Name: Banana Bread Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Eggs; 3 pieces Ripe Bananas, mashed; 1.5 cups Sugar; 1 cup Sour Cream; 0.5 cup Butter, softened; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 0.75 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 cup Walnuts, chopped; 0.5 cup Butter; 3 cups Powdered Sugar; 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 3 tablespoons Milk

Jump to Recipe

If you love the comforting aroma of banana bread and the decadent chewiness of brownies, get ready to experience the best of both worlds with Banana Bread Brownies. These delicious bars combine the sweet, moist texture of classic banana bread with the rich indulgence of a brownie, resulting in a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Did you know bananas were once considered the “fruit of paradise” due to their sweet scent and creamy texture? With a quick prep time and simple steps, this family-friendly favorite is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again for potlucks, Sunday brunches, or after-school snacks. If you’ve enjoyed my Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread, you’re going to love the unique twist Banana Bread Brownies bring to your table. Let’s dive into this irresistible, easy-to-make dessert—your next go-to treat awaits!

What is Banana Bread Brownies?

So, what’s in a name? Banana Bread Brownies might sound like two desserts crashed into each other at a bake sale—and you’d be right! Why choose between banana bread and brownies when you can have both? Sometimes, creativity in the kitchen means tossing tradition aside. As the classic saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this playful mash-up certainly makes hearts (and taste buds) happy. The fun fusion not only brings joy with every bite but also turns ordinary ripe bananas into a bar everyone adores. Ready to join the fun? Grab those bananas and give this recipe a try!

Why You’ll Love This

The top reason to love Banana Bread Brownies? Pure decadence! These bars are ultra-moist thanks to mashed bananas and sour cream, and finished with a dreamy, sweet frosting that’s simply irresistible. Baking them at home is not only budget-friendly but also lets you avoid specialty bakery prices without sacrificing flavor or indulgence. The best part? Chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch, perfectly complementing the banana-scented crumb and smooth frosting. Compared to traditional brownies or banana bread, this recipe offers extra layers of flavor and comfort. If you like my Banana Oat Muffins, you have to try these bars! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat your loved ones to something special tonight.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

Quick Overview

Banana Bread Brownies are easy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. This recipe blends the nostalgic taste of banana bread with the fudgy texture of brownies, then tops it off with a creamy vanilla frosting that takes them over the top. You don’t need any special pans or techniques—just two bowls, a whisk, and a love for sweet treats. Total prep and baking time? About 45 minutes from start to finish, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Brownies:

2 eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and sour cream together until light and creamy. This helps ensure a moist, fluffy base.
Add the eggs and mashed bananas to the mixture. Stir in vanilla extract. Mix until combined but do not overbeat.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just incorporated.
Fold in the chopped walnuts for some delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are slightly golden.
While brownies cool, prepare the frosting: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
Spread frosting evenly over slightly warm brownies. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

What to Serve Banana Bread Brownies With

Banana Bread Brownies shine on their own, but they pair beautifully with other treats as part of a dessert buffet or cozy gathering. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or alongside freshly brewed coffee for a comforting afternoon pick-me-up. For breakfast or brunch, enjoy with a tangy fruit salad, yogurt parfait, or a refreshing glass of cold milk. If you’re hosting, consider offering a selection of mini pastries or even some savory options like cheese boards for a balanced spread.

Top Tips for Perfecting Banana Bread Brownies

Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor—brown spots mean extra sweetness!
Out of sour cream? Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that keeps the brownies tender.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour; gentle folding is key for a soft, cake-like crumb.
Try adding mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist.
For nut allergies, simply leave out the walnuts or swap in sunflower seeds for some crunch.

Avoid overbaking; check with a toothpick at 25 minutes. The brownies should be moist but not raw. Cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting into the bars.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Banana Bread Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil; they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. If refrigerated, let them sit out for a few minutes before eating, so the frosting softens and the flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Thaw them completely, drain excess liquid, and mash as directed.

Can I make these brownies without nuts?
Absolutely. Skip the walnuts for a nut-free treat, or replace with seeds or chocolate chips.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain whole milk yogurt works well and keeps the brownies moist.

How do I know when brownies are done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—check at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Is the frosting necessary?
While the brownies are delicious on their own, the creamy vanilla frosting adds a special finishing touch. Feel free to skip it or swap in your favorite glaze.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for something new and mouthwatering to add to your dessert rotation, give Banana Bread Brownies a try! They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. The unforgettable combination of sweet bananas, tender crumb, and luscious frosting make these brownies stand out from more traditional banana bread or brownies. Be sure to check out other fun recipes on the blog for even more inspiration, and don’t forget to share your results—I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy your batch of Banana Bread Brownies!