Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Irresistibly Fudgy Banana Bread Brownies Recipe for Bakers

Creamy banana bread blends magically with decadent chocolate brownies in this irresistible dessert.

Unexpected flavor combinations often spark culinary excitement and surprise.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising pure comfort.

Moist, rich textures create a delightful contrast between classic banana bread and fudgy brownie elements.

Chocolate lovers and banana fans find unexpected harmony in every single bite.

Gentle mixing and careful baking guarantee a perfect treat that melts in your mouth.

Jump into this delicious adventure and make something extraordinary today.

Banana Bread Brownies: Where Fudge Meets Banana

  • Transform Banana Bread: Elevate the classic banana bread into a decadent, brownie-style dessert that brings excitement to your baking routine.
  • Master Simple Technique: Achieve bakery-quality results with straightforward steps that even novice bakers can confidently execute.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a universally loved treat that combines the comforting flavors of banana bread with the rich texture of brownies.
  • Versatile Sweet Indulgence: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, afternoon snacks, or as a delightful end to any meal with its irresistible combination of soft texture and sweet frosting.

Brownie Banana Bread Must-Have Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides moisture and flavor to the banana bread brownies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dessert and helps create a tender texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the brownies.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a soft, tender crumb.
  • Bananas: Provide natural sweetness and a distinctive banana flavor.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the brownies their shape.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the brownies rise and creates a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Create a smooth, creamy topping that complements the banana bread brownies.

Easy Steps for Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it and lightly coating with flour.

Step 2: Whip Butter And Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Gently add eggs one by one, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.

Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Blend Dry Components

In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until just blended.

Step 5: Welcome Bananas

Tenderly fold mashed bananas into the batter, creating a smooth and consistent mixture.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow brownies to rest and cool completely in the baking dish, placed on a wire rack.

Step 8: Create Magical Frosting

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, allowing it to develop a light brown color.

Remove immediately to prevent burning.

Step 9: Whisk Frosting Smooth

In a large bowl, combine:
  • Browned butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

Blend until the frosting reaches a silky, creamy consistency.

Step 10: Finish And Serve

Once brownies have cooled, generously spread frosting across the top.

Slice into delectable squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Extra Moist Banana Brownies

  • Use overripe, spotty bananas for deeper, sweeter flavor and natural moisture in your brownies.
  • Mix dry ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender and soft.
  • Watch browned butter closely to achieve a nutty flavor without burning, removing from heat the moment it turns golden.
  • Adjust powdered sugar in frosting by adding gradually and tasting to match your preferred sweetness level.
  • Insert toothpick at an angle near center to ensure even baking and avoid overbaking brownies.

Banana Brownie Flavor Mix-ins

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Banana Delight: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and dairy-free milk for frosting.
  • Chocolate Chip Banana Blast: Fold in dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts into the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for healthier profile.

Serve Banana Bread Brownies Warm

  • Sweet Morning Companion: Pair these banana bread brownies with a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
  • Afternoon Dessert Delight: Serve chilled as a refreshing midday snack alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
  • Potluck Party Pleaser: Slice into small bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative platter for gatherings, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
  • Kids' Lunchbox Surprise: Pack individual squares wrapped in parchment paper as a special homemade dessert in school lunches or picnic baskets.

Store Banana Brownies for Sweet Moments

  • Store cooled banana bread brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual brownies for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add a few more seconds if needed. Be careful not to overheat, which can make the brownies tough or dry.

FAQs

  • Are banana bread brownies healthier than traditional brownies?

While not necessarily a health food, banana bread brownies use ripe bananas which add natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the amount of added sugar and fat compared to traditional chocolate brownies.

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are softer, sweeter, and mash more easily, providing better flavor and natural sweetness to the brownies.

  • What makes the texture of these brownies unique?

The addition of sour cream and mashed bananas creates an incredibly moist and tender texture, making these brownies more cake-like and soft compared to dense chocolate brownies.

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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

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

Description

Creamy banana bread brownies merge classic comfort with indulgent chocolate decadence. Sweet banana-infused batter creates a rich, moist dessert that melts in your mouth and satisfies every chocolate craving you encounter.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 23 bananas)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Baking Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and ready a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing and dusting with flour.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and granulated sugar until achieving a light, airy texture.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition, then integrate sour cream and vanilla extract.
  4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, and salt by whisking. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into butter mixture, mixing until just unified.
  5. Tenderly fold mashed bananas into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Transfer batter to prepared baking dish, spreading uniformly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into center.
  7. Allow brownies to cool completely within the baking dish, positioned on a wire rack.
  8. For frosting, melt butter over medium heat, allowing gentle browning. Immediately remove to prevent scorching.
  9. Blend browned butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until achieving a silky, consistent frosting.
  10. Once brownies have reached room temperature, lavishly spread frosting across the surface. Slice into square portions and present.

Notes

  • Adjust banana ripeness for deeper flavor by using overripe, dark brown bananas with plenty of brown spots.
  • Prevent dense texture by carefully mixing dry ingredients, avoiding overmixing which develops tough gluten strands.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for alternative dietary needs.
  • Enhance moisture by adding Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, boosting protein and creating softer brownie texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 397 kcal
  • Sugar: 43 g
  • Sodium: 174 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 62 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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