Brownie Banana Funtastico – Easy Olive Garden Copycat

This Brownie Banana Funtastico is a layered dessert with warm brownies, banana mousse, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup — basically a banana split sundae but with extra drama. It’s quick to put together, uses mostly store-bought stuff, and hits that late-night sweet craving hard.

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Quick Summary

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 30 mins
• Flavor: fudgy, creamy, fruity
• Great for: dessert nights, break-up recovery, birthday bowl chaos

Why I Like This Recipe

Honestly, I wasn’t aiming for a sundae. I just had brownies, bananas, and zero patience for anything complicated. But stacking it all into one bowl? Instant upgrade. No rules — just sweet, messy comfort.

Ingredients

Brownie Base

• 1 box (16.3 oz) brownie mix
• Whatever the box calls for (usually eggs, oil, water)

Banana Mousse

• 1 envelope Dream Whip
• 1½ cups milk (divided)
• 1 banana pudding mix (4-serving size)

Toppings

• ½ cup pineapple topping
• 8 bananas
• 1 cup whipped cream
• ½ cup chocolate syrup
• ½ cup chopped nuts
• ½ cup maraschino cherries

How To Make Brownie Banana Funtastico

1. Bake the brownies: Make the brownie mix per the box instructions. Let it cool a bit before layering.
2. Whip the topping: Beat Dream Whip with ½ cup milk until fluffy. Takes about 5 mins. Set aside.
3. Make the mousse: In the same bowl, mix banana pudding with 1 cup milk. Fold in the whipped topping until smooth.
4. Start layering: Drop a warm brownie in a bowl. Spoon on pineapple topping. Split a banana and lay both halves on the sides.
5. Top it all: Add banana mousse, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, nuts, and a cherry. Or two. No rules.

Tips for Success

• Let brownies cool slightly so the mousse doesn’t melt
• Use ripe bananas — softer = better texture
• Want more flavor? Add cinnamon to the mousse
• Pineapple too much? Caramel works as a swap
• Chill mousse if you want cleaner layers

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store assembled bowls covered, up to 3 days. They’ll get softer but still good.
• Freezer: Not ideal — mousse texture gets weird.
• Reheat: Don’t. Just eat cold or room temp. Still hits.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make the mousse ahead?
  Yep. Chill it until ready to use. Gets thicker too.
• Do I have to use Dream Whip?
  You can sub with any whipped topping, but Dream Whip holds structure best.
• What if I don’t like pineapple?
  Skip it or swap with something you like — strawberry sauce, Nutella, caramel.
• Can I use homemade brownies?
  Absolutely. Just aim for fudgy not cakey.
• Is this like a banana split?
  Kinda. But layered and less formal. Feels homemade in the best way.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

• Too-hot brownies: If they’re still super warm, the mousse will slide right off. Let them cool a bit.
• Overmixing mousse: Once the whipped topping goes in, fold gently. Don’t deflate it.
• Not using ripe bananas: Underripe ones are too firm and bland. You want soft and spotty.
• Skipping the nuts or syrup: You don’t have to use both, but some kind of topping gives it texture.
• Thinking it has to be perfect: It’s a sundae. Messy is part of the vibe.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 548 kcal
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 270mg
• Potassium: 420mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 78g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 54g
• Protein: 5g

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