If you love the classic flavor of banana bread and crave the fudgy texture of brownies, this is the treat you never knew you needed! Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, tender crumb of banana bread with the rich decadence of a brownie, and top it all off with a velvety, pourable frosting. Studded with chocolate chips and walnuts if you please, these bars are an absolute crowd-pleaser that promise to disappear in a flash—don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Banana Bread Brownies is just how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays its part to give you that unbeatable flavor, dreamy texture, and signature banana aroma.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that soft, tender crumb we associate with the best brownies and banana bread.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The fat that brings everything together and gives these brownies their rich, luscious base.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter while adding moisture and a little lift for the perfect bar texture.
- Sour cream: The secret to ultra-moist banana brownies! It brings a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the brownies with that unmistakable warm, comforting aroma.
- Ripe bananas (mashed): Use those speckled bananas! They deliver maximum sweetness and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure so your brownies hold together without being dry or dense.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the sour cream and bananas for just the right amount of rise.
- Salt: A pinch goes a long way to heighten every other flavor.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): For crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft crumb.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (optional): Melty bursts of chocolate make everything better—trust me on this.
- For the frosting: Butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla combine for a silky glaze that perfectly crowns each square.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot. Give a 9×9-inch baking pan a generous coat of nonstick spray or a lining of parchment paper—nothing should get in the way of you and those perfectly cut brownies later!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. This should take a couple of minutes, and you’re looking for a light and fluffy texture that forms the base of these Banana Bread Brownies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
One by one, beat in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and finally the mashed bananas. At this stage, your kitchen will already smell incredible—embrace it!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed so your brownies bake up evenly with no surprise salty bites.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry
Gently fold the dry mixture into the banana batter until just combined. If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, lightly fold them in as well—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that tender crumb!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking at the 25-minute mark with a toothpick—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake; moist is the name of the game.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. While they cool, make your frosting: melt butter, whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until silky smooth and pourable. Spread the frosting over the magical Banana Bread Brownies, slice into squares, and marvel at your handiwork!
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a shower of extra chocolate chips on top of the warm frosting makes these brownies irresistible. For a touch of elegance, try a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving or even a few thin banana slices for visual impact.
Side Dishes
These bars are the star of any dessert table, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or even a cozy mug of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Banana Bread Brownies into mini squares and arrange them on a tiered platter for parties, or wrap individual portions in parchment and twine for an adorable homemade gift. Want to get fancy? Stack a few squares with frosting in between for a dramatic layered effect!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your Banana Bread Brownies tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay luxuriously moist for up to three days—if they last that long!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the frosted or unfrosted brownies in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you like your brownies warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings those chocolate chips back to life and reawakens the banana scent. Just be sure not to overheat—the frosting is happiest when just barely warmed.
FAQs
Can I skip the frosting?
Absolutely! These Banana Bread Brownies are delicious both with and without the frosting. Without it, they’re perfect for breakfast, with coffee, or as a lighter dessert option.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans make a lovely swap for walnuts, offering a similar crunch and nutty flavor. Or, if you’re nut-free, simply leave them out; the brownies will be just as good!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time; they may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The toothpick test is your friend: insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready! Don’t worry if the edges are a bit firmer than the middle.
Is there a vegan version of Banana Bread Brownies?
Definitely! Try substituting the eggs with flax “eggs,” use plant-based butter and sour cream, and your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips. The result is still moist, sweet, and full of banana flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how comforting, crowd-pleasing, and downright addictive these Banana Bread Brownies are. Grab those ripe bananas and get baking—you’re about to create a dessert that everyone will be asking for again and again!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Banana Bread Brownies, a fusion of classic banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies. Topped with a luscious frosting, these treats are a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream sugar and softened butter in a large bowl. Add eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and mashed bananas; mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture; fold in walnuts and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: Melt butter, whisk in sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- You can skip the frosting for a lighter treat or replace walnuts with pecans.
- Add extra chocolate chips for a richer brownie flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
