Creating Banana Pudding Brownies is simple if you follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until smooth.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix until well blended.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredient mixture until just combined. If desired, fold in chocolate chips.
6. Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
7. Cool Brownies: Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the dish for about 30 minutes.
8. Prepare Pudding Layer: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the banana pudding layer. In a bowl, whisk together the milk and the instant banana pudding mix until well combined.
9. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.
10. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the banana pudding mixture until fully combined.
11. Layering: Once the brownies have cooled, spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the brownie base.
12. Add Bananas and Wafers: Arrange sliced bananas on top, followed by a layer of crushed vanilla wafers.
13. Chill: Cover and refrigerate the brownies for at least 4 hours or until set.