The Dreamy Banana Bread Brownies Recipe You Need to Try

Sweet banana bread meets decadent chocolate brownies in this mouthwatering fusion dessert that will make you weak in the knees.

Biting into a rich, fudgy square bursting with ripe banana flavor and intense chocolate notes.

Soft, moist textures blend perfectly in each incredible slice of pure comfort.

Chocolate lovers and banana bread enthusiasts will absolutely adore this unexpected twist on classic treats.

The secret lies in balancing the fruit’s natural sweetness with deep cocoa undertones.

Our simple recipe transforms humble ingredients into an irresistible indulgence that feels like a warm hug.

Come experience a dessert that promises to become your new obsession.

Things People Wonder About Banana Bread Brownies

• What makes these brownies different from traditional brownies?

These banana bread brownies combine the best of both worlds – the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the moist, comforting flavor of banana bread, creating a unique and delicious dessert that’s more exciting than standard brownies.

• Can I make these brownies without nuts?

Absolutely! The walnuts are optional, so you can easily skip them if you have a nut allergy or simply don’t enjoy nuts in your desserts. The brownies will still be delicious and moist.

• How important is the brown butter frosting to the recipe?

The brown butter frosting is a game-changer! It adds a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the banana bread base, elevating these brownies from good to absolutely amazing. While you could use a standard frosting, the brown butter version is what makes this recipe truly special.

• Are these brownies good for making ahead of time?

Yes! These brownies actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. They’ll stay moist and delicious for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Why Banana Bread Brownies Hit the Spot

• Capture Banana's Sweet Richness: These brownies transform ordinary banana bread into a decadent dessert, blending the classic comfort of ripe bananas with indulgent brownie textures.
• Elevate with Brown Butter Magic: The nutty, caramelized brown butter frosting adds a sophisticated layer of flavor that transforms simple brownies into a gourmet treat, creating depth and complexity.
• Quick and Foolproof Baking: With straightforward mixing techniques and a single-pan approach, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers, promising delicious results without complicated steps or specialized equipment.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, these brownies offer a nostalgic twist on traditional recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Stuff You Need for Banana Bread Brownies

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet base that helps create a rich, caramelized flavor and moist texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb with subtle tanginess.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the brownies.
• Bananas: Natural sweetener that adds moisture and deep banana flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds aromatic depth.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create the right brownie consistency.
• Baking Soda: Helps brownies rise and creates a softer texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.

• Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the brownies.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting.
• Milk: Helps adjust frosting consistency.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Baking Dish

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab your 9×13-inch pan and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter. Lay down a sheet of parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create the Luscious Banana Base

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Sour cream
• Softened butter
• Eggs

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth mixture. Toss in mashed bananas and vanilla extract, stirring until everything looks harmonious.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. If you’re feeling nutty, sprinkle in some chopped walnuts and give a quick stir.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center. Let the pan rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

Step 4: Whip Up the Decadent Brown Butter Frosting

Place butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch it carefully as it transforms, turning a rich golden brown and releasing a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

• Browned butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Whisk until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.

Step 5: Frost and Devour

Once the banana bread brownies have cooled completely, spread the brown butter frosting in a thick, even layer. Slice into squares and prepare for a taste explosion!

Tips That Work Best for Banana Bread Brownies

• Boost Banana Flavor: Use overripe, dark brown bananas for deeper, sweeter taste and enhanced moisture in your brownies.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Do not overmix the batter, as this can develop gluten and create tough, dry brownies. Fold ingredients gently until just combined.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for different flavor profiles, or omit nuts completely for nut-free versions.
• Control Browning: Lower oven temperature to 350F if edges brown too quickly, ensuring even baking and preventing dry edges.
• Frosting Consistency Tip: Let browned butter cool slightly before mixing with powdered sugar to achieve smooth, spreadable frosting without graininess.

How to Store Banana Bread Brownies Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover banana bread brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain their delicious texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bring to room temperature naturally. For frozen brownies, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying at room temperature or gently reheating.
• Serve: Best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. Let chilled brownies sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to enhance their softness and flavor.

Tasty Pairings for Banana Bread Brownies

• Savor Nutty Companions: Pair these banana bread brownies with a crisp walnut-studded biscotti for double nutty goodness. The crunchy texture complements the soft, moist brownies beautifully.
• Brew Perfect Coffee Match: Serve alongside a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee with hints of caramel. The robust coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the banana and brown butter flavors.
• Create Creamy Contrast: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped mascarpone cream. The cool, creamy element balances the warm, dense brownie texture.
• Sip Caramel Liqueur Delight: Complement the brown butter frosting with a small glass of salted caramel liqueur. The sweet-salty notes echo the brownie's complex flavor profile and provide a luxurious finishing touch.

Fun Variations on Banana Bread Brownies

• Chocolate Chunk Banana Sensation: Swap walnuts for rich dark chocolate chunks, creating a decadent twist that melts perfectly into the soft banana bread base. The chocolate adds luxurious depth and creates irresistible pockets of gooey goodness throughout the brownies.
• Tropical Coconut Banana Blast: Replace half the flour with shredded coconut and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the frosting. This variation brings a tropical flair and adds delightful texture to the classic recipe.
• Salted Caramel Banana Dream: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the brown butter frosting. The sweet-salty combination elevates the banana brownies with a sophisticated and indulgent flavor profile.
• Nutty Almond Banana Crunch: Mix chopped almonds into the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking. This version introduces a beautiful crunch and nutty undertone that complements the soft banana base perfectly.

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent banana bread brownies marry classic comfort with rich chocolate decadence, creating a mouthwatering dessert that blends two beloved treats. Creamy banana-infused batter swirled with chocolate promises a delightful experience you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Banana Bread Brownies

Main Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

Sugars:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting Ingredients:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2.3 tablespoons (34.5 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal and even baking.
2. Create a smooth base by whisking together granulated and brown sugars, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until they form a creamy consistency. Incorporate mashed bananas and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
3. Develop the dry mixture separately by combining flour, baking soda, and salt in a clean bowl. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, maintaining a light texture and avoiding overmixing.
4. Add depth to the batter by carefully stirring in chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture for balanced flavor and crunch.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent baking and attractive presentation.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
7. Allow the baked dessert to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly before frosting.
8. Craft the brown butter frosting by melting butter over medium heat until it develops a rich, golden-brown color and releases a nutty fragrance.
9. Remove the browned butter from heat and let it cool momentarily. Combine with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, whisking until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
10. Complete the dessert by generously spreading the brown butter frosting across the cooled banana bread brownies, creating an indulgent final layer.
11. Slice into even squares and serve, enjoying the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Brown the butter carefully to develop a rich, nutty flavor without burning, which adds depth to the frosting’s taste profile.
• Mash bananas completely smooth to ensure even distribution and prevent large banana chunks in the brownie texture.
• Choose ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture, creating a more intense banana flavor in the brownies.
• Replace walnuts with alternative mix-ins like chocolate chips or pecans for different flavor variations and dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg