Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Heavenly Banana Bread Brownies Recipe: Fudgy Bliss in Every Bite

Whipping up delectable banana bread brownies brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Ripe bananas mingle with rich chocolate, creating a decadent twist on classic comfort food.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, promising something extraordinary.

Soft, fudgy textures make this treat irresistibly tempting for anyone seeking a delightful dessert.

Combining two beloved classics, these brownies offer a mouthwatering surprise that delights unexpected taste buds.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of fruity and chocolatey goodness.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s make magic happen – this recipe will become your new favorite indulgence!

Why Banana Bread Brownies Are Pure Comfort

  • Savor Comfort Food Bliss: These banana bread brownies combine the warmth of classic banana bread with the indulgent richness of brownies, creating a perfect treat that hugs your taste buds.
  • Tackle with Beginner's Confidence: Novice bakers can master this recipe easily, with straightforward mixing steps and simple ingredients that come together without complicated techniques.
  • Customize for Every Palate: Flexible recipe allows adding or skipping walnuts, adjusting sweetness, and making it your own special dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend snacking.
  • Transform Overripe Bananas: Rescue those browning bananas from the trash and turn them into a delectable dessert that reduces food waste while delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients That Make Banana Bread Brownies Shine

For the Base:
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the banana bread brownies.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
  • Butter: Brings richness and helps create a smooth, tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the brownies.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Bananas: Offer natural sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour, Baking Soda, Salt: Create the basic structure and help the brownies rise and brown properly.
  • Walnuts: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor (optional).
For the Frosting:
  • Butter, Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, sweet brown butter frosting that complements the banana bread brownies.

Step Into Making Delicious Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip the Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Sugar
  • Sour cream
  • Softened butter
  • Eggs

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture that looks light and fluffy.

Step 3: Introduce Banana Magic

Mash ripe bananas and pour in vanilla extract.

Gently fold these into the creamy mixture, creating a rich, fragrant batter.

Step 4: Blend the Dry Companions

Slowly incorporate:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Mix until everything comes together without overmixing.

The goal is a consistent, lump-free batter.

Step 5: Optional Nutty Crunch

If you’re a fan of texture, sprinkle in chopped walnuts.

Stir them through the batter, distributing evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Create Brown Butter Frosting

In a saucepan, melt butter and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma.

Step 8: Whip Up the Sweet Topping

Gradually whisk in:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk

Stir until the frosting becomes smooth and glossy.

Add a splash of vanilla for extra flavor.

Step 9: Frost and Chill

Drizzle the warm frosting over the slightly cooled brownies.

Spread it evenly, creating a tempting layer. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing into delectable squares.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

  • Use overripe, almost black bananas for maximum sweetness and intense banana taste.
  • Toss chopped walnuts in a bit of flour before adding to prevent them from settling at the bottom of the brownies.
  • Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough, dry brownies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Watch the butter carefully when browning to achieve a nutty flavor without burning. Remove from heat once it turns golden brown and smells fragrant.
  • Add milk gradually to the frosting to control thickness. The ideal frosting should be spreadable but not too runny.

Creative Twists on Classic Banana Bread Brownies

  • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Brownies: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, decadent version that adds extra sweetness and texture.
  • Nutty Caramel Banana Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting and sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top for a luxurious nutty flavor profile.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Brownies: Create a cream cheese mixture and swirl it through the batter before baking for a tangy, creamy element.
  • Tropical Banana Brownies: Mix in shredded coconut and replace walnuts with macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert that brings island vibes to your kitchen.

What Pairs Well with Banana Bread Brownies

  • Pair with Rich Coffee: Brew a dark roast or espresso to complement the sweet, nutty banana bread brownies. The robust coffee cuts through the richness and enhances the dessert's deep flavor profile.
  • Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop cold, creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm brownies. The contrasting temperatures and smooth texture create a delightful sensory experience that elevates the dessert.
  • Match with Caramel Liqueur: Drizzle a small glass of smooth caramel liqueur for adults. The sweet, buttery notes beautifully harmonize with the banana and walnut undertones in the brownies.
  • Enjoy with Cinnamon Tea: Steep a warm cup of cinnamon tea to bring out the spicy, comforting notes in the dessert. The aromatic tea provides a gentle, warming complement to the sweet brownie.

How to Store Banana Bread Brownies Safely

Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual brownies or entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.

Warm individual brownie for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating.

Let frozen or refrigerated brownies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore soft texture.

FAQs

  • Can I make this recipe without walnuts?

Yes, you can easily omit the walnuts or substitute with chocolate chips, pecans, or leave them out entirely without affecting the overall recipe.

  • How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots, which provide the most intense banana flavor and natural sweetness to the brownies.

  • Is this recipe good for breakfast?

These banana bread brownies are rich and sweet, making them more suitable as a dessert or afternoon treat rather than a breakfast item.

  • Can I make this gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might slightly change from the original recipe.

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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent banana bread brownies merge classic comfort with rich chocolate decadence, creating a delightful dessert that elevates traditional baking. Sweet bananas and deep cocoa flavors intertwine, promising a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 bananas, mashed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour

Supplementary Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.75 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup (60 g) walnuts, chopped (optional)

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) butter
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coating a 13 x 9-inch pan with grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a smooth base by vigorously blending sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture achieves a uniform, creamy consistency.
  3. Enhance the flavor profile by gently incorporating mashed bananas and vanilla extract into the wet mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Gradually fold in flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing carefully to maintain a light texture without overmixing the batter.
  5. For added crunch, delicately fold chopped walnuts throughout the batter, distributing them evenly.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent baking. Bake for 25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and checking doneness with a toothpick test.
  7. While the brownies cool slightly, create the frosting by browning butter in a saucepan until it reaches a rich, medium-brown color.
  8. Transform the browned butter into a luxurious frosting by slowly whisking in powdered sugar and milk, then finishing with a splash of vanilla extract to create a smooth, glossy topping.
  9. Generously drizzle the warm frosting over the slightly cooled brownies, spreading it to cover the entire surface. Allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing into delectable squares.

Notes

  • Overripe bananas work best, providing maximum sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
  • Toast walnuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the texture.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free baking flour blend.
  • Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup if using very ripe bananas to maintain balanced sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 342 kcal
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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