Banana Bread Brownies offer a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, combining the rich, moist texture of brownies with the irresistible flavor of ripe bananas. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert to treat your family or a satisfying snack to accompany your afternoon coffee, these brownies are sure to impress. The addition of a creamy frosting elevates them even further, making them perfect for parties or simply indulging at home. If you’re a fan of banana recipes, you may also appreciate how these brownies align with traditional banana bread flavors. You may also find Banana Bread Recipe useful.

Why cook this at home

These Banana Bread Brownies provide a quick and budget-friendly dessert option that harnesses the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. They’re perfect for weeknight baking or a relaxed weekend treat. Plus, everyone at home will likely enjoy their moist texture and rich flavor, making them a hit for both kids and adults.

Preparing Banana Bread Brownies

• Preheat the oven and prepare your baking dish.
• Make the brownie batter by mixing ingredients.
• Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Prepare a delicious frosting while the brownies cool.
• Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.
• Cut and serve your delightful brownies.

Key ingredients

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)

How to prepare it

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. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack.
9. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and cook until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty (approximately 4–5 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
10. Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

What to serve it with

These banana brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also serve them alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat. Adding a sprinkle of crushed walnuts on top of the frosting provides an appealing texture contrast as well.

How to store and freeze

To store these brownies, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, or warm them briefly in the microwave.

Tips for best results

• Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender.
• You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for sour cream.
• Experiment with different nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
• Spread the frosting while the brownies are still slightly warm for easier application.

Creative twists

You can switch up the flavor profile of these brownies by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Consider drizzling melted chocolate on top for an even richer dessert. If you want a healthier dessert, substitute some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup and reduce the amount of butter for a lighter option.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas can be used if they are thawed and mashed before adding them to the batter. They will provide necessary moisture and sweetness.

How long do these brownies take to bake?

These brownies typically take 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour to create a gluten-free version.

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of freshly baked Banana Bread Brownies, inviting everyone to gather and enjoy. With a simple recipe for chocolatey goodness, you’ll be motivated to whip up a batch to share with family and friends. Sharing your creation will ignite conversations about your baking adventures and inspire others to dig in. Enjoy baking!

Banana Bread Brownies

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A delightful twist on the classic banana bread, combining rich, moist brownie texture with the irresistible flavor of ripe bananas, topped with a creamy frosting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

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. Cream together the granulated sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. Fold in the chopped walnuts if desired.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack.
9. Melt the butter for frosting over medium heat in a small saucepan, cooking until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty (about 4–5 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
10. Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
11. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.

Notes

For the best results, use very ripe bananas and do not overmix the batter. You can switch up the frosting by adding spices or chocolate.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg