Name: Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1–2 tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the gooey appeal of brownies and the homey comfort of banana bread, Banana Bread Brownies are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine a plush, banana-rich base, perfectly moist and speckled with golden banana, all topped with a dreamy layer of brown butter frosting. Each bite brings together the best of both worlds in the most irresistible way! Perfect for snacking, sharing, or as a swoon-worthy dessert at your next gathering, this easy recipe will have everyone begging for seconds.

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Banana Bread Brownies so special is how a handful of pantry staples come together to create layers of flavor and texture you won’t soon forget. There’s truly nothing extra here—each ingredient brings a little magic to the party, from richness to tenderness to that crave-worthy golden finish.

Unsalted butter (browned and melted): Gives the brownies deep flavor and incredible moistness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a delicate, tender crumb.
Sour cream: Secret weapon for plush, melt-in-your-mouth texture without heaviness.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to hold everything together.
Vanilla extract: Enhances both the banana flavor and the butterscotch notes of the frosting.
Ripe bananas (mashed): The star of the show—make sure they’re good and spotty for maximum flavor!
All-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their soft-yet-sturdy bite.
Baking soda: Just a touch for a gentle lift and perfect texture.
Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and sharpens the flavors.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Makes the frosting lush, smooth, and easy to spread.
Milk: Adjusts the frosting to the perfect creamy consistency.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan, depending on whether you’re after extra-thick bars or a classic, share-friendly size. Parchment paper makes lifting and slicing easy, but a nonstick spray or a buttered pan will work just fine too.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Whisk them together until smooth and a little glossy. Next up: add in the sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Mixing well here makes sure each bite will be velvety with banana flavor. The batter should look thick but still pourable.

Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt over the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients in with a spatula until just combined—no need to overmix! This gentle touch keeps the Banana Bread Brownies ultra-soft and prevents them from turning dense or tough.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect), it’s time to let these beauties cool completely before diving into the next step.

Step 5: Make and Spread the Brown Butter Frosting

While the brownies cool, brown your butter: Melt it in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely as it pops and crackles, then turns golden and fragrant (about 4–5 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to create a thick, spreadable frosting. Once the brownies are at room temperature, slather on the frosting in a generous, swirly layer.

How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies

Garnishes

These Banana Bread Brownies shine on their own, but a little garnish never hurt! Sprinkle with toasted chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, scatter a handful of mini chocolate chips, or add a light dusting of cinnamon for warmth. Even a drizzle of extra brown butter across the frosting will make dessert time feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Banana Bread Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. Fresh summer berries or a fruit salad will cut the sweetness and bring a refreshing twist, especially on warm days. A cup of strong coffee or chilled milk turns snack time into a cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your brownies into neat bars for lunchbox treats, or cut them into small squares for a party platter. Stack them up and tie with baker’s twine for a sweet homemade gift. For celebrations, try layering Banana Bread Brownies in a trifle dish with whipped cream and sliced bananas for a show-stopping dessert that’ll have everyone swooning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; in the fridge, they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 5 days. The frosting sets up beautifully, keeping the bars fresh and tasty without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze Banana Bread Brownies (with or without the frosting) for up to 2 months. Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag or airtight container. To thaw, just leave them at room temperature or pop them in the fridge overnight for a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

If you prefer your brownies a little warm, microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds until just soft. Take care not to overheat—the frosting will melt quickly! A gentle warming brings out the banana aroma and makes the texture even more irresistible.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Bread Brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum if structure is important, and keep an eye on baking time since gluten-free versions can set a bit differently.

What type Dessert

Super ripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for Banana Bread Brownies. They add more sweetness and moisture than yellow or underripe bananas, so don’t toss those overripe ones—they’re baking gold!

Can I make Banana Bread Brownies without the frosting?

Yes, you can totally leave off the frosting for a lighter version, though the brown butter frosting really does take them over the top. Even without, these blondies are full of banana flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

They’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake—start checking at the 25-minute mark for the perfect chewy center.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or both for more texture and extra bursts of flavor. Fold them in right before pouring the batter into the pan for even distribution.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something delectably different, you can’t go wrong with a batch of Banana Bread Brownies. They come together in a flash, fill your kitchen with the coziest aromas, and are just as delightful to eat as they are to share. Whip up a tray this week—you might just make some new fans with every fudgy, frosted bite!

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the best of both worlds with these Banana Bread Brownies – rich, moist banana bars topped with a decadent browned butter frosting. A delightful twist on traditional banana bread that will have you coming back for more!

Ingredients

Scale

For the brownies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the frosting:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan, depending on desired thickness.
Mix the brownie batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined—do not overmix.
Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Prepare the frosting: Brown the butter in a saucepan, then cool slightly. Whisk together the browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.