Name: Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar

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If you love the comforting taste of classic banana bread but crave something rich and decadent, these Banana Bread Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Picture this: the irresistible aroma of ripe bananas, the buttery, tender crumb of banana bread, and the fudgy decadence of brownies, all crowned with a luscious vanilla frosting. Each bite is truly the best of both worlds, striking a perfect balance between nostalgic warmth and dessert-worthy indulgence. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo alongside your afternoon coffee, Banana Bread Brownies promise a treat you’ll want to bake on repeat.

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised at how much magic is packed into a few humble ingredients—each one plays a vital role in creating these incredible Banana Bread Brownies. From ripe bananas that bring sweetness and moisture, to the simple spices and creamy frosting that make every bar a show-stopper, here’s what you’ll need and why.

Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a moist, fudgy texture in the brownies and a silky finish in the frosting.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and contributes to that classic, caramelized crust.
Eggs: Bind everything together and lend the brownies structure.
Mashed Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient—ripe bananas give moisture, natural sweetness, and irresistible banana flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and brings that bakery-fresh aroma to every bite.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundation and helps the brownies hold their shape without becoming dense.
Baking Powder: Gives the brownies a gentle lift for a tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Cinnamon: Adds cozy, subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with banana.
Chopped Walnuts or Chocolate Chips (optional): For texture and extra decadence—choose your favorite, or toss in both!
Milk (for frosting): Brings the frosting together for the perfect creamy spread.
Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and creates that signature velvety finish.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this way, your Banana Bread Brownies won’t stick, and cleanup is a breeze. If you love extra tidy slices, you could also line your pan with parchment, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This creates a rich, sweet base. Then add in your eggs, mashed ripe bananas, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined—the bananas should blend evenly for extra moisture and flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures the leavening and spices are distributed evenly, which is key for a uniform bake and taste in your Banana Bread Brownies.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until incorporated. This gentle mixing keeps the brownies tender, not tough. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to fold in some chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before you move on to frosting—you don’t want the icing to melt!

Step 6: Make the Frosting

To make the dreamy vanilla frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the milk and vanilla. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. For an added nutty depth, try browning the butter before mixing!

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled Banana Bread Brownies, letting it set before slicing. The frosting adds a creamy, sweet layer that takes these treats over the top—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies

Garnishes

For a beautiful and flavorful touch, sprinkle an extra handful of chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips over the frosting while it’s still soft. You could also dust the brownies lightly with a little cinnamon powder or even drizzle with a touch of caramel sauce right before serving.

Side Dishes

These decadent bars are perfect with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot coffee, or a chai latte. For a party platter, try pairing them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cool, creamy contrast complements the rich, sweet bars perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Banana Bread Brownies into neat squares or triangles for a classic look, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes (kids love this)! For gatherings, arrange them on a tiered cake stand with a bowl of extra frosting on the side for dipping. You could even layer cubes of brownies in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fruit for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and frosted, cover your Banana Bread Brownies tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to three days—making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for any occasion.

Freezing

If you want to keep brownies on hand for future cravings, these freeze beautifully. Slice the cooled and frosted brownies, wrap each piece tightly in cling film, and place in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste, zap a brownie in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds before eating. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can simply let the brownie come to room temperature. Either way, the frosting will soften and the banana aroma will bloom again.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Bread Brownies without the frosting?

Absolutely! While the frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and decadence, these bars are still rich, moist, and full of banana flavor without it. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can simply skip the frosting or opt for a light dusting of powdered sugar.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better! Bananas that are deeply speckled or almost black on the outside work best—they mash smoothly and lend powerful banana flavor and natural sweetness to your Banana Bread Brownies.

Can I substitute nuts or chocolate chips with something else?

Of course! If you have allergies or want to switch things up, consider mixing in dried fruit like cranberries or dates. For a tropical twist, shredded coconut is a fun add-in that pairs perfectly with banana.

My brownies turned out dry—what went wrong?

The most common culprit is overbaking. Keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes, and test with a toothpick—the center should be just set. Using overripe bananas and not overmixing the batter also help ensure moist, tender brownies every time.

Can I make Banana Bread Brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too. The texture may vary slightly, but the treats will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have as much fun making (and devouring!) these Banana Bread Brownies as I do every time I bake them. They’re a true crowd-pleaser and the kind of dessert recipe you’ll want to share—and keep coming back to. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved treat. Happy baking!

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of banana bread and brownies with this easy-to-make and flavorful recipe for Banana Bread Brownies. These moist and decadent brownies topped with a creamy frosting are sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, and stir until combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
Add mix-ins: Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips, if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Make frosting: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the milk and vanilla, then whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
Frost and serve: Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and let set before slicing.