Banana Bread Brownies

Banana Bread Brownies bring together two timeless favorites—banana bread and brownies—into one irresistibly moist, flavorful treat. With the sweetness of ripe bananas and the richness of brown butter frosting, these dessert bars are soft, chewy, and perfect for sharing at potlucks, picnics, or casual family gatherings. Whether you’re a fan of traditional banana bread or decadent brownies, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Brownies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 ripe medium bananas (mashed, about 1 cup)
¾ cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped walnuts

Frosting
⅓ cup unsalted butter
2½ cups powdered sugar
¼ cup half and half cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

To Make the Brownies
Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until fully combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

To Make the Brown Butter Frosting
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove immediately from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, half and half, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the frosting over the warm banana brownies using a silicone spatula for an even layer.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• For clean cuts, allow the banana bread brownies to cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.
• Serve slightly warm for a soft, gooey texture or at room temperature for a firmer bite.
• These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elevated dessert.
• Garnish with a few extra chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar if serving at a party or gathering.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer texture or live in a warm climate, refrigerate the brownies in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature before serving for best flavor.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter before enjoying.
• Reheating: Microwave individual brownies for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, especially if frozen or refrigerated.

These tips ensure that every bite of your banana bread brownies remains moist, flavorful, and just as delightful as when they were freshly baked.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Brownies
Add ¾ cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the batter along with the walnuts or in place of them. This adds a rich, melty chocolate element that pairs perfectly with the banana flavor. For an extra treat, sprinkle a few chips on top just before baking.

Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Before baking, dollop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese mixture (4 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla) over the batter. Swirl gently with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect and a tangy contrast to the sweet banana base.

Peanut Butter Banana Brownies
Swirl ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter after pouring it into the pan. Use a knife to create ribbons of peanut butter throughout the brownies. This variation adds a nutty richness that complements both banana and chocolate flavors.

Nut-Free Version
Simply omit the walnuts for those with allergies or preferences. You can replace the texture by folding in ¾ cup of rolled oats or shredded coconut for a bit of chewiness without the nuts.

Gluten-Free Banana Brownies
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well. The texture remains soft and moist, with all the same delicious flavors.

Cocoa Banana Brownies
For a more chocolate-forward variation, add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. This gives the bars a true brownie taste while keeping the banana bread texture.

Banana Blondies
Leave out the cinnamon and walnuts and use white chocolate chips instead. The result is a sweeter, more delicate dessert bar that resembles a classic blondie with a banana twist.

Tropical Banana Bars
Fold in ½ cup of crushed pineapple (drained) and ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair. Top with toasted coconut after frosting for added texture and flavor.

Caramel Banana Brownies
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the batter before baking or add a caramel layer between two halves of batter. After frosting, a second drizzle of caramel can take these brownies to a decadent new level.

Espresso Banana Brownies
Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the wet mixture. This enhances the depth of the banana and brown butter flavors, making it perfect for coffee lovers.

These variations allow you to customize your banana bread brownies based on your cravings, dietary needs, or seasonal ingredients—ensuring this dessert never gets boring!

FAQs

1. Can I make banana bread brownies without frosting?
Yes, you can skip the brown butter frosting for a lighter version. The brownies will still be moist and flavorful on their own.

2. How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.

3. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw frozen bananas and drain off excess liquid before mashing. They work just as well as fresh bananas in this recipe.

4. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute with a homemade buttermilk by mixing ¾ cup of milk with 2 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

5. Can I make this recipe in a different pan size?
Yes, but baking time will vary. For an 8×8-inch pan, bake longer (around 30–35 minutes). For thinner bars in a sheet pan, reduce the time and monitor closely.

6. How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges will be golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

7. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely. These banana bread brownies taste even better the next day and can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.

8. Can I freeze the frosted brownies?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container. This keeps the frosting from sticking.

9. Is it possible to make these brownies vegan?
With the right substitutions (flax eggs, plant-based milk and butter), you can create a vegan version, though texture may slightly differ.

10. Why did my brownies turn out dry?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Make sure to check them around the 18-minute mark and remove as soon as the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

These FAQs help ensure a smooth baking experience and delicious results every time you make banana bread brownies.

Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful cross between two beloved classics. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a silky brown butter frosting, they make an ideal treat for both casual snacking and special occasions. Whether you’re baking for your family or bringing dessert to a gathering, this easy recipe guarantees rave reviews every time.

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