Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—classic banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies. These bars have the soft, moist texture of banana bread but with the dense, chewy appeal of brownies. Topped with a luscious, buttery frosting, they make a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up ripe bananas or just craving something sweet, this easy recipe will quickly become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Brownies
Super Moist & Tender – Thanks to mashed bananas and sour cream, these brownies are incredibly soft and flavorful.
Easy to Make – No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and frost!
Perfect for Sharing – Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or an everyday snack.
Irresistible Frosting – A rich, buttery glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies
For the Brownies:
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, mashed bananas, sugar, sour cream, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
Step 4: 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 the brownies cool completely before adding the frosting.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
Step 6: Frost & Serve
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Let it set before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread Brownies
Use Overripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined to keep the brownies light and tender.
Let the Brownies Cool Before Frosting – This helps the frosting set properly without melting into the bars.
Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing:
- Store banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer shelf life.
Freezing:
- Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
With Ice Cream – Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
With Coffee – A perfect companion to a cup of coffee or tea.
Drizzle with Caramel – Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Brownies are a delicious twist on classic banana bread, offering a soft, chewy texture and a rich, buttery frosting. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dessert, or just to use up ripe bananas, this easy recipe is guaranteed to be a hit! Try them today and enjoy a sweet, comforting treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these without nuts?
Yes! Simply leave out the walnuts for a nut-free version.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour, but the brownies may be slightly denser.
3. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
4. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
5. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze would work well too.
Print
Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft and moist Banana Bread Brownie recipe with a rich, buttery frosting. A delicious dessert or snack that combines banana bread with the chewy texture of brownies.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, mashed bananas, sugar, sour cream, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
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 the brownies cool completely before adding the frosting.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Let it set before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Let the frosting set before cutting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: banana bread brownies, banana brownies, banana dessert, easy banana bars, moist banana brownies