Banana Bread Brownies

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Moist, dense, and absolutely irresistible—these Banana Bread Brownies are what happens when a cozy loaf of banana bread collides with the indulgent texture of a brownie. They’re everything you didn’t know you needed in a dessert: soft, sweet, and crowned with a velvety layer of brown butter frosting that melts right into the crumb.

Perfect for overripe bananas sitting on the counter, these bars elevate banana bread into a decadent treat. Each bite delivers rich banana flavor with a caramelized edge that only a brownie-style bake can provide. Whether you’re sharing with guests or sneaking a piece with your morning coffee, these are sure to become a fast favorite.

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What Kind of Bananas Should I Use?

The darker, the better! Bananas with lots of black spots or even fully brown skins are ideal—they’re sweeter and more aromatic, giving your brownies the deepest banana flavor. Avoid underripe bananas, which won’t mash smoothly or bring the natural sweetness this recipe needs.

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Ingredients for the Banana Bread Brownies

Ripe Bananas – The star of the show. Overripe bananas not only give that signature flavor but also create a tender texture.

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure while keeping the crumb soft and light.

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and ensures that melt-in-your-mouth texture we love.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps with the lightly crisp edges.

Brown Sugar – A touch of molasses from brown sugar deepens the flavor and gives it a hint of caramel.

Eggs – Bind everything together and contribute to the brownie-like texture.

Sour Cream – For moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the flavors and rounds everything out.

Baking Soda & Salt – Just the right lift and balance.

Brown Butter Frosting – This luscious topping brings a nutty depth and silky finish that sets these brownies apart.

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How To Make the Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Mash the bananas in a bowl until mostly smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Batter Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla extract. Stir in the mashed bananas.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet batter, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Make the Brown Butter Frosting

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Let it cook until the butter turns golden and develops a nutty aroma, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and a bit of milk to reach a pourable consistency. Spread the warm frosting over the cooled bars.

Step 6: Let It Set & Slice

Allow the frosting to set slightly before slicing into bars. For the cleanest cuts, chill the brownies for about 15 minutes in the fridge before slicing.

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How to Serve and Store These Banana Bread Brownies

Serve these brownies as a sweet afternoon snack, an easy dessert, or even a brunch treat paired with coffee. They shine at room temperature but taste incredible slightly chilled, where the frosting gets fudge-like and the banana flavor intensifies.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should my bananas be?

Your bananas should be very ripe—the blacker the peel, the sweeter and softer the fruit inside. This brings moisture and depth of flavor to your brownies.

Can I make these without the frosting?

Yes! The brownies are delicious on their own, but the brown butter frosting adds a decadent finish that takes them over the top.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Stir in about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added texture and richness.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

Check with a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The edges will be slightly golden and the center should feel set.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute and keeps the brownies just as moist.

Do these taste more like cake or brownies?

They land somewhere in the middle! You’ll get the dense, moist chew of a brownie with the tender crumb of banana bread.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If these Banana Bread Brownies hit the spot, here are more dessert bars and sweet treats to explore:

• Try these soft and nostalgic Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth winter treat.
• For a tangy bite-sized delight, check out the Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups.
• Looking for something comforting with a Southern twist? These Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread bars are a must.
• Give your weekend brunch a pop of color with Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby.
• And if you’re into cheesecake meets cookie fusion, don’t miss the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add nuts? Did you drizzle chocolate on top?

I love hearing how others bring their own twist to these recipes. Feel free to ask questions or share your baking success—we’re all about sweet inspiration here.

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