Cozy Banana Bread Brownies Recipe: Sweet Comfort in Squares

Whipping up delectable banana bread brownies transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert that surprises and delights.

Ripe bananas create an incredible moisture base for these decadent treats.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the rich, fudgy texture blending classic banana bread comfort with intense brownie indulgence.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between fruity sweetness and deep cocoa notes.

Soft, dense, and irresistibly smooth, these brownies offer a unique twist on two beloved classics.

Layers of flavor combine to create something magical that you won’t be able to resist.

Let’s dive into this simple yet extraordinary recipe that will become your new favorite sweet sensation.

Why Banana Bread Brownies Are Next-Level Treats

• Satisfy Sweet Cravings: Indulge in a decadent dessert that combines the rich, moist texture of banana bread with the irresistible chocolatey goodness of brownies.
• Customize with Ease: Add or skip walnuts based on personal preference, making this recipe adaptable for nut lovers or those with allergies.
• Perfect for Gathering Crowds: This crowd-pleasing treat works wonderfully for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, guaranteed to impress everyone.
• Transform Overripe Bananas: Rescue those brown bananas from the trash and turn them into a delightful dessert that reduces food waste and maximizes flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Brownies

• Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender texture in the dessert.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and helps keep the brownies moist and soft.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy base.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the brownies.

• Flour: Forms the foundation of the brownie texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the brownies rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.

• Walnuts: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the brownies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates a rich, brown butter base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds extra flavor to the frosting.

How to Bake These Fudgy Banana Treats Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip the Creamy Base

• Sugar
• Sour cream
• Softened butter
• Eggs

Whisk with vigor until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Step 3: Infuse Banana Goodness

Mash ripe bananas and add them to the creamy mixture.

Pour in vanilla extract and fold everything together gently.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix thoroughly for about one minute until completely combined.

Step 5: Optional Nutty Crunch

If you love texture, toss in chopped walnuts and stir evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spread batter smoothly into the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Create Brown Butter Frosting

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully as it transforms to a rich golden brown color.

Step 8: Whip Up Frosting Magic

Remove butter from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar.

Slowly add milk, stirring until the frosting reaches a silky consistency. Splash in vanilla for extra flavor.

Step 9: Frost and Slice

Pour warm frosting over slightly cooled brownies. Spread evenly across the surface.

Allow to set completely before cutting into delectable squares.

Tips That Make Banana Brownies Extra Moist

• Swap ripe bananas for overripe ones to enhance natural sweetness and moisture in the brownies.
• Toast walnuts before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter and more even baking.
• Check brownies early to prevent overbaking, which can make them dry and less fudgy.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a healthier alternative.

Add-Ons and Swaps for Banana Brownie Lovers

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread Brownies: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Banana Brownies: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace sour cream with mashed avocado or plant-based yogurt.
• Nutless Wonder: Eliminate walnuts and substitute with chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or seeds for a nut-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce overall sweetness by cutting powdered sugar in frosting by half.

What Goes Nicely with Banana Bread Brownies

• Pair with Creamy Caramel Latte: Rich espresso and sweet caramel complement the banana's sweetness, cutting through the dense brownie texture.
• Enhance with Cinnamon Chai Tea: Warm spices of chai beautifully highlight the nutty walnut undertones and banana's mellow flavor profile.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cold, smooth vanilla creates delightful temperature contrast against warm brownies, melting luxuriously into each bite.
• Serve alongside Toasted Almond Milk: Nutty, light milk echoes the walnut ingredients and provides refreshing balance to the rich, sweet dessert.

How to Store Banana Bread Brownies Soft and Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Place individual brownies or the entire batch in a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring out the rich flavors.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe without walnuts?

Yes, you can easily omit the walnuts or substitute with other nuts like pecans or even chocolate chips for added texture.

• How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe, almost black bananas with brown spots. These are the sweetest and will provide the most intense banana flavor for your brownies.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a gluten-free version of these banana bread brownies.

• Can I freeze these banana bread brownies?

Yes, these brownies freeze excellently. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent banana bread brownies blend classic comfort with rich chocolate decadence, creating a mouthwatering dessert that bridges traditional baking and modern innovation. Sweet banana-infused layers nestled between fudgy chocolate promise pure bliss for dessert enthusiasts seeking an irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs

Baking and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coating a 13×9 inch pan with grease.
2. Create a smooth base by vigorously whisking sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture achieves a uniform, creamy consistency.
3. Incorporate mashed bananas and vanilla extract, gently folding them into the wet mixture to distribute evenly.
4. Gradually introduce flour, baking soda, and salt into the batter, mixing thoroughly for approximately one minute to ensure complete integration.
5. Optional: Fold chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them uniformly throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer, then bake for 25 minutes until the surface turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
7. While the brownies bake, craft the frosting by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to transform into a rich, medium brown color.
8. Remove the browned butter from heat, whisk in powdered sugar, and incrementally add milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Finish by stirring in vanilla extract.
9. Once the brownies are fresh from the oven, immediately drizzle the warm frosting across the surface, ensuring complete and even coverage. Allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing into individual squares.

Notes

• Swap bananas with other mashed fruits like applesauce or zucchini for unique flavor variations and added nutrition.
• Toast walnuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Use overripe, nearly black bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the brownies.
• Consider using gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 296 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 144 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg