Description
These Banana Pudding Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, combining the rich, fudgy texture with the sweet, comforting flavor of banana pudding. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for using up ripe bananas. The addition of banana pudding mix infuses these brownies with a creamy, banana-y flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The mini chocolate chips add a touch of decadence, but are entirely optional. Get ready for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and utterly delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup instant banana pudding mix
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 medium banana)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Preparation:
Before you Begin
- Gather all ingredients: Having everything measured and ready to go will streamline the baking process.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This makes removing the brownies easy.
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for creating a fudgy texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract and whisk until the mixture is light and well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and instant banana pudding mix. This ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Add Bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until fully incorporated into the batter. The bananas add moisture and enhance the banana flavor.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips (Optional): If using mini chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Top with Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you haven’t already, sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the brownies dry.
- Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares and serving. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from falling apart. Cooling them in the refrigerator for an hour will make for even cleaner cuts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fudgy brownies and creamy banana pudding is irresistible.
- Perfect for Ripe Bananas: This is a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
- Customizable: You can easily add nuts, chocolate chunks, or other mix-ins to personalize this recipe.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These brownies are always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Presentation Suggestions:
- Classic Squares: Cut the cooled brownies into neat squares and arrange them on a platter.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust the brownies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the brownies for extra richness.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or banana ice cream.
- Top with Whipped Cream and Banana Slices: Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh banana slices for a delightful dessert.
Tips:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the brownies will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the brownies without sticking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the brownies frequently after 25 minutes.
- Add a Glaze: To give these brownies an extra special touch, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk and a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled brownies for a beautiful presentation and added sweetness.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes (plus cooling time)
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving, approximate)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 3-4g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Sodium: 150-200mg
Conclusion:
These Banana Pudding Brownies are a delectable treat that combines the best of both worlds – the rich, fudgy texture of brownies and the sweet, comforting flavor of banana pudding. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a delicious dessert to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible brownies. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
- Yes, while banana pudding mix is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors. Vanilla, butterscotch, or even cheesecake pudding mix would all work well. Just be sure to choose a flavor that complements the bananas.
- Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
- Yes, you can easily make these brownies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, double-check the banana pudding mix to ensure it is gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat-based ingredients.
- How should I store these brownies?
- Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can I add nuts to these brownies?
- Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to these brownies. Simply fold about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the batter along with the banana.
- What can I do if I don’t have parchment paper?
- If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, you can dust the greased pan with flour to prevent the brownies from sticking. Be sure to let the brownies cool completely before attempting to remove them from the pan.
