These Banana Pudding Brownies blend the dense, buttery chew of a blondie with the creamy, nostalgic flavor of banana pudding. Topped with crisp vanilla wafers and baked to golden perfection, each square delivers comforting Southern charm in dessert form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This unique dessert brings together two beloved treats: blondies and banana pudding. The result is a soft, rich brownie with the unmistakable flavor of banana pudding, accented by the crunch of classic vanilla wafer cookies. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, these brownies are perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want to impress with something a little different. They’re kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and completely irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 16–20 vanilla wafer cookies
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined and slightly thickened.
- Mix in the dry banana pudding mix until incorporated.
- Stir in the flour and salt until a thick, cohesive batter forms.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Arrange the vanilla wafer cookies on top, gently pressing them into the surface of the batter.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cut into squares, ensuring each has one vanilla wafer. Serve and enjoy.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 16 brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per serving: 285 kcal
Variations
- Cream cheese swirl: Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese mixture before baking and swirl lightly for a cheesecake effect.
- Chocolate chips: Stir in white or milk chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
- Frosted version: Top with a thin layer of banana-flavored buttercream for a bakery-style finish.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free vanilla wafers.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled brownies individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: These brownies are best served at room temperature, but can be warmed gently in the microwave if desired.
FAQs
Can I use banana extract instead of pudding mix?
The pudding mix adds both flavor and structure. Banana extract alone will not give the same texture or depth.
Are these brownies more like cake or blondies?
They have the dense, chewy texture of blondies rather than a cake-like crumb.
Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant mix?
This recipe is designed for dry instant pudding mix. Homemade pudding will alter the texture and may not bake properly.
What if I don’t have vanilla wafers?
You can substitute with graham crackers or leave them off entirely, though the vanilla wafers contribute classic banana pudding flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time to 35–40 minutes.
Should I refrigerate leftovers?
Refrigeration helps preserve freshness, especially in warm climates, but is not required if eaten within 1–2 days.
Can I make this without eggs?
You can try an egg substitute such as unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal, though the texture may vary slightly.
How do I prevent overbaking?
Begin checking at the 28-minute mark. Look for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?
Yes, sugar-free banana pudding mix will work if you’re looking to reduce sugar content.
What is the best way to serve these brownies?
They’re delicious on their own, but also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Brownies with Vanilla Wafer Topping are a creative and delicious dessert that blends the cozy flavors of the South with the chewy satisfaction of a blondie. Simple to prepare yet full of character, they’re perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a nostalgic weeknight dessert. For a recipe that tastes like childhood with a gourmet twist, these brownies are sure to become a favorite.
Banana Pudding Brownies with Vanilla Wafer Topping
These banana pudding brownies blend the dense, buttery texture of blondies with the nostalgic flavor of banana pudding, all crowned with crunchy vanilla wafers. A rich, Southern-inspired dessert bar that’s creamy, chewy, and irresistibly easy to love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 16–20 vanilla wafer cookies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Mix in the dry banana pudding mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in flour and salt just until a thick batter forms.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly.
- Top with vanilla wafer cookies, gently pressing them into the batter.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Cool completely in the pan. Slice into squares, aiming for one wafer per serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Ensure the pudding mix is the instant dry mix, not prepared pudding.
- Let the brownies cool completely for the best texture and clean cuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg