Name: Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16-1/2 Ounce) Box Banana Cake Mix; 3 Large Eggs (divided); 1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil; 1/2 Cup Walnuts (Chopped, optional); 1 (8 Ounce) Block Cream Cheese (softened); 1 Tablespoon Powdered Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 Egg; 1 Cup Vanilla Wafers

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 22 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a dessert that perfectly blends rich creaminess with a nostalgic fruity twist, then the Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful treat takes the familiar flavors of banana pudding and marries them with the dense, fudgy goodness of brownies, creating a dessert that feels homemade yet impressively indulgent. It’s great for gatherings, potlucks, or simply whenever you want to treat yourself to something uniquely delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to sweets!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish placed on a white marbled surface, filled with soft dough spread evenly on the bottom layer. On top of the dough, there are eight uneven clumps of a golden-brown mixture with dark spots, likely chocolate chips, scattered across the surface. The texture of the dough is smooth and creamy while the clumps look rough and chunky. The colors contrast well, with the creamy white dough and the darker golden brown mixture creating a layered appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something essential to the table: creaminess, sweetness, texture, or that unmistakable banana flavor. Having these on hand will make the process seamless and the end result irresistible.

8-ounce block cream cheese (softened): Adds a smooth, tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
1 tablespoon powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without graininess for that silky texture.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle warmth and depth.
3 large eggs: Help bind and give the brownies a tender crumb.
16.5-ounce box banana cake mix: The heart of the recipe, delivering the banana flavor and fluffy cake base.
1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Offers a crunchy contrast and a bit of earthiness if you like some texture.
1 cup vanilla wafers: Provides a charming crunch and classic banana pudding nostalgia when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when your batter is set. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, which usually takes about two minutes. Add one egg, the powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, then beat again until everything is well combined and creamy. This luscious mixture will swirl throughout the brownies, giving them that dreamy banana pudding texture.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a separate bowl, combine the banana cake mix with the remaining two eggs and vegetable oil. If you’re a fan of walnuts, toss them in now for an added layer of flavor. Beat everything for about a minute until the batter is smooth and consistent. The banana cake mix already has that sweet, fruity banana flavor, so it’s the perfect base for this recipe.

Step 3: Assemble Your Brownies

Grease a 13×9-inch oven dish thoroughly so none of those delicious brownies stick. Dollop the banana brownie batter evenly into the dish. Then, spoon the cream cheese mixture on top in small scoops. Now comes the fun part: grab a skewer or a knife and swirl the cream cheese through the brownie batter. This creates beautiful marbled patterns and ensures every bite delivers a delightful flavor swirl. Finally, sprinkle the vanilla wafers over the top for that classic banana pudding crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your masterpiece in the oven for around 20 to 25 minutes. Keep in mind the center might still be slightly soft when you pull it out—that’s expected. Let the brownies cool on a rack completely, then pop them in the fridge to chill. Refrigerating helps the layers set perfectly and makes cutting cleaner and easier.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe

A square slice of cookie bar sits on a white plate, showing three visible layers: a bottom crust that is light golden with a slightly crumbly texture, a middle layer that is light brown and moist with small chunks inside, and a top layer with three browned vanilla wafer cookies embedded on the surface, surrounded by a chunky, pale golden cookie dough. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a glass baking dish of more cookie bars blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate these Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe treats, consider topping with fresh banana slices or a dollop of whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can really make these brownies pop and add an extra layer of sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

Serve your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comforting combo. Fresh berries can also provide a bright contrast, balancing the richness with a touch of acidity and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Present the brownies in a rustic wooden tray for a cozy vibe or arrange them neatly on a decorative platter for a classy look. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for parties, stacking them high with a little skewer to serve as dessert finger food. Another fun idea is to layer crumbled banana wafers and these brownies in a glass trifle dish for a show-stopping dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled preserves that cream cheese swirl’s texture and prevents the bananas from losing their freshness.

Freezing

If you want to store these longer, freeze the brownies tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain their wonderful flavor and texture.

Reheating

While these brownies are delightful straight from the fridge, they also reheat nicely. Warm a piece gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds if you prefer a softer, gooey texture. Just be cautious not to overheat, as the cream cheese swirl could become too runny.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! While banana cake mix is a natural fit for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like yellow cake or even white cake for a subtle variation. Keep in mind, the banana flavor will be less pronounced without the banana mix.

Is it necessary to refrigerate before cutting?

Yes, refrigerating the brownies before cutting helps the cream cheese swirl set properly and makes them easier to slice. Cutting immediately after baking can cause the brownies to be mushy or crumbly.

Can I omit the walnuts if I have allergies?

Definitely. The walnuts add crunch and flavor, but the recipe works wonderfully without them. Your brownies will be just as tasty and kid-friendly!

What’s the texture like in these Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe?

Expect a soft, moist, and slightly gooey texture with a creamy swirl throughout and a delightful crunch from the vanilla wafers on top. They’re a perfect balance of cake-like softness and indulgent richness.

Can I make these into cupcakes or individual servings?

Yes! You can portion the batter into a muffin tin lined with cupcake papers, following the same layering technique. Adjust baking time to around 18 minutes and watch carefully—the swirl might bake differently but the flavors remain amazing.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Pudding Brownies Recipe is a foolproof way to wow your family and friends with a dessert that feels both classic and surprisingly unique. Each bite offers luscious cream cheese swirls, the nostalgic taste of banana pudding, and that satisfying chocolatey brownie base. Dive in, share, and savor the smiles it brings—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without making these!