Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried banana pudding brownies yet, you are seriously missing out! Imagine biting into a warm, fudgy brownie that’s bursting with rich chocolate flavor and the delightful sweetness of ripe bananas. This recipe is like a nostalgic hug from your childhood, combining two of my favorite treats into one heavenly dessert. I remember the first time I made these—my friends couldn’t believe how perfectly the banana blended with the chocolate! It’s such a fun twist on traditional brownies, and trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “banana pudding.” So grab those ripe bananas off your counter, and let’s dive into this deliciously satisfying recipe that’s sure to be a hit for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (the riper, the better for sweetness!)
- 1/2 cup banana pudding mix
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (feel free to use dark or semi-sweet)
(Tip: Make sure your banana is nice and ripe to get that incredible banana flavor that pairs so well with the chocolate!)
How to Prepare Banana Pudding Brownies
Get ready to whip up these scrumptious banana pudding brownies! Trust me, the process is as enjoyable as the end result. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can dive into this delicious adventure without a hitch!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to ensure those brownies bake evenly!
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Give it a good whisk to blend them together.
- In another larger bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s nice and smooth—this is where the magic begins.
- Now, crack in 2 large eggs, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and toss in that mashed ripe banana. Mix it all together until you have a luscious, cohesive batter.
- Next, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until you see no flour streaks!
- Then, fold in 1/2 cup of banana pudding mix and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Oh wow, this is going to be good!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Finally, let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Patience is key here—you want them to set perfectly!
And there you have it! These banana pudding brownies are simple, satisfying, and absolutely delectable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy banana, creating a mouthwatering treat you won’t be able to resist.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these delicious brownies in the oven in no time. Perfect for busy days or spontaneous dessert cravings!
- Gooey Texture: These brownies are moist and fudgy, giving you that satisfying melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to impress everyone and have them asking for the recipe!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins, like nuts or different types of chocolate chips, to make them your own!
- Banana Lovers Unite: If you’re a fan of banana-flavored treats, this recipe is a must-try. It’s like banana pudding in brownie form—pure bliss!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your banana pudding brownies turn out absolutely perfect? I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to help you achieve brownie bliss every single time!
- Choose the Right Banana: The riper your banana, the better! Look for one with lots of brown spots—this means it’s super sweet and will infuse your brownies with that creamy banana flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the fudgy texture we love!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Start checking at the 25-minute mark. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let Them Cool: I know it’s hard to resist diving in right away, but letting your brownies cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes will help them set and make cutting easier.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding chopped nuts, caramel swirls, or even peanut butter for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to save them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the best banana pudding brownies ever. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up a bit with your banana pudding brownies, I’ve got some delightful variations that’ll keep your taste buds excited! The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it can be, so let’s get creative!
- Nutty Banana Bliss: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the fudgy texture.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter on top of the batter before baking and gently swirl it through. The result? A mouthwatering peanut butter-banana combo!
- Mint Chocolate Twist: Mix in some mint chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips for a refreshing twist. It’s a fun way to bring a new flavor profile to your brownies!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top of your brownies once they’ve cooled for an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
- Chocolate Banana Chip: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer chocolate flavor, or mix in some white chocolate chips for a touch of contrast and sweetness.
- Spiced Up Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor that complements the banana perfectly.
These variations are just a starting point, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination. It’s all about making these banana pudding brownies your own—enjoy the delicious journey!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these divine banana pudding brownies, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh for those moments when you just can’t resist a sweet bite later on! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
To store your brownies, let them cool completely in the baking pan. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. You can either keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days or pop them in the fridge if you want them to last a bit longer—up to a week in the fridge works just fine!
If you have a larger batch and want to save some for later, you can also freeze them! Just wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also microwave it for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat!
And there you have it—simple steps to keep your banana pudding brownies fresh and delicious! Enjoy every last crumb!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful banana pudding brownies! Just a heads up, these values are estimated, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in with each delicious bite.
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
These brownies are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation! They’re perfect for satisfying that chocolate and banana craving while still being a fun dessert option. Happy baking and indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil in place of butter if you prefer. Just use about 1/3 cup of oil instead of 1/2 cup of melted butter. Keep in mind that it might slightly change the texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have banana pudding mix?
No worries! You can simply leave it out, or if you have instant vanilla pudding mix on hand, that works too! Just remember, the banana pudding mix adds a nice creaminess and flavor.
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to start checking around the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re good to go! If it comes out clean, you might want to check them again in a minute or two.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. They should turn out just as delicious, so everyone can enjoy them!
How should I store leftovers?
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months!
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a wonderful crunch to the brownies. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
How do I get the perfect cut on my brownies?
For clean cuts, make sure they’re completely cooled before slicing. You can also run your knife under hot water, then dry it before cutting. This helps create those beautiful, clean edges!
Banana Pudding Brownies: 7 Steps to Heavenly Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious banana pudding brownies that combine rich chocolate with banana flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup banana pudding mix
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and mashed banana to the butter mixture.
- Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in banana pudding mix and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can substitute chocolate chips with nuts if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana pudding brownies, dessert, brownies, banana, chocolate
