Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect blend of moist, tender banana bread and rich, buttery blondies. Packed with sweet banana flavor and optionally topped with a luscious frosting, they make a soft, indulgent treat ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 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 (optional):

• 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
6. Step 6: Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
9. Step 9: For frosting, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until light golden brown and nutty in aroma (about 4–5 minutes). Remove from heat and cool slightly.
10. Step 10: Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
11. Step 11: Spread frosting over the cooled brownies, slice into squares or bars, and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Substitute ½ cup chopped pecans or mix in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for added texture and taste.
• Try swirling in 3 tablespoons of peanut butter before baking for a delicious twist.
• Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for warm, spiced banana brownies.
• Stir 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder into the batter for a subtle mocha flavor.
• To keep brownies moist, avoid overbaking and include sour cream in the batter.

Storage

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week and bring to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze individually wrapped brownies for up to 3 months; thaw overnight or warm briefly in the microwave before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum) in equal amounts for the regular flour.

Do I need to frost them?

No, the brownies are delicious on their own. However, topping them with brown butter icing or cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, tender texture of banana bread with the rich, buttery indulgence of blondies. Made with ripe bananas, sour cream for extra moisture, and optionally topped with a luscious brown butter frosting, this dessert is perfect for potlucks, coffee breaks, or anytime you want a delightful sweet treat.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
2. Make the Banana Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently and mixing just until combined to avoid developing gluten which can make the brownies tough.
5. Add Optional Mix-ins: If desired, fold in chopped walnuts or other add-ins like mini chocolate chips at this stage for texture and flavor enhancement.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
7. Cool the Brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
8. Prepare the Frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook it until it turns a light golden brown and emits a nutty aroma (about 4 to 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
9. Frost and Serve: Spread the prepared brown butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Cut into squares or bars and serve to enjoy this indulgent treat.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas with many brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep brownies tender.
• If using salted butter, reduce added salt slightly.
• You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
• These brownies can be frozen tightly wrapped for up to 3 months and thawed overnight before serving.
• Adding sour cream helps keep the brownies moist.
• Optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips can be added for texture and flavor variations.
• For a variation, swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking.

Keywords: banana bread brownies, banana brownies, brown butter frosting, moist banana dessert, easy banana dessert, walnut banana brownies, banana blondies