If you’ve ever found yourself torn between banana bread and brownies, this recipe solves your dilemma! Banana Bread Brownies are the best of both worlds—moist and fluffy like banana bread but with the rich sweetness and indulgence of brownies. Add a luscious vanilla frosting, and you have a treat that’s bound to steal the show at any gathering!
Let’s get baking—you’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is.
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Brownies
1. A Unique Twist:
It’s not your typical brownie or banana bread but a delightful combination of the two.
2. Incredibly Moist:
Thanks to the mashed bananas and sour cream, these brownies stay soft and flavorful.
3. Crowd-Pleaser:
With their comforting banana flavor and sweet frosting, they’re perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just because!
4. Easy to Make:
Simple steps and common ingredients mean you can whip these up anytime.
What Do Banana Bread Brownies Taste Like?
These brownies are sweet and buttery, with the familiar warmth of banana bread complemented by the richness of a soft, fudgy brownie. The vanilla frosting adds a creamy, slightly tangy finish that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies
For the Brownies:
- 2 eggs
- 3 bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
- 13×9-inch baking pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Saucepan (for making the frosting)
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup for extra richness.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts or replace with raisins.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free sour cream, and almond milk.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
For the Brownies
- Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. - Cream the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy and smooth. - Add Bananas and Vanilla:
Blend in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. - Mix in Dry Ingredients:
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Blend the mixture for about 1 minute or until smooth. - Fold in Walnuts:
Gently stir in the chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch. - Bake:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool slightly before frosting.
For the Frosting
- Melt Butter:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter. - Mix Ingredients:
Remove the butter from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if needed. - Frost the Brownies:
Spread the frosting evenly over the warm brownies. Allow them to cool completely to set the frosting before cutting into squares.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread Brownies
- Use Ripe Bananas:
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. - Don’t Overmix:
Mix the batter just until combined to keep the brownies tender. - Cool Before Frosting:
Let the brownies cool slightly but frost them while still warm to help the frosting spread easily. - Store Properly:
Keep the brownies covered to maintain their moisture.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Brownies
- With Coffee or Tea: The sweetness pairs perfectly with a warm beverage.
- A La Mode: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Breakfast Treat: These brownies make a sweet addition to a brunch spread!
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week, but bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Q: Can I skip the frosting?
A: Absolutely! The brownies are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds a delightful sweetness.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes, Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate hybrid dessert—rich, moist, and topped with a creamy frosting that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Share your creations on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see your brownie masterpieces. Looking for more banana-inspired treats? Don’t miss my recipes for Classic Banana Bread or Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 22g
Happy Baking! 🍌❤️
