These delicious Banana Pudding Brownies are always a surprising delight when brought to events. They're super simple to make and really do have a Banana Pudding flavor!
They have a chewy, fudgy texture just like a real brownie, with a crunch on the top from the vanilla wafers - and that classic banana and walnut combo.
When researching this delicious dessert recipe there were a few different styles that I could see out there - some had the classic brownie as a bottom layer with a pudding mixture (pudding layer) on top.
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There was also some that had fresh ripe bananas swirled into a classic brownie mix with an instant pudding mix up in there. You might also call it a blondie. Banana Pudding Blondies.
Prepared in this way, using banana cake mix is one of my family favorites, served up with a nice glass of ice cold milk, everyone's in heaven.
Some other southern desserts you might like on my site are Pecan Pie, Apple Pie and King Cake for those more of a classic recipe.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
This recipe has really simple ingredients and not many. Disregard the 1 cup milk (or other fluid) that the cake mix calls for on the box.
If you add this the cake mix will become more cake-like. Leaving out this fluid actually helps the batter become more brownie-like.
See recipe card for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium or large mixing bowl beat the cream cheese until soft.
- Step 2: Add one egg, the vanilla extract and powdered sugar and beat again for about 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Step 3: In another mixing bowl combine the cake mix, remaining eggs and the oil and mix well on a low speed.
- Step 4: Stir in the chopped walnuts.
- Step 5: In a greased 13x9 baking dish add the brownie batter in dollops - it'll be more like a cookie dough consistency.
- Step 6: Spoon the cream cheese mixture all around the brownie batter.
- Step 7: Shake the baking dish a little to even out.
- Step 8: Top with vanilla wafers and bake in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Hint: After you remove from the oven allow to cool completely on a wire rack and then refrigerate for a few hours to help the banana pudding brownies set well. This is before you cut into them.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Nuts - instead of the walnuts, you could try pecans or almonds.
- Vanilla Wafers - Try crushing them to add more of a crumble effect on top.
- Oil - Instead of using oil, try using melted butter instead.
- Bananas - add banana slices on top after the banana brownies have cooled to add even more banana flavor.
- White Chocolate Chips - For even more decadence, add some white chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
- Cool Whip - Add a dollop of cool whip, whipped cream or drizzle with heavy cream.
- Pudding Mixes - I didn't try using pudding mixes in my recipe so I can't give word on how that would turn out.
- Salt - add a pinch to increase flavors.
- Brown Sugar - swap some of the granulated stuff out.
Another favorite banana recipe my family and friends love is my famous Banana Bread!
Necessary gear: Equipment
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I have a nice big stand mixer that I could have used, but then I actually only have one large bowl for it. Due to the fact I need two mixing bowls for this recipe I found using my hand mixer the best option. This is my favorite hand mixer (electric mixer).
When I make banana pudding I love to serve it up in a trifle bowl. Of course, that's not really the way you would serve up brownies. They always look nice served up on a cake stand, or a platter!
I use a 13x9 baking dish, but if you want to use a square baking pan that's fine. It will be a much thicker brownie though and you may have to alter the time to add more.
How to store leftovers
After you have refrigerated your banana pudding brownies they should be nice and set. They'll be fine room temperature covered in plastic wrap for a few hours if needed. It's best to keep them in the refrigerator though, in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
These brownies do freeze well, for up to 3 months.
Mel's kitchen notes
Don't overcook these brownies, you want them to keep a great chewy texture! When you take them out of the oven there should be a slight jiggle in the middle but that will set once cooled and refrigerated. If you overcook them they'll become too hard.
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.
Her work has been featured on Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living and more.
More banana pudding desserts I think you'll love
Viral Recipe Alert!
Banana Bread
Due to the secret ingredient in this deliciously moist banana bread it has become one of my most sought after recipes!
Banana Pudding Brownies
Video
Ingredients
- 1 (8 Ounce) Block Cream Cheese softened
- 1 Tablespoon Powdered Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 Each Large Eggs
- 1 (16-½ Ounce) Box Banana Cake Mix
- ⅓ Cup Vegetable Oil
- ½ Cup Walnuts Chopped, optional
- 1 Cup Vanilla Wafers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Add the Cream Cheese to a medium mixing bowl and beat until soft (about 2 minutes)1 (8 Ounce) Block Cream Cheese
- Add 1 egg, the vanilla and powdered sugar and beat again another 2 minutes. Set aside.½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 3 Each Large Eggs, 1 Tablespoon Powdered Sugar
- In another medium sized mixing bowl add the cake mix, remaining 2 eggs and the oil (add the walnuts here if using). Beat for 1 minute until well mixed.3 Each Large Eggs, 1 (16-½ Ounce) Box Banana Cake Mix, ⅓ Cup Vegetable Oil, ½ Cup Walnuts
- Dollop the brownie batter into a greased 13x9 Oven Dish.
- Spoon the cream cheese mix around the brownie batter. Use a skewer to pass through and make swirls.1 Cup Vanilla Wafers
- Top with the vanilla wafers.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. The center will still be a little soft when you take out.
- Place the dish on a cooling rack to cool completely. Then refrigerate before cutting into the brownies.
Notes
Nutrition
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stacy j miles says
where do you find banana cake mix ?
Melanie Cagle says
I find this from our local grocery market - Duncan Hines is the one I use - https://amzn.to/3kp3Ou6
Joann Perez says
I tried looking for the Duncan hines banana Supreme NO LUCK can I possibly buy a regalar perfectly moist yellow cake mix and add a couple of 🍌 to it 🤞
Melanie Cagle says
I haven't done it that way, but if I were to try, I reckon reduce the oil to 1/4 cup and add the banana? See where that takes you. I'd love to hear how you get on, come back and let us know!
Joann Perez says
Adding bananas when you can't find banana Supreme cake mix was a SUCCESS! I also added banana extract instead of vanilla 😋 I'm very pleased with the outcome and definitely recommend! I did what Melanie suggested and used 1/4 cup of veggie oil and instead of water I used milk turned out wonderful 👏 I added 2 🍌 will definitely be making this for the Holidays so Melanie it turned out great 👍 😊
Melanie Cagle says
I'm so glad it worked out for you. Thanks for letting us know!
Joann Perez says
Sorry I forgot to mention I added the bananas to a regular yellow cake mix absolutely great 👍
Wendie C says
I made these and they were good but the cookie batter was so thick and crumbly that I wasn't able to swirl it with the cream cheese mixture. I added 2 eggs and 1/3 cup oil to the cake mixture, did I miss something?
Melanie Cagle says
Hi Wendie, the brownie batter is indeed a lot thicker than you'd think. That's why you need to drop it into the baking dish in dollops. Did you still cook it?
Sans Foy says
Kind of wondering if you could sub chocolate chips for walnuts for a sort of chocolate banana pudding vibe.
Melanie Cagle says
YES!!!! That sounds like that would be amazing! I would love to hear how it goes, if you try it.
crystal ayers says
will high altitude affect this recipe? If so what changes should I make as I haven't got a handle on baking in high altitude, it makes me want to cry because i loved baking when I lived on the east coast.
Melanie Cagle says
I can't say for sure, but try adding an additional egg yolk to the batter. I would love to hear if this worked for you.
Brittney says
Ok so I hope u see this now because I'm making this. Do I set the cake mix in the fridge which I added white chocolate too or do I set it in the fridge after I bake it
Melanie Cagle says
Hi Brittney, you want to refrigerate after you have baked it and it has cooled to room temperature.
Abbey says
These are so easy and so good. I used banana cake mix as well as adding two bananas and only using 1/4 oil.