Banana Bread Brownies bring together the best of both worlds the classic, comforting taste of banana bread and the rich, indulgent texture of brownies. These ultra moist squares are packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, making them irresistibly soft and flavorful. Topped with a luscious brown butter frosting, each bite melts in your mouth with a nutty, caramel like finish.
Perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these Banana Bread Brownies are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, they’ll quickly become a favorite treat in your home. Plus, with simple ingredients and a quick baking time, you can whip up a batch anytime your sweet tooth calls!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread Brownies:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3-4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter. Add Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and eggs, mixing well. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Gently mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring just until combined. (Optional: Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 23-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the brownies bake, prepare the frosting. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns light brown and releases a nutty aroma.
- Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary.
- Pour the warm frosting over the brownies while they are still warm, spreading evenly.
- Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
Banana Bread Brownies: The Ultimate Fusion Dessert
Banana Bread Brownies combine the best of two beloved baked goods moist, sweet banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies. This dessert brings together the comforting warmth of ripe bananas and the indulgent texture of brownies, topped with a nutty brown butter frosting for a truly decadent treat. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a casual home cook, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress.
The Inspiration Behind Banana Bread Brownies
Banana bread has been a household favorite for decades, dating back to the early 20th century when home bakers found creative ways to use overripe bananas instead of discarding them. Brownies, on the other hand, have an even longer history, with origins tracing back to the late 19th century. Combining the two creates a dessert that captures the nostalgia of homemade banana bread with the dense, chewy goodness of classic brownies.
Banana Bread Brownies are a wonderful way to upgrade traditional banana bread. While banana bread is often seen as a breakfast or snack item, these brownies lean more toward a dessert, thanks to their fudgy texture and sweet brown butter glaze. They offer a more indulgent experience while still maintaining the natural sweetness and softness of bananas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Incredibly Moist and Fudgy
One of the biggest reasons to love Banana Bread Brownies is their texture. Unlike regular brownies, which rely heavily on chocolate, these brownies get their moisture from mashed bananas. The result is a soft, melt in your mouth consistency that makes them feel almost like banana cake but denser and chewier.
2. A Delicious Way to Use Overripe Bananas
If you often find yourself with bananas that have gone too soft and spotty, this recipe is a fantastic way to use them up. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the brownies will be. Instead of throwing away overripe bananas, transform them into a delicious dessert.
3. Perfectly Balanced Flavor
Banana Bread Brownies strike the perfect balance between sweet, nutty, and slightly caramelized flavors. The brown butter frosting adds an extra depth of richness that complements the natural sweetness of bananas. Plus, a hint of vanilla enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish.
4. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
This recipe doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated baking techniques. Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen flour, eggs, sugar, butter, bananas, and vanilla. With just a few basic pantry staples, you can create a bakery worthy dessert in no time.
5. Customizable and Versatile
Banana Bread Brownies are highly adaptable. You can easily modify them to suit different dietary preferences or add ingredients to enhance the flavor. Whether you love nuts, chocolate chips, or extra spices, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
Variations and Customizations
If you want to experiment with this recipe, here are some variations to try:
1. Chocolate Banana Brownies
For a richer, more chocolatey version, add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the batter or mix in chocolate chips. This will enhance the fudgy texture and add a deep cocoa flavor.
2. Nutty Banana Brownies
Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture. Nuts pair beautifully with the sweetness of bananas and the rich brown butter frosting.
3. Vegan Banana Brownies
To make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use coconut oil instead of butter, and opt for a plant based yogurt or applesauce.
4. Gluten-Free Banana Brownies
Swap out the all purpose flour for a gluten free flour blend. Make sure the baking soda is also gluten free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten free treat without sacrificing texture or flavor.
5. Spiced Banana Brownies
For a warm and cozy flavor, add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the batter. These spices complement the banana’s natural sweetness and add an extra layer of depth to the brownies.
Best Ways to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving ideas to make them even more delightful:
- Warm with Ice Cream – Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
- Drizzled with Chocolate – Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the brownies for extra indulgence.
- With Coffee or Tea – These brownies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, chai, or a glass of cold milk.
- As a Dessert for Gatherings – Cut them into smaller squares and serve them on a dessert platter for parties or potlucks.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Banana Bread Brownies are easy to store and keep well for several days.
- At Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to a week for longer freshness.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
For best results, if you plan to freeze them, hold off on frosting them until after they have been thawed. This keeps the texture and flavor fresh.
Conclusion:
Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate hybrid dessert, offering the best qualities of both banana bread and brownies. Their moist, chewy texture and rich brown butter frosting make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple way to use up ripe bananas or you’re in need of a quick and easy dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
The versatility of these brownies makes them suitable for breakfast, snacks, or even special occasions. Plus, with so many possible variations, you can customize them to fit your personal taste and dietary needs.
Next time you have overripe bananas on hand, skip the traditional banana bread and give these Banana Bread Brownies a try you won’t regret it! Happy baking!