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There’s something truly comforting about the smell of baked goods filling the kitchen, especially when it combines two beloved treats into one indulgent creation. That’s exactly how I felt when I first made these Banana Bread Brownies – a delightful twist on classic comfort food that merges the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the tender, homey essence of banana bread. It all started on a cozy afternoon when I found myself with a few overripe bananas screaming to be used. What began as a simple banana bread recipe quickly transformed into a decadent dessert, topped with a smooth vanilla frosting that takes each bite to the next level.

These Banana Bread Brownies have become a staple in my home, loved by family and friends alike. They’re the perfect antidote to fast food cravings and a thoughtful way to satisfy a sweet tooth while enjoying the wholesome goodness of bananas. With each slice, you’ll discover that they’re not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile, sure to impress anyone at your next gathering. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe together!

Banana Bread Brownies: Why You Should Make Them?

Comforting and Indulgent: Experience the perfect blend of two beloved desserts in each bite. Unique Flavor: Ripe bananas and chocolate create a rich, satisfying experience that stands out. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can nail this recipe. Versatile: Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit everyone’s taste. Crowd-Pleasing: These brownies are guaranteed to impress friends and family at gatherings! For more delightful creations, check out our classic banana bread.

Banana Bread Brownies Ingredients

For the Brownies

Ripe Bananas – Use overripe bananas for optimal flavor and natural sweetness.
Sour Cream – Adds richness; Greek yogurt is a great substitute if needed.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the brownies; brown sugar can enhance the flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; swap for a gluten-free blend if desired.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Essential for that deep chocolate flavor; ensure it’s unsweetened for balance.
Walnuts – Brings a delightful crunch; feel free to omit or substitute with chocolate chips if preferred.
Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall taste; using fresh vanilla beans can make a significant difference.
Eggs – Binds the ingredients; letting them reach room temperature yields better mixing.

For the Frosting

Butter – Adds creaminess; use unsalted for better control of sweetness.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; sift it for a smoother texture.
Heavy Cream – Adjusts the frosting’s consistency; milk can be a lighter alternative.
Vanilla Extract – Flavors the frosting; using high-quality extract can enhance overall taste.

Dive into creating these delightful Banana Bread Brownies, and unleash a comforting dessert that merges two beloved classics!

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth. Adding sour cream and vanilla extract, stir until fully combined for a luscious, moist batter.
Whisk together granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs in another bowl. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and pale, which will help create a light texture.
Fold the mashed banana mixture into the dry ingredients carefully. Incorporate the flour and walnuts gently, ensuring you don’t overmix to keep those brownies tender.
Pour the rich brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Take care to smooth the top for a lovely presentation.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs; this guarantees a fudgy interior.
Cool the brownies in the pan for about 10 minutes before frosting with vanilla frosting and then cutting them into squares. This allows for perfect texture and taste!

Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Banana Bread Brownies

• Ripe Bananas Matter: Ensure your bananas are very ripe to achieve the best natural sweetness and flavor for the Banana Bread Brownies.

• Avoid Overmixing: Mix your batter gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.

• Cool Before Frosting: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the vanilla frosting to maintain the perfect texture and prevent melting.

• Measure Carefully: For consistent results, use a kitchen scale or standard measuring cups; too much flour can make the brownies dry.

• Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap walnuts for chocolate chips or add spices, but remember that changes can alter the balance of flavors.

What to Serve with Banana Bread Brownies?

Indulging in these decadent treats opens the door to a world of delightful pairings that will elevate your dessert experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the warmth of the brownies, making each bite a heavenly experience.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce brings a robust sweetness that enhances the rich banana flavor and fudgy texture of the brownies.
Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a medley of fresh strawberries and blueberries for a fresh, tart balance that cuts through the richness of the brownies.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a delightful cloud-like texture contrasting the dense fudginess, perfect for a café-style treat at home.
Espresso or Coffee: A cup of brewed coffee or an espresso shot complements the chocolate richness, adding a sophisticated edge to your indulgent dessert.
Nutella Spread: Adding a layer of Nutella provides an extra chocolatey experience, enriching the banana and chocolate flavors for a decadent twist.
Chocolate Sauce: For true choco-holics, drizzling chocolate sauce takes these brownies to a new decadent level, enhancing the chocolate experience with every bite.

How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Brownies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and moist.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container, where they’ll last up to 1 week.
Freezer: To freeze, cut brownies into squares, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Warm individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked taste, enhancing their delightful fudginess.

Make Ahead Options

These Banana Bread Brownies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in this decadent treat with minimal effort throughout the week! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine all the wet and dry ingredients and refrigerate it in an airtight container. To maintain their delicious, fudgy texture, avoid adding the frosting until you’re ready to serve. If you want to enjoy them later, bake and cool the brownies, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the brownies (without frosting) for up to 2 months—simply thaw before frosting and indulging!

Banana Bread Brownies: Creative Twists

Feel free to make these delicious brownies your own by trying out some fun variations that will excite your taste buds!

Nut-Free: Omit walnuts entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative without the nuts.
Chocolate Chip Add-In: Fold in chocolate chips for an extra gooey texture. Dark chocolate chips can elevate the banana flavor beautifully!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to the batter for an unexpected heat that contrasts with the sweetness.
Coconut Delight: Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical twist. It adds both flavor and texture, making each bite more interesting.
Vegan-Friendly: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and replace sour cream with mashed avocado for a dairy-free brownie.
Espresso Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of instant espresso powder for a delightful coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate richness.
Fruitful Addition: Fold in chopped strawberries or raspberries for a hint of tartness that beautifully complements the sweetness of the brownies.
Marble Effect: Swirl in cream cheese or peanut butter into the batter before baking for a marbled presentation and unique flavor twist.

This recipe is endlessly customizable—enjoy creating a version that reflects your preferences!

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! You’re looking for bananas that are heavily speckled with dark spots or even completely brown. This means they are overripe and will provide the maximum sweetness and moisture for your Banana Bread Brownies.

How should I store Banana Bread Brownies?
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 1 week, just make sure to seal them well to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze Banana Bread Brownies?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, first cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked goodness.

What should I do if my brownies are too dry?
If your Banana Bread Brownies turn out dry, it could be due to overmixing or adding too much flour. Next time, be gentle when mixing and stick to measured ingredients. To salvage them now, serve with a scoop of ice cream or warm them up with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added moisture!

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe contains eggs and dairy products. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the sour cream with almond milk yogurt, and look for a dairy-free frosting. Always double-check the ingredient labels to avoid any allergens, especially if serving to guests.

How long will these brownies last after baking?
When properly stored in an airtight container, Banana Bread Brownies can last at room temperature for about 3 days, or you can keep them in the refrigerator and enjoy them for up to a week. If you’re not planning to eat them within that time, freezing is a great option to extend their lifespan!