Why Make This Recipe
Banana Bread Brownies are a delicious twist on traditional banana bread. They combine the moistness of ripe bananas with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies. If you love both banana bread and brownies, this recipe is perfect for you. They are easy to make, great for sharing, and a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas. Plus, the creamy frosting adds an extra layer of flavor that makes these brownies irresistible!
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas (mashed, about 2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk (more if needed for spreading)
Directions:
Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Make the Banana Brownie Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, 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, mixing just until everything is combined.
- Fold in the walnuts, if you choose to use them.
Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and cook until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty, about 4–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the butter cool slightly.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Frost and Serve:
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
These brownies are perfect to serve as a dessert or a sweet snack. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra treat. Serve them at parties, potlucks, or any gathering to impress your friends and family!
How to Store Banana Bread Brownies
To keep your Banana Bread Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the brownies. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Brownies
- Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
- For a richer taste, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- You can add chocolate chips for extra chocolaty goodness.
- Adjust the thickness of the frosting by adding more or less milk depending on your preference.
Variation
You can substitute the walnuts with other nuts like pecans or omit them completely if you prefer a nut-free brownie. You can also try adding flaky sea salt on top of the frosting for a sweet and salty flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
2. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. How can I make the brownies more chocolatey?
You can add cocoa powder to the batter or mix chocolate chips into the brownie mixture before baking.
Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, 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, mixing just until everything is combined.
- Fold in the walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and cook until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty, about 4–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the butter cool slightly.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
Notes
Name: Yumi HwagByline: Founder & Recipe Developer, YumimealsBio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]