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Banana Bread Brownies combine the rich, moist texture of banana bread with the indulgence of a dessert bar. The bars are packed with ripe bananas and creamy Greek yogurt, creating a soft and flavorful bite. Topped with a buttery vanilla glaze, these brownies are the perfect treat for banana lovers and make an irresistible dessert or snack.

Banana bread brownies

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 14

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

Recipe Variations:
  • 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.
Make-Ahead Tips:
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.
Keyword Banana Bread, Banana Bread Brownies, Brownies