These soft and moist Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect combination of rich banana bread flavor and chewy dessert bars topped with irresistible brown butter frosting. If you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, this easy Banana Bread Brownies recipe is the ultimate comforting homemade treat for family gatherings, snacks, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super moist and soft texture
- Easy way to use ripe bananas
- Rich brown butter frosting adds incredible flavor
- Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, and holidays
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Family-friendly and beginner-friendly recipe
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Brownies
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3–4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Brown Butter Frosting
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
- Add mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Spread the Banana Bread Brownies batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Brown Butter Frosting Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Continue cooking until the butter bubbles and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat immediately.
- Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the warm brownies using a spatula.
- Let the frosting cool and set before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and banana flavor
- Do not overmix the batter or the brownies may become dense
- Spread frosting while the bars are warm for easier application
- Add chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist
- Toast the walnuts before adding for deeper flavor
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Swap walnuts with pecans or leave nuts out completely
- Add cinnamon for a warm spice flavor
- Serve with coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for maximum freshness
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 42g
FAQ
Can I freeze Banana Bread Brownies?
Yes. Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
How ripe should bananas be?
The bananas should be heavily spotted and very soft for maximum flavor.
Can I make these without nuts?
Absolutely. Simply omit the walnuts.
Why is my frosting too thick?
Add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges will turn golden brown and a toothpick should come out mostly clean.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze frosted or unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Let thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
Similar Recipes
Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Brownies
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 –4 ripe bananas mashed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
For the Brown Butter Frosting
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
- Add mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Spread the Banana Bread Brownies batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Brown Butter Frosting Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Continue cooking until the butter bubbles and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat immediately.
- Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the warm brownies using a spatula.
- Let the frosting cool and set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Swap walnuts with pecans or leave nuts out completely
- Add cinnamon for a warm spice flavor
- Serve with coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for maximum freshness
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Brownies are rich, moist, and packed with homemade comfort in every bite. The combination of sweet banana flavor and silky brown butter frosting makes this dessert unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for guests or simply using up ripe bananas, this easy recipe delivers bakery-style results every time.