If you love the comforting aroma of bananas baked into a soft, moist treat but crave a rich, fudgy twist, then this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Combining the beloved flavors of classic banana bread with the dense, chewy texture of brownies, this dessert offers a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and indulgent chocolate-free delight. It’s a wonderful way to use ripe bananas and bring a fresh, cozy vibe to your baking repertoire, promising every bite to be a warm hug in dessert form.

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples, but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Banana Bread Brownies Recipe. From ripe bananas lending natural sweetness and moisture to the buttery frosting that crowns the brownies, every element adds its own magic to the final product.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a luscious texture.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and give structure.
Mashed ripe bananas: Bring natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base and creates a soft, cake-like texture.
Baking powder: Adds lift for a light bite.
Baking soda: Reacts with the bananas to help rise and add tenderness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor.
Chopped walnuts (optional): Introduce a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
For the frosting – unsalted butter: Melted and browned to develop a rich caramel flavor.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
Vanilla extract for frosting: Infuses warmth and depth.
Milk or heavy cream: Creates the ideal spreadable frosting consistency.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This ensures your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe will bake evenly and release easily when done. Getting this step ready first makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This incorporation of air will help give your brownies a tender, cake-like texture that’s rich and perfectly sweet.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. This mixture brings moisture, structure, and that signature banana flavor you’ll want to savor in every bite.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These leavening agents teamed up with salt provide balance and help your brownies rise with a delightful crumb.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough, so fold in carefully. If you’re adding walnuts, fold them in now to mix in that lovely crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time yields soft, cake-like brownies with a beautiful golden crust.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the brownies cool, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook it until it’s golden brown and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes—this adds a lovely caramel note that makes the frosting unforgettable. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting. Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top and allow it to set before slicing.

How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of wow, sprinkle chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar atop the frosted brownies. A few banana chips or even a drizzle of melted chocolate would also elevate their visual and flavor appeal, making them look and taste like a special treat.

Side Dishes

These Banana Bread Brownies Recipe beauties pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience, or enjoy alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea to complement the banana’s natural sweetness and buttery frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next gathering? Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter with fresh fruit slices like strawberries or kiwi for a pop of color. Alternatively, layer brownie chunks in parfait glasses with whipped cream and chopped nuts for an elegant banana-inspired dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting helps keep them moist, but if your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a smart alternative to preserve freshness.

Freezing

To enjoy these treats later, wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let them come to room temperature before serving to restore their tender texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe warm, gently reheat a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. This warms the butter frosting slightly and makes the bananas taste even more luscious and comforting.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe will be. Look for bananas covered in brown spots or even mostly brown-skinned for best results.

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts or omit them?

Yes! Walnuts add a lovely crunch, but feel free to swap them with pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can skip them altogether without sacrificing the texture or taste.

Is it necessary to frost these brownies?

While the browned butter frosting is a delicious finishing touch, the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe are delightful on their own. If you prefer a simpler dessert, you can enjoy them plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts. Make sure your baking powder and soda are gluten-free as well. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How can I make these brownies more chocolatey?

Since this recipe focuses on banana flavor, adding chocolate chips to the batter or swirling melted chocolate into it before baking is a great way to introduce a chocolate element while retaining the banana bread brownie charm.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the cozy, nostalgic flavors in this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe that makes it a standout dessert to keep in your baking arsenal. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for a sweet midday pick-me-up, these brownies bring warmth and joy with every bite. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate ripe bananas and homemade goodness!