Oh my goodness, you guys! If you haven’t tried banana pudding brownies yet, you’re in for such a delightful treat. These brownies are not just your ordinary dessert; they’re a fantastic blend of rich, fudgy chocolate goodness topped with a creamy layer of vanilla pudding that takes them to a whole new level! Trust me, the combination of the sweet, ripe bananas and fluffy whipped cream makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for gatherings or just a little indulgence at home. Get ready to fall in love with banana pudding brownies!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (the riper, the better for sweetness and flavor!)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (this adds that rich, buttery goodness)
- 1 cup sugar (for that perfect sweetness)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature helps them mix better)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (this is where the magic happens!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (the backbone of our brownie structure)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (to give those brownies a little lift)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this; it enhances the flavors!)
- 1 cup vanilla pudding mix (for the creamy layer everyone loves)
- 1 cup whipped cream (to top it all off with fluffy goodness)
How to Prepare Banana Pudding Brownies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than brownies that are undercooked in the middle!
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed ripe bananas and melted butter. I always find it helps to mash the bananas until they’re nice and smooth—this way, every bite of the brownies is packed with banana flavor! Next, add in the sugar, eggs, and that delightful vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You’ll love the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s whisk together the dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. I like to give it a good stir to ensure everything’s evenly distributed. Then, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Be careful here; you don’t want to overmix! Just combine until you see no more flour streaks—it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy!
Bake the Brownies
Pour your brownie batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them, as you want that perfect fudgy texture!
Add the Creamy Layer
Once the brownies have cooled completely, it’s time for the star of the show—the creamy layer! Spread the vanilla pudding mix evenly over the top of the cooled brownies. Then, dollop on that heavenly whipped cream, smoothing it out to cover every inch. For the best flavor and texture, pop the whole thing in the fridge for a little while before serving. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what you can expect in terms of nutrition with these delicious banana pudding brownies! Each brownie is estimated to have about 180 calories, making them a delightful treat without going overboard. You’ll find around 12 grams of sugar in each serving, which adds that lovely sweetness we all crave. As for fat, they contain about 7 grams, with 4 grams being saturated fat. You’ll also get 2 grams of protein and 24 grams of carbohydrates per brownie. Remember, these numbers are estimates, so they might vary a bit based on how you make them. But trust me, with all that banana goodness, you’re in for a tasty experience without the guilt!
Tips for Success
For the best banana pudding brownies, always use ripe bananas—those speckled, brown ones are perfect! They bring out the sweetest flavor and moisture. If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for a delightful crunch. Just fold them in gently with the dry ingredients. Also, don’t skip the chilling step after adding the pudding and whipped cream; it really enhances the flavors and gives you that perfect creamy texture. Trust me, these little tips make a world of difference in achieving brownie perfection!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these banana pudding brownies! One of my favorites is to swap out the vanilla pudding mix for chocolate or butterscotch pudding—wow, what a twist! You could also try adding in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delicious crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy layers. Feeling extra indulgent? Toss in some mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter for that extra chocolatey goodness. And don’t forget, you can even layer in some sliced strawberries or raspberries on top of the whipped cream for a fruity pop. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your banana pudding brownies fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to five days—if they last that long! I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them, just to keep that creamy topping intact.
If you want to enjoy them warm, a quick reheating tip is to pop a brownie in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds. This warms them up perfectly without compromising the creamy layer. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might lose that lovely texture! Enjoy your scrumptious brownies any time you like!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen bananas for banana pudding brownies?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them. Ripe, frozen bananas can actually add a wonderful sweetness to your brownies!
What can I substitute for the vanilla pudding mix?
If you don’t have vanilla pudding mix, you can use chocolate pudding mix for a rich twist or even a butterscotch mix for a delightful flavor change. Just keep in mind that the texture may slightly vary.
How should I store leftover banana pudding brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about five days. Just be sure to keep that creamy topping intact!
Can I make banana pudding brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies are perfect for making a day in advance. Just assemble and chill them, and they’ll be ready to serve whenever you need a sweet treat.
Why are my banana pudding brownies too dense?
If your brownies turn out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or not measuring the flour correctly. Make sure to mix gently and accurately for that perfect fudgy texture!
Banana pudding brownies: 5 reasons you’ll love this treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious banana pudding brownies with a creamy layer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; fold into the banana mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool, then spread vanilla pudding over the brownies.
- Top with whipped cream and chill before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: banana pudding brownies
