Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

The Perfect Banana Bread Brownies Recipe: Sweet Treats Await

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen sparked my love for this delectable banana bread brownies fusion.

Comfort wafts through the air when mixing ripe, speckled bananas with rich chocolate notes.

Unexpected combinations often create magic in baking adventures.

Moist, dense textures promise a delightful treat that melts in you mouth.

Chocolate chips add delightful surprises in every single bite.

Each slice tells a story of warmth and indulgence.

We invite you to experience this delectable twist on classic favorites that will make taste buds dance with pure joy.

Banana Bread Brownies That Mix Two Classics

  • Quickly Whip Up: Perfect for busy bakers wanting a fast, delicious dessert that takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Family and friends will adore these brownies, combining classic banana bread warmth with rich, decadent brownie texture that appeals to all ages.
  • Flexible Weekend Treat: Ideal for weekend baking projects, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, with simple ingredients most people already have at home.
  • No-Stress Baking: Beginner bakers can confidently create this recipe with straightforward steps, minimal technical skills required, and foolproof mixing technique that guarantees delicious results every single time.

Banana Bread Brownies Full Ingredient Guide

Main Ingredients:

Ripe Bananas: Soft, sweet bananas provide natural moisture and deep banana flavor. Choose very ripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness.

Flour: Key structural ingredient for the brownie’s texture. All-purpose flour works best for consistent results.

Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Eggs: Rich foundation that creates a tender, moist brownie. Unsalted butter allows better flavor control.
  • Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetness and caramel-like depth. Granulated sugar provides structure, brown sugar adds moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity. Pure vanilla extract recommended for best taste.
Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for soft, light texture. Fresh, unexpired ingredients ensure proper rising.
  • Salt, Cinnamon: Balances sweetness and adds warm spice. Ground cinnamon complements banana flavor perfectly.
  • Walnuts (Optional): Adds crunch and nutty dimension. Toasted walnuts provide extra depth.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates smooth, sweet drizzle topping. Adjust milk for desired glaze consistency.

Banana Brownie Baking Steps in a Loaf or Pan

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter.

Line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Whip Together Wet Ingredients

In a roomy mixing bowl, blend:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whisk until everything looks silky and combined.

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract.

Mash ripe bananas and incorporate them into the mixture.

Stir until everything looks smooth and golden.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Gently whisk these ingredients to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Create the Perfect Batter

Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

Fold carefully until just combined.

Don’t overmix!

If desired, toss in chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer batter to prepared pan.

Spread evenly with a spatula.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Glaze

While brownies cool, whip up the glaze:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until luxuriously smooth and drizzle-ready.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once brownies have completely cooled, drizzle glaze in artistic zigzags.

Cut into squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Banana Brownie Tips for the Ultimate Fusion Bake

  • Use overripe bananas for deeper, sweeter flavor and more intense banana taste.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep brownies soft and prevent tough, dense results.
  • Toast walnuts before adding to enhance their rich, warm flavor and add extra crunch.
  • Adjust glaze consistency by adding more milk for thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for thicker coating.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Chill Banana Bread Brownies Again

  • Store cooled banana bread brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer-term storage.
  • Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their soft, gooey texture.
  • Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying. Avoid refreezing to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Sips to Match Banana Bread Brownies

  • Flavor-Boosting Coffee Companion: Pair these banana bread brownies with a smooth, medium-roast coffee that highlights the dessert's warm cinnamon and banana notes, creating a comforting breakfast or afternoon treat.
  • Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a sweet Moscato or Riesling, which will enhance the brownies' caramel undertones and balance the rich, dense texture without overwhelming the delicate banana flavor.
  • Creamy Counterpoint Accompaniment: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add a cool, silky contrast that cuts through the brownies' sweetness and provides a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Nutty Beverage Harmony: Enjoy with a cold glass of almond milk, which echoes the optional walnuts in the recipe and offers a subtle nuttiness that complements the brownie's warm spices.

Banana Bread Brownies with Extra Mixes

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread Brownies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Banana Brownies: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select plant-based milk for the glaze to create a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor.
  • Nutty Protein Boost: Add chia seeds, hemp seeds, or swap walnuts for almonds to increase protein and nutrient density, perfect for health-conscious bakers.

FAQs

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread brownies because they’re softer, sweeter, and mash more easily, adding intense banana flavor and moisture to the dessert.

  • Is it necessary to use both brown and white sugar?

Yes, the combination creates a deeper, more complex sweetness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor, while white sugar provides structure and helps with browning.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement and includes xanthan gum for better texture.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

The toothpick test is key – insert it into the center, and it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it’s completely clean, the brownies might be overdone and dry.

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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Banana Bread Brownies merge classic comfort with rich chocolate decadence, creating a dessert that bridges nostalgic warmth and modern sweet cravings. Perfect for weekend baking, these treats will satisfy chocolate and banana lovers seeking a delightful twist on traditional recipes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Dry):

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

Main Ingredients (Wet):

  • 3 bananas, mashed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Frosting Ingredients:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F and thoroughly coating a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a silky base by vigorously whisking sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture transforms into a uniform, creamy texture.
  3. Introduce mashed bananas and vanilla extract, gently folding them into the wet mixture to infuse deep banana essence.
  4. Gradually incorporate flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until ingredients are perfectly integrated without overmixing.
  5. Enhance texture by gently stirring chopped walnuts throughout the batter, distributing them evenly for optional crunch.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even surface, and bake for approximately 25 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown hue and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
  7. Craft the frosting by carefully heating butter in a saucepan, watching attentively as it transforms to a rich caramel-like brown without burning.
  8. Remove butter from heat and construct the frosting by gradually whisking powdered sugar, introducing milk incrementally to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency, then finish with a splash of vanilla extract.
  9. Drizzle the warm frosting across the slightly cooled brownies, spreading uniformly, and allow complete cooling before slicing into delectable squares.

Notes

  • Swap bananas for applesauce or pumpkin puree to create unique flavor variations that keep the moisture intact.
  • Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch without changing the recipe’s core texture.
  • Brown butter technique adds deep caramel notes to frosting, transforming standard sweetness into a more complex, sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Ensure room temperature ingredients blend smoothly, preventing lumpy batter and guaranteeing a tender, consistent brownie texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 298
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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