When banana bread meets the rich, fudgy decadence of brownies, you get a dessert that’s truly irresistible. Banana bread brownies combine the best of both worlds: the comforting, moist texture of banana bread and the chocolatey indulgence of brownies. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are as versatile as they are delicious, making them a crowd-pleaser whether served at a casual get-together or a formal gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
Banana bread brownies are the ultimate way to use up overripe bananas while satisfying your chocolate cravings. The bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, creating a dense, fudgy texture that’s reminiscent of classic brownies. A hint of vanilla and a touch of cinnamon (optional) elevate the flavor, while the chocolate adds richness to every bite.
What Makes These Brownies Unique?
What sets banana bread brownies apart is their irresistible texture and flavor. The mashed bananas not only enhance the moistness but also give a subtle fruity undertone that perfectly complements the chocolate. For an extra twist, you can swirl in cream cheese or add a layer of chocolate ganache on top for a truly decadent finish.
The Best Treat for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack to pair with your afternoon coffee or a show-stopping dessert to serve at a dinner party, banana bread brownies are a versatile choice. They’re easy to transport, making them perfect for potlucks, picnics, or school events.
Ingredient Notes
Banana Bread Bars:
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and contributes to their tender crumb.
Plain Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream): Adds moisture and a subtle tang, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Butter: Provides richness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bars.
Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient, lending natural sweetness and a moist texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for the batter, ensuring the bars hold their shape.
Baking Soda and Salt: Work together to provide leavening and balance the sweetness.
Glaze:
Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base for the glaze.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to create a smooth, glossy finish.
Vanilla Extract: Complements the glaze with a hint of warm flavor.
Milk: Adjusts the consistency, making the glaze easy to spread or drizzle.
Serving Suggestions
Banana bread brownies are delightful on their own, but they’re even better when paired with toppings or sides. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. For a lighter option, pair a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting snack.
Tips for Perfect Brownies
Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
Don’t overmix the batter: To keep the texture fudgy and moist, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
Customize with add-ins: Chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt can take these brownies to the next level.
Banana bread brownies are the ultimate comfort dessert that brings together the best elements of two beloved classics. Whether you’re making them to share or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Banana bread brownies
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Bars:
- 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3-4 ripe bananas mashed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp milk
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving a 9x13-inch pan a good coat of non-stick cooking spray to keep things mess-free.
- In a big mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and butter until they’re nice and fluffy. Mix in the sour cream, eggs, mashed bananas, and a splash of vanilla extract until everything’s smooth and well combined.
- Next, sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently until just combined—no need to overmix! If you’re feeling fancy, fold in some walnuts for a little crunch.
- Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 23-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. While those delicious banana bars bake, let’s whip up the frosting!
- For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it simmer until it turns golden brown and smells delightfully nutty—but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Remove from the heat right away.
- Stir in the powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla, and about a tablespoon of milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust with a bit more powdered sugar or milk if needed.
- When the bars come out of the oven, pour the warm frosting over the warm bars. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it out, and get ready to enjoy some seriously amazing banana bars!
Notes
- Nutty twist: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans to add a little crunch to every bite.
- Chocolate lovers’ dream: Toss in mini milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra sweet treat.
- Switch up the frosting: While the brown butter frosting is heavenly, a smooth cream cheese frosting would be just as delightful!
- Healthier banana bars: Cut the sugar in half for a lighter option, and use 3–4 tablespoons of butter in the frosting instead of the full 6.
Want to save time? Bake and frost your banana bars a day or two in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge, and they’ll be ready when you are. Freezing Instructions:
To freeze, let the bars cool completely. You can freeze them frosted or unfrosted—your choice! Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw completely at room temperature.
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