then sprinkle on crushed vanilla wafers for a crunch that seals the deal. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

Key Ingredients for Banana Pudding Brownies

• 1 box brownie mix (or your favorite homemade brownie recipe)
• Ingredients called for on brownie box (usually oil, eggs, and water)
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk (for pudding)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed Nilla wafers
• Optional: 1 banana (mashed), white chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.

1. Prepare brownie batter as directed on box or per your homemade recipe.

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, cold milk, vanilla extract, and mashed banana (if using). Let it thicken slightly.

1. Pour 2/3 of the brownie batter into the pan and smooth the surface.

1. Add dollops of banana pudding on top, swirling gently with a butter knife.
2. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the top and swirl again.
3. Sprinkle crushed Nilla wafers and white chocolate chips (if using) evenly across the surface.

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
2. Cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Questions About Banana Pudding Brownies

Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant? Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the box mix, homemade pudding adds a rich, authentic flavor. Just make sure it’s fully chilled and thickened before adding to the brownie batter.

Can I make banana pudding brownies ahead of time? Yes, and they actually taste better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How do I keep the brownies from getting soggy? Let the brownies cool completely before covering or storing. You can also add the Nilla wafers right before serving to keep their crunch if preferred.

Can I use real bananas in the pudding? Of course! A mashed banana mixed into the pudding layer gives these brownies extra banana flavor. Just be aware it can slightly change the texture.

Do these freeze well? Yes. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

What can I serve with these brownies? Try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.

Can I make these gluten-free? Just use a gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free vanilla wafers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Still curious? Leave a question in the comments and we’ll help you bake the perfect batch!c

Conclusion

Banana pudding brownies aren’t just a treat—they’re an experience. This recipe combines the warm, nostalgic comfort of banana pudding with the indulgent, fudgy richness of a classic brownie, making it one of those unforgettable desserts that brings everyone back for seconds. The fusion of creamy pudding, chocolatey brownie layers, and crunchy vanilla wafers delivers everything you could want in a bite—and more.

What makes these brownies truly special is their versatility. Whether you’re baking them for a casual weekend dessert, a family celebration, or just because you’ve got a sweet tooth calling, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re simple enough for beginners yet customizable enough for experienced bakers to add their own flair—swap in white chocolate chips, drizzle on caramel, or layer in fresh banana slices.

Another bonus? They keep well in the fridge and freeze beautifully, meaning you can enjoy this indulgence any time you like. And let’s not forget—this recipe is made with pantry staples and minimal effort, making it accessible, budget-friendly, and perfect for last-minute cravings or spontaneous gatherings.

If you loved this dessert mashup, be sure to explore more of our creative brownie and banana-based recipes. Trust us, once you’ve made banana pudding brownies, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

So go ahead—preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and create a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and next-level delicious. One bite and you’ll see exactly why this recipe has become a reader favorite. Don’t forget to share your version online and tag us—we can’t wait to see how your banana pudding brownies turn out!

Print