Description
These Banana Pudding Brownies combine the rich creaminess of cream cheese swirled into a moist banana cake brownie base, topped with crunchy vanilla wafers for a delightful texture contrast. Perfectly baked to achieve a soft center with a luscious, swirled top, these brownies make for an irresistible dessert or snack that marries the best flavors of banana pudding and classic brownies.
Ingredients
Banana Cake Brownie Base
- 1 (16-1/2 Ounce) Box Banana Cake Mix
- 3 Large Eggs (divided)
- 1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 Cup Walnuts (Chopped, optional)
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 1 (8 Ounce) Block Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 Tablespoon Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Egg
Topping
- 1 Cup Vanilla Wafers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking your brownies evenly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for about 2 minutes until smooth and soft. Add 1 egg, the powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then continue beating for another 2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well blended. Set aside.
- Mix Banana Cake Batter: In a separate medium bowl, combine the banana cake mix, remaining 2 eggs, and vegetable oil. If using walnuts, add them here. Beat this mixture for 1 minute until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Layer Brownie Batter: Grease a 13×9-inch oven-safe dish. Spoon the banana cake batter evenly into the prepared dish, spreading gently to cover the bottom.
- Add Cream Cheese Swirl: Dollop the cream cheese mixture around the brownie batter in the dish. Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the banana batter to create a marbled pattern.
- Top with Vanilla Wafers: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of vanilla wafers over the top of the swirled brownie batter for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The center should remain slightly soft when done, giving a fudgy texture.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the dish from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate the brownies before cutting to help them set and achieve clean slices.
Notes
- Walnuts are optional and can be omitted or substituted with pecans if desired.
- Allowing the brownies to cool completely before refrigerating improves cutting and texture.
- The swirled cream cheese adds moisture and richness, so do not overmix when swirling to maintain visual appeal.
- Store refrigerated brownies in an airtight container to keep fresh up to 4 days.
- For a more intense banana flavor, add a small mashed ripe banana to the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American