Banana Pudding Brownies

Banana Pudding Brownies are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts: banana pudding and brownies. The creamy banana pudding filling adds a burst of flavor and moisture to the rich and chewy brownie base. Topped with crunchy vanilla wafers, these brownies are a delicious treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

24 vanilla wafers

Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 box vanilla pudding
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 tbsp banana extract
• 2 eggs

Brownies:

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup melted butter
• 2 whole eggs + 1 yolk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and vanilla pudding until smooth.
• Add milk, eggs, and banana extract. Mix until well combined.

2. Make the Brownie Batter:

• In a separate bowl, mix both sugars, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.
• Add flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until a thick dough forms.

3. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×13-inch glass casserole pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

4. Assemble the Brownies:

• Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
• Pour the prepared filling over the brownie batter, spreading it evenly.

5. Arrange Vanilla Wafers:

• Arrange the vanilla wafers on top of the filling in a 4 x 6 pattern.

6. Bake:

• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

7. Cool and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
• Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.

Tips:

1. Use Ripe Bananas: For the best banana flavor, use ripe bananas for the pudding filling. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the filling will be.
2. Adjust Banana Extract: Feel free to adjust the amount of banana extract to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less extract depending on how strong you want the banana flavor to be.
3. Check for Doneness: To ensure the brownies are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
4. Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes it easier to cut them into neat squares.
5. Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Warm them slightly in the microwave before serving if desired.