Banana Bread Brownies combine the best of both worlds in one incredible dessert. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen when the moist comfort of banana bread meets the fudgy richness of brownies, this recipe answers that question deliciously. I discovered this dessert banana recipe on a rainy afternoon when three overripe bananas sat on my counter, begging to be used. Instead of making the same old loaf, I wanted something different, something that felt more like a treat than breakfast. That’s when I stumbled upon this brilliant idea.
What makes these banana brownies special is their simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen. Just one bowl, a whisk, and about 30 minutes from start to finish. The result? Golden bars with a tender crumb that tastes even better the next day. This quick banana bread variation has become my go-to recipe for potlucks, school bakes, and those moments when I need something sweet without the fuss. Whether you frost them with brown butter frosting or enjoy them plain, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Banana Brownies:
• 4 ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed) – The foundation of this banana brownie recipe. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Balances the natural banana flavor perfectly
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates that rich, tender texture
• 2 large eggs – Binds everything together
• 1 cup sour cream – The secret to keeping these moist for days
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base structure
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Provides gentle lift
• ¾ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) – Adds delightful crunch
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
• ½ cup unsalted butter – The star of this banana bars with brown butter frosting
• 4 cups powdered sugar – Creates smooth, sweet frosting
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor
• 3 tablespoons milk – Adjust for desired consistency
Why These Ingredients Work:
Using banana recipes overripe bananas is actually ideal here. Those spotty, soft bananas contain more natural sugars and break down easier, creating incredible flavor. The sour cream keeps these banana blondies recipe creations moist without making them heavy. And the brown butter? That nutty, caramelized flavor transforms simple frosting into something extraordinary.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper. This makes removal effortless later.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel those overripe bananas and mash them in a large bowl until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine and actually add nice texture to your chocolate banana brownies base.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add softened butter and sugar to your mashed bananas. Beat them together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step incorporates air for a lighter texture.
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until everything combines into a smooth, creamy mixture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent throughout your batter.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula and fold just until you no longer see flour streaks. Overmixing creates tough, dense brownies instead of tender ones.
If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Let them cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Brown Butter Frosting
Place butter in a light-colored saucepan (so you can see the color change). Melt it over medium heat, stirring constantly. The butter will foam, then settle, then start turning golden brown. You’ll smell a nutty, toasty aroma. This takes about 4-5 minutes.
Remove from heat immediately and let it cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread the warm frosting over your cooled banana brownies with brown butter topping. The frosting will set as it cools, creating a beautiful finish. Cut into squares and serve.
Pro Tips and Variations
Expert Tips for Success:
Use Really Ripe Bananas: The darker and spottier, the better. Almost black bananas make the sweetest, most flavorful bars.
Don’t Overbake: Check at 25 minutes. The top should be golden and spring back when lightly touched. Overbaking creates dry brownies.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and butter sit out for 30 minutes before baking. They blend more easily and create better texture.
Brown Butter Carefully: Watch it closely. It goes from perfect to burnt quickly. Remove from heat when it’s golden brown and smells nutty.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm brownies will melt your frosting into a puddle. Patience pays off here.
Delicious Variations:
Healthy Banana Brownies: Swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour. Reduce sugar to ¾ cup. Add a handful of oats for extra fiber.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips to create indulgent chocolate banana brownies. You can also add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the batter.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter before baking. Swirl with a knife for marbled goodness.
Spiced Banana Bars: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom for warm spice notes.
Coconut Tropical Twist: Mix in ½ cup shredded coconut and replace half the walnuts with macadamia nuts.
Cream Cheese Frosting Alternative: Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with ¼ cup butter and 2 cups powdered sugar for tangy frosting.
Serving Suggestions
These banana bread ideas come to life when you present them thoughtfully.
For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm squares alongside your morning coffee. They pair beautifully with a strong brew. Add fresh berries on the side for color and balance.
As Afternoon Snack: Cut into small squares and pack in lunchboxes. Kids love these, and they’re more wholesome than store-bought treats.
Dessert Presentation: Warm a square for 10 seconds in the microwave. Top with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Guests will think you spent hours on dessert.
Coffee Shop Style: Wrap individual squares in parchment paper and tie with twine. They make lovely homemade gifts or bake sale items.
With Tea: These dessert recipes banana-based treats shine during afternoon tea. Serve with Earl Grey or chai for a cozy experience.
Party Platter: Cut into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter with other banana deserts ideas like banana pudding cups or banana cream pie bites.
Conclusion
This banana bread brownies easy recipe proves that the best desserts don’t need to be complicated. With basic ingredients and simple steps, you create something that tastes like it came from a bakery.
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is. Your bananas too ripe? Perfect. Forgot to soften the butter? Just melt it. Want to skip the frosting? They’re delicious plain. Need them dairy-free? Use coconut oil and non-dairy milk.
These bars disappear fast in my house. I’ve made them dozens of times, tweaking and perfecting until I found the ideal balance of moistness and flavor. The brown butter frosting isn’t required, but it transforms these from good to absolutely amazing.
Next time those bananas on your counter turn spotty, don’t toss them. Turn them into these incredible bars instead. Whether you need a quick dessert, a breakfast treat, or something for the lunchbox, this recipe delivers every time.
FAQs
Can I make this banana brownie recipe without sour cream?
Yes! Substitute with plain Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even mashed avocado in equal amounts. Each creates slightly different texture but all work well.
How do I store these banana bread bars brown butter frosting?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerated for 1 week, or frozen for 3 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Can I use this as a Starbucks banana bread recipe alternative?
Absolutely! These capture that same moist, rich texture. For closer similarity to the coffee shop version, add chocolate chips and skip the frosting.
Are these considered banana blondies or brownies?
They’re a hybrid. Texture-wise, they’re closer to blondies with their light color and dense crumb. But the richness resembles brownies, hence the name.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
Place them in a paper bag overnight, or bake them at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black. The quick-baked method works great for banana recipes overripe situations.
Can I reduce the sugar for healthier banana brownies?
Yes, you can reduce to ¾ cup, but they’ll be less sweet and slightly denser. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness that helps.
Why did my brownies turn out dry?
Overbaking is the main culprit. Check at 25 minutes and remove when a toothpick has just a few moist crumbs. Also ensure you’re not using too much flour.
Can I add protein powder?
Replace ¼ cup flour with vanilla protein powder for banana brownies healthy version. Add an extra tablespoon of milk to maintain moisture.
Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients
For the Banana Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 large bananas
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
For the Brown Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- 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 cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
- Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over cooled brownies and let set for 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 145mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 2g
