Imagine the classic, comforting flavors of banana pudding mingling with the fudgy bliss of blondies—that’s exactly what you get with Banana Pudding Brownies! These bars are a beautiful marriage of creamy pudding, moist banana cake, and a crackly layer of golden vanilla wafers. If you’ve ever sat around the table fighting for the last scoop of grandma’s banana pudding, or you secretly scoop out the gooey center of every pan of brownies, this dessert will absolutely captivate your heart (and tastebuds). Each bite is chewy, tender, sweet, and full of nostalgia—in short, Banana Pudding Brownies are pure delight from the first swirl to the final crumb.

Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about these Banana Pudding Brownies is how easy it is to create magic with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s building a rich, moist base, adding that iconic banana flavor, or finishing everything with a signature crunch.

Light brown sugar: For deep caramel sweetness and extra moisture in the blondie layer.
Melted butter: Brings richness and keeps every bite soft and dense, just like a brownie should be.
Mashed ripe banana: Use super-ripe bananas for maximum banana flavor and natural sweetness!
Vanilla extract: Lifts all the flavors with classic warmth—don’t skip it.
Eggs: Essential for structure; helps both the blondie and pudding layers stay together.
All-purpose flour: Lays down the foundational crumb, keeping the bars soft yet sturdy enough to slice.
Baking soda: A tiny bit gives lift so your brownies don’t turn out dense or gummy.
Banana-cream instant pudding mix: This is the secret! It infuses a silky, nostalgic banana flavor throughout.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance out the sweet and make all the flavors pop.
Cream cheese: Creates the creamy, tangy pudding swirl that makes these bars irresistible.
Optional milk: Add for an extra-smooth pudding layer if desired.
Vanilla wafer cookies (Nilla wafers): Whether whole or crushed, these top things off with the signature banana pudding crunch.

How to Make Banana Pudding Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and get your baking pan ready—either an 8×8 for thick, generous squares, or a 9×13 for bite-sized treats. Grease well or line with parchment so nothing sticks and you get those clean, tempting slices every time.

Step 2: Make the Pudding Layer

Start by whisking together the cream cheese, eggs, and banana-cream instant pudding mix. If you want a silkier pudding swirl, splash in a little milk now. Whisk until everything is smooth and velvety—this layer brings the gooey, pudding-like magic to our Banana Pudding Brownies. Set aside for swirling later!

Step 3: Prepare the Blondie Batter

In a large bowl, stir together melted butter and light brown sugar until glossy. Mix in your mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract, blending well. Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, banana pudding mix (or vanilla pudding with banana extract), and a pinch of salt. This blend becomes the golden, chewy base of the bars.

Step 4: Build the Layers

Press about half the blondie batter into your prepared pan—no need to make it perfect, just nudge it to the corners. Layer on enough vanilla wafers to cover the surface; these will get soft and cake-like inside, just like classic banana pudding.

Step 5: Add Pudding and Swirl

Spoon dollops of that luscious pudding layer and the remaining blondie batter over the wafers. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the batters together, creating pretty ribbons—but don’t overmix! Press a few more vanilla wafers into the top for extra crunch and that unmistakable banana pudding look.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake in the center of your oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should look golden, and a toothpick poked in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—this helps each bar set up beautifully and keeps those layers distinct.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Brownies

Garnishes

Sprinkle some extra crushed or whole wafers on top just before serving to add wonderful crunch and authenticity. For a touch of decadence, dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream and a banana slice on each bar.

Side Dishes

These Banana Pudding Brownies pair perfectly with a tall, frosty glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re going all out, try serving them alongside coffee or tea for an ultra-comforting afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange them on a platter, topped with mini wafer cookies, or serve in cupcake liners for easy sharing at parties. Sandwich two brownies with marshmallow fluff or layer cubes of brownie with whipped cream and bananas for a quick trifle—there’s no limit to the nostalgic fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Pudding Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their delightful texture and flavor for up to 5 days, and actually taste even better once the flavors have had time to mingle.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a zippered freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge (they’re amazing cold, too!).

Reheating

For that warm, gooey texture, microwave a square for 10–15 seconds just before serving. The flavors will perk right up, and the wafers on top may regain a little crunch.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla pudding mix instead of banana-cream for the recipe?

Absolutely! Regular vanilla pudding mix works just fine. If you want a stronger banana flavor, simply add a splash of banana extract to the batter.

Do the brownies have to be refrigerated?

Since the recipe includes cream cheese and pudding, it’s safest to refrigerate Banana Pudding Brownies. This also helps them set up nicely and makes them easy to slice.

What if I don’t have Nilla wafers?

No worries! You can use any vanilla-flavored cookie, graham crackers, or even a layer of shortbread. The signature crunch and nostalgia will still shine through.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply use a 9×13 pan for more, and keep a close eye on the bake time—sometimes it takes a couple extra minutes. Everyone will want seconds, so doubling is always a good idea.

What’s the best way to mash ripe bananas?

The best method is to use a fork or potato masher. Start with soft, heavily speckled bananas for optimal sweetness, and mash until mostly smooth with just a few small chunks remaining for texture.

Final Thoughts

Banana Pudding Brownies are a true celebration of cozy, familiar flavors with a playful twist. If you crave that irresistible combo of banana, pudding, golden cookies, and a chewy bar, you’re going to adore these. Don’t wait—gather your ripest bananas and treat yourself (and your friends) to something truly special!

Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: ~45–50 minutes
Yield: 16 bars (for 8×8) or 24 smaller pieces (for 9×13) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent fusion of classic banana pudding and rich brownie flavors with these delightful Banana Pudding Brownies. Layers of moist blondie base, creamy banana pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafers create a truly irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blondie Base:

light brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 mashed ripe banana
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 package banana-cream instant pudding mix
pinch of salt

For the Pudding Layer:

8 oz cream cheese
2 eggs
1 package banana-cream instant pudding mix
(optional milk)

Topping:

vanilla wafer cookies or Nilla wafers, either whole or crushed

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 or 9×13 baking pan.
Make the pudding layer: Whisk together milk (if using), sugar, flour, egg yolk until thick, then stir in butter and vanilla. Set aside.
Prepare blondie batter: Combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, mashed banana, egg yolk, and vanilla. Fold in flour, baking powder or soda, and salt.
Press half the batter into the pan. Top evenly with vanilla wafers.
Drop dollops of banana pudding batter and remaining blondie batter on top. Swirl gently with a knife, then press more wafers on top.
Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Let cool completely to set.

Notes

Overripe bananas are best—they add moisture and flavor.
Warm vanilla wafers on top add delightful crunch and authentic banana-pudding flair.
For a shortcut, you can use boxed cake mix (banana or yellow) with instant pudding mix and wafers instead.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Category: Dessert / Bars
Method: Baking (Layered Blondie with Swirled Pudding)
Cuisine: American / Fusion Twist on Classic Banana Pudding