There’s something undeniably comforting about baking that fills your home with the enticing aroma of warm sweets. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful twist on a classic favorite: Banana Bread Brownies. This scrumptious treat combines the moist and rich flavor of banana bread with the fudginess of brownies—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. After making this recipe countless times, I can confidently say it’s an incredible way to use those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. Whether for a family gathering, an office snack, or simply a fun afternoon baking project, these brownies will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are countless reasons to dive into this unique recipe. First and foremost, it’s a fantastic use of those overripe bananas that often go overlooked. Instead of tossing them out, you can create a delicious dessert that’s moist, rich, and simply irresistible. Plus, it checks all the boxes for being budget-friendly and family-approved—kids love the chocolatey taste, while adults appreciate the indulgence.

Imagine a cozy weekend brunch or a warm treat after a long day; that’s when these brownies shine. They’re quick to whip up and can fit any occasion. Perfect for sharing, or hoarding all for yourself (we won’t judge!).

"Absolutely loved these Banana Bread Brownies! They were so fudgy and the banana flavor was just perfect. A hit for both kids and adults in our home!" – A happy home baker

Preparing Banana Bread Brownies

Creating these brownies is a satisfying journey that begins with mashing bananas and ends with a rich frosting. Get ready for a process that’s simple yet rewarding. Here’s what you can expect:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it well.
Mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Combine sour cream and vanilla extract with the mashed bananas.
In another bowl, whisk the sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs until fluffy.
Fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients, add flour and walnuts, and pour into your prepared pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, and cool before frosting!

What you’ll need

Gather these key ingredients before stepping into your baking adventure:

3 medium ripe bananas
1 cup sour cream
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
½ cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

You can swap walnuts for chocolate chips or leave them out altogether if desired. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Stir the sour cream and vanilla extract into the bananas until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs until the mixture is fluffy and pale.
Gently fold the banana blend into the dry mixture.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and walnuts, mixing until just combined.
Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check the doneness by inserting a toothpick— it should come out clean.
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before adding frosting.

Best ways to enjoy it

These Banana Bread Brownies shine on their own, but there are so many delicious ways to serve them. Consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the top or dusting with powdered sugar for a simple finish. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat or serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a special touch. They also make for a fantastic potluck dessert—just cut them into bite-sized squares for easier sharing!

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be enjoyed for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Helpful cooking tips

For a richer flavor, allow your brownies to cool completely before frosting; it gives the frosting a chance to set beautifully.
If you’re pressed for time, you can skip the frosting and enjoy the brownies as they are—still delicious!
Ensure your bananas are truly ripe for the best flavor—brown spots are a good sign that they’re ready to be mashed!

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? There’s always room to play with flavors! Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth or swapping out the walnuts for peanut butter chips for a new flavor profile. You can also experiment with different frostings—how about a cream cheese frosting instead of the standard vanilla? The possibilities are endless!

Common questions

How long does it take to prepare the brownie batter?
Expect to spend about 15-20 minutes preparing the batter, and additional time for baking and cooling.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt or a dairy-free milk alternative can be used if you want to swap ingredients while maintaining the moisture.
How can I make these brownies more decadent?
Try adding chocolate chips into the batter for an even richer treat or topping them with a layer of ganache after frosting.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend you prefer, and remember to check the powdered sugar for gluten if necessary.

With this guide, you’re ready to create delicious Banana Bread Brownies that will impress and delight everyone. Happy baking!

Banana Bread Brownies

These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moistness of banana bread with the fudginess of brownies, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Dessert, Snack

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

Brownie Batter

3 medium ripe bananas Ensure they are very ripe for the best flavor.
1 cup sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup chopped walnuts Can be replaced with chocolate chips or omitted.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract For brownie mixture.
2 large eggs
½ cup butter Melted.

Frosting

2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract For frosting.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Stir the sour cream and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs until fluffy.
Fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and walnuts, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.

Baking

Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before frosting.

Notes

Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Freezing is possible for up to three months. You can skip the frosting if you're short on time; the brownies are still delicious on their own.

Keyword Baking Recipes, Banana Bread Brownies, Banana Desserts, Brownies, Chocolate Treats