Name: Layered Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 56 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.4 ounce instant banana cream pudding mix (box); 2 cups milk; 6 tablespoons butter (melted); 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup banana (overripe, about 1 medium-sized banana); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon banana extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour (leveled); 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 cups vanilla wafer cookies (plus extra for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 32 reviews

If you’re a fan of both banana pudding and rich, fudgy brownies, then you’re about to fall head over heels for the Layered Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe. This delightful treat combines the creamy, fruity sweetness of banana pudding with the dense, chocolaty goodness of classic brownies, all layered thoughtfully with vanilla wafer cookies that add the perfect crunch and texture. It’s a dreamy dessert that feels indulgent yet familiar, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself on a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a yellow cake mix box with an image of a two-layer yellow cake with dark brown frosting between and on top. On each side of the box, there are two cans of cherry pie filling with bright red cherries and golden crust on the label. Below the box, there is a blue cream cheese package, a stick of butter with

Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance in this Layered Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building the flavor spectrum, moisture, and texture that make this dessert so irresistible.

Instant banana cream pudding mix (3.4 oz): Provides that unmistakable banana flavor with a creamy finish that complements the brownie base.
Milk (2 cups): Combines with the pudding mix to create a thick, luscious layer.
Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and moisture to the batter, making the brownies fudgy.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings a subtle caramel note and sweetness while keeping the texture tender.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the flavors with pure sweetness.
Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold the batter together and create structure.
Overripe banana (1/2 cup, mashed): Boosts the natural banana flavor and adds moisture for softness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
Banana extract (1 teaspoon): Intensifies banana notes, making the dessert pop with fruity goodness.
All-purpose flour (1 cup, leveled): Provides the foundation for the brownie batter.
Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just the slightest lift for a tender crumb.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Vanilla wafer cookies (3 cups plus extra for topping): Offer crunch and that classic banana pudding texture throughout the layers.

How to Make Layered Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Gather

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Having everything ready at this stage will make layering easier and keep the process smooth.

Step 2: Make the Instant Banana Pudding

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant banana cream pudding mix and milk until it thickens and becomes creamy. This luscious pudding layer gives the brownies their unique character.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter with both sugars and the egg until smooth and glossy. This mixture is the rich, buttery base that floats the banana flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Add the Mashed Banana and Extracts

Mash your overripe banana thoroughly in a separate small bowl, then stir in your vanilla and banana extracts. Incorporate this into the wet mixture, blending the flavors to infuse the batter with banana goodness.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure even distribution and prevent clumping.

Step 6: Fold Wet and Dry Together

Gently fold your dry ingredients into the banana-butter mixture, careful not to overmix. The goal is a smooth batter with a tender crumb, which sets the stage for those amazing brownies.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Cookies

First, spread half of your banana batter evenly into the prepared pan. Next, press a layer of vanilla wafer cookies over the batter, fully covering it. Then spread the remaining banana batter on top, followed by dollops of your prepared pudding. Using the tip of a knife, swirl the pudding lightly into the batter and around the cookies to create beautiful marbling.

Step 8: Add Final Cookie Layer and Bake

Finish with another layer of vanilla wafer cookies pressed on top, plus a scatter of some crushed cookies for that extra crunch. Bake everything for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let your Layered Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When cool, slice them into 16 smaller servings or 9 larger squares, depending on how indulgent you want your portions.

How to Serve Layered Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

A square metal baking pan filled with soft, pale yellow custard forming the base layer, topped with fourteen evenly spaced, round golden brown cookies, some of which are slightly cracked with bits broken and scattered on top of the custard. The background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh banana slices on top or a dusting of powdered sugar can brighten the dessert visually and tastefully. Whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce also complements the flavors wonderfully, creating a truly decadent experience.

Side Dishes

This layered dessert shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries on the side can also help add a tangy contrast that refreshes the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress friends at your next gathering, serve these brownies in a glass trifle dish to showcase the beautiful layers. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for elegant party platters or stack a few with thinly sliced bananas and wafer cookies as a playful mini dessert tower.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Layered Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe leftovers keep well when stored tightly covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days. Chilling actually helps the layers meld together even more deliciously.

Freezing

If you want to save this treat for later, wrap the brownies individually or in a single layer in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this might affect the texture of the pudding layer. A warm brownie with cool pudding on top creates a divine contrast.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular pudding mix for the banana cream pudding mix?

Yes, but it will alter the banana flavor that makes this recipe so special. If you choose to swap it out, consider adding extra banana extract or mashed bananas to keep the flavor vibrant.

What if I don’t have banana extract?

No worries! Vanilla extract alone will still make a delicious dessert, but the banana extract helps intensify the banana notes and makes the pudding taste more authentic and rich.

Can I use ripe bananas instead of overripe?

Overripe bananas work best because they are softer and sweeter, which blends seamlessly into the batter to keep brownies moist. Using ripe or underripe bananas may result in less sweetness and a firmer texture.

Is it okay to use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

You can substitute with gluten-free flour blends that measure cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour, but make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture smooth and avoid crumbling.

How do I ensure my brownies don’t become soggy with the pudding layer?

The key is baking them until just done and allowing them to cool completely in the pan; this sets the layers properly. Also, avoid adding too much pudding on top before baking—it should be swirled lightly so it melds nicely without saturating the batter.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Layered Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any dessert lineup. The harmony of textures and flavors—from creamy pudding to crunchy wafers and moist banana-infused brownie—creates a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and see how this nostalgic twist on two classic favorites will brighten any day.