Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Banana Bread Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, moist flavor of banana bread. This delightful treat is perfect for using up ripe bananas and makes a delicious snack or dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts (optional)
• For the Frosting:
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk, more if needed for spreading

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Step 8: For the frosting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
9. Step 9: Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
10. Step 10: Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor and added protein.
• Add chocolate chips or swap walnuts for pecans for a different texture.
• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar amount slightly.

Storage

Store the banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated brownies briefly in the microwave before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these banana bread brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose one that is suitable for baking, and adjust the quantity if needed according to the package instructions.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely! The banana bread brownies are delicious on their own. The frosting adds extra sweetness and richness, but it’s optional if you prefer a simpler treat.

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 354 reviews

These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, flavorful richness of banana bread with the dense, fudgy texture of classic brownies. Enhanced with a nutty browned butter frosting and optional walnuts for crunch, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful twist on traditional banana bread.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk, more if needed for spreading

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure the brownies won’t stick after baking.
2. Make the Banana Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts gently to distribute evenly.
3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it turns a light golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the browned butter to cool slightly. Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add more milk if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Frost and Serve: Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the browned butter frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares or bars, then serve and enjoy this decadent twist on a traditional banana bread.

Notes

• You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added protein.
• Ensure bananas are ripe with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
• Brown butter frosting adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Banana bread brownies, banana dessert, baked banana brownies, browned butter frosting, walnut banana brownies