BANANA PUDDING BROWNIES

There’s something inherently comforting about the sweet aroma of baked goods wafting through your kitchen, filling the air with anticipation. Banana pudding brownies are the epitome of this comfort, a delightful blend of the classic banana pudding and the irresistible allure of brownies. This unique fusion captures the essence of homey indulgence, promising a slice of happiness in every bite.

If you’re a fan of the timeless combination of ripe bananas and rich chocolate, this recipe is a treasure waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through crafting these delectable Banana Pudding Brownies, complete with variations and handy tips. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey.

Ingredients

For the Banana Brownie Layer:

• 2 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Banana Pudding Layer:

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced

For the Topping:

• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1 banana, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Brownie Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of mashed banana.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well incorporated.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
4. In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until a thick brownie batter forms.
6. Pour this brownie batter into your greased baking pan and spread it evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Brownie Layer

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
2. Remove the brownie layer from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan while you prepare the banana pudding layer.

Step 4: Make the Banana Pudding Layer

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until it thickens.
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is thick and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Banana Pudding Brownies

1. Once the brownie layer has cooled, spread the sliced bananas evenly over the top.
2. Pour the banana pudding mixture over the bananas and smooth it out.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

1. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
2. Just before serving, spread a layer of whipped cream over the banana pudding layer.
3. Garnish with thinly sliced bananas for an added touch of freshness.

Variation

Experimenting with flavors and textures can be a delightful culinary adventure. If you’d like to put your unique twist on this recipe, consider the following variations:

• Nuts Galore: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie layer for a satisfying crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished brownies for an extra layer of decadence.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in chocolate chips to the brownie batter for a more intense chocolate experience.

Tips

• Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. So, be patient and wait for those bananas to get those lovely brown spots.
• Whipped Cream: For the best results, use freshly whipped cream rather than store-bought aerosol whipped cream. It adds a dreamy touch to your brownies.
• Storage: Store these brownies in the refrigerator for up to three days, though they’re so delicious they might not last that long!

In the realm of delightful desserts, Banana Pudding Brownies hold a special place. They bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation, offering a delectable twist on classic flavors. These brownies are the perfect harmony of creamy banana pudding and the irresistible charm of brownies, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Whether you’re preparing these brownies for a special occasion or simply to savor a slice of pure happiness, the variations and tips provided in this recipe offer room for creativity and personalization. So, go ahead and embark on your own banana pudding brownie adventure. Your taste buds will thank you for it!