If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of banana bread and the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, then you are absolutely going to adore this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe. It’s the most delightful mashup that brings together the best of both worlds—moist, flavorful banana goodness meets chocolate-free, buttery brownie decadence—all topped with a luscious, sweet frosting that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe is bound to become your new favorite go-to dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dessert both inviting and rich. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the ripe bananas that bring moisture and natural sweetness to the baking soda that helps with the perfect rise.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a tender crumb and rich flavor—make sure it’s soft for easier creaming.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies while helping to create a light, fluffy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and add structure to your brownies.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas): Adds moistness and a natural fruity sweetness essential to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall taste with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of your batter that gives it body and that perfect cakey texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just enough to stay soft and tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidity of bananas to create a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The base of a creamy, caramel-like frosting.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor and richness.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting for smooth spreading.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting with a silky finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A final flavor boost that ties everything together.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Set your oven to 350°F, which is just the right temperature to bake these banana-rich brownies evenly without drying them out. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper—this step ensures your brownies release easily once baked, keeping their perfect shape intact.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process aerates the batter, which leads to a tender crumb. Don’t rush this step; properly creamed butter and sugar are the foundation of a luscious texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain that smooth, even batter. Then fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth. The bananas bring in natural sweetness and moisture, while vanilla adds that subtle fragrant warmth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, which helps your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe rise perfectly and maintain an even texture.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your banana mixture. Stir gently, just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in tougher brownies. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, ready to be poured into your prepared pan.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into the 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. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely before moving on to frosting. This resting time ensures the frosting melts perfectly without sliding off.
Step 7: Make and Spread the Frosting
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add milk, bring the mixture to a boil briefly, then remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy, then spread it over your cooled banana brownies. Let the frosting set before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
While these brownies are stunning just as they are, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a few chocolate chips on top before baking adds a wonderful crunch. After frosting, consider dusting with a little cinnamon or cocoa powder for an extra dimension of flavor and a pretty finish.
Side Dishes
Serve your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious contrast. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce also pair wonderfully and add a beautiful, fresh touch to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve on decorative toothpicks for easy finger food at parties. Or assemble a layered dessert by crumbling the brownies and alternating with whipped cream and fresh fruit in a clear glass—banana parfait never looked so good!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Banana Bread Brownies stay soft and delicious stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and maintains their tender texture, so you can enjoy a fresh-tasting treat any time.
Freezing
If you want to keep these brownies fresh for longer, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe will taste just as good as freshly baked.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, gently reheat brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until warm but not melted. If frosting is on, this method keeps it soft and gooey—an irresistible way to enjoy your dessert.
FAQs
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter is a fantastic way to introduce extra texture and flavor, making the brownies even more delightful.
Do I need to peel the bananas before mashing?
Yes, you should always peel your bananas before mashing. Ripe bananas with brown spots are the sweetest and best choice for moist, flavorful brownies.
Is it necessary to cool the brownies before frosting?
Cooling the brownies completely is important because warm brownies can cause the frosting to melt and slide off, ruining the neat presentation you worked so hard to achieve.
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe since they’re naturally sweeter and softer, which helps achieve that moist, tender crumb your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is known for.
How long do the brownies keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, these brownies can last up to a week in the refrigerator while maintaining their flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is like a warm hug in the form of dessert—it’s comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just diving into the world of homemade treats, this recipe is bound to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite. So grab your bananas, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake something truly unforgettable!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Bread Brownies featuring ripe mashed bananas blended into a sweet batter and topped with a rich, creamy brown sugar frosting. This recipe offers the perfect balance of classic banana bread taste with a delightful brownie texture, making it an irresistible dessert or snack option.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth batter and stabilizes the mixture.
- Mix in Bananas and Vanilla: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and smooth, bringing moisture and flavor to the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout the batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies tough.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 2 minutes, constantly stirring to dissolve the sugar and develop a rich flavor.
- Add Milk and Boil: Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes to slightly thicken and cool the base for the frosting.
- Mix Frosting: Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, creating a creamy and sweet frosting perfect for topping the brownies.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled banana bread brownies. Let the frosting set to firm up before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Store the banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the brownies, which can extend their shelf life beyond 3 days.
