Banana Pudding Brownies

These banana pudding brownies are one of those recipes you have to try! It is a delicious mix of creamy banana pudding and fudgy brownie layers.

A slice of banana cake with nuts, topped with cream, sits on a white plate. A fork holds a bite-sized piece. Whole bananas and a checked cloth are in the background.

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This recipe is a family favorite in our house. Every time I bake a batch, it’s gone before it has time to cool down! Whether it’s the subtle banana pudding flavor or the fudgy brownie batter, it just hits the sweet spot every single time.

If you love banana recipes, then next you should try this recipe for Banana Pudding Cookies or these Banana Pudding Tacos.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make these decadent banana pudding brownies. Don’t forget, the detailed measurements are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For the Brownie Layer:

Butter – Unsalted, melted to give your batter richness.
Light Brown Sugar – Packed for that warm, caramel-like sweetness.
Eggs – Room temperature for a smooth batter.
Salt – Enhances flavor without overpowering.
Vanilla Extract – Because every dessert deserves a touch of vanilla.
All-Purpose Flour – Your standard baking flour for the perfect bake.
Baking Powder – Helps achieve just the right texture.
Bananas – Ripe and mashed for natural sweetness and flavor.
Walnuts (optional) – Adds a lovely crunch to each bite.

For the Banana Pudding Layer:

Whole Milk – For that creamy, dreamy texture.
Instant Banana Pudding Mix – The key to capturing that quintessential banana pudding flavor.

Instructions

Here’s a quick overview of the steps to create these banana pudding brownies. Make sure to check out the recipe card below for complete details.

A mixing bowl with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla sits alongside bowls of chopped nuts, mashed bananas, flour, and sugar on a white surface.

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until well blended.

A mixing bowl with brown batter and a cracked egg in the center, surrounded by ingredients like nuts, mashed banana, flour, and vanilla extract. An electric mixer is partially visible.

Step 2: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Electric mixer blending flour into a batter in a glass bowl, with additional flour in a bowl nearby on a white surface.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Mashed bananas and chopped walnuts in a mixing bowl next to an electric mixer beater.

Step 4: Fold in the mashed bananas and toasted walnuts until evenly distributed.

Batter spread in a parchment-lined square baking pan with a spatula on top. A mixing bowl with remaining batter is visible in the background.

Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

A mixing bowl with banana cream pudding mix and milk, next to an empty measuring cup and a box of Jello banana cream flavor.

Step 6: While the base is baking, prepare the banana pudding layer by whisking together the instant banana pudding mix and milk. Let it set in the refrigerator until the base has cooled.

A square banana cake in a metal baking tin, with parchment paper lining the sides. A glass bowl of yellow frosting with a spatula is placed above on a white surface.

Step 7: Once the base is cool, spread the banana pudding layer evenly on top.

Square baking pan filled with smooth yellow batter on parchment paper, with a glass mixing bowl in the background.

Step 8: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding layer to set. Cut into squares and serve topped with whipped topping and additional sliced bananas, if desired.

Storage

Storage: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm your brownies in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back their gooey texture.

A piece of banana cake with walnuts and cream topping on a white plate, next to fork and sliced banana, with whole bananas in the background.

Wendy’s Tips

For the best banana flavor, use bananas that are fully ripe (a few brown spots are ideal).
Adding vanilla wafers as a crunchy topping gives these brownies a nod to classic banana pudding.
Don’t overbake! The brownies should be slightly fudgy in the middle for the best texture.

What To Serve With Banana Pudding Brownies

Planning to serve these brownies as part of a meal? Pair them with fresh fruit salad on the side for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to really elevate the dessert vibes.

If you want to make a full-on banana-themed dessert spread, consider serving these brownies with homemade banana nut muffins or no-bake banana pudding. And of course, you can never go wrong with a classic glass of milk for dunking.

A slice of banana cake with nuts, topped with frosting and whipped cream, on a white plate. A banana slice and fork are beside it. Whole bananas are in the background.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have banana pudding mix?

If you can’t find banana pudding mix, substitute vanilla pudding mix and add a teaspoon of banana extract for that signature flavor.

Can I make this recipe with cake mix?

Yes, you can turn this into banana pudding brownies with cake mix! Replace the from-scratch brownie batter with prepared cake mix to save time.