The irresistible combo of moist banana bread and the richness of a brownie come together in this decadent dessert. These Banana Bread Brownies are topped with a luscious brown butter frosting that adds a deep nutty sweetness to every bite. Soft, gooey, and loaded with ripe banana flavor, this treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or just a sweet afternoon snack, these bars are super simple to make and even easier to love. The sour cream in the batter makes them extra moist, and the golden frosting brings it all home. One bite and you’ll be hooked—banana bread will never be the same again.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
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1 ½ cups sugar
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1 cup sour cream
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 eggs
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1 ¾ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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¾ teaspoon salt
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
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½ cup unsalted butter
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4 cups powdered sugar
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1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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3 tablespoons milk
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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In a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy.
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Blend in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
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Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
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Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
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While brownies are baking, prepare the frosting: In a saucepan, heat butter over medium heat until it boils. Let it turn a delicate brown and remove from heat immediately.
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Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to the browned butter. Beat until smooth.
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Spread the frosting on the warm (not hot) brownies. Let cool completely before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per piece (approx.) | Servings: 24 pieces
A Delectable Fusion: Banana Bread Meets Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies are one of those magical culinary hybrids that hit every note just right—moist, sweet, dense, and packed with comforting flavor. Combining the heartwarming richness of banana bread with the indulgent texture of a brownie, this dessert bridges the gap between cozy and decadent. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a full sensory experience. The scent of ripe bananas mingling with vanilla, butter, and sugar while baking is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
Unlike traditional banana bread, which tends to be more loaf-like and sometimes even slightly dry, Banana Bread Brownies are gooier and denser. They slice beautifully into bars or squares, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or a casual dessert at home. And the best part? These aren’t just a dessert—they’re a memory in the making. Every bite brings that nostalgic banana flavor paired with a velvety brown butter frosting that elevates the entire experience.
The Allure of Brown Butter Frosting
What really makes this recipe stand out is the brown butter frosting. Brown butter has a nutty, almost caramel-like flavor that deepens the overall profile of the dish. It’s rich without being overly heavy and adds a beautifully smooth finish to the already luxurious banana brownies. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference. Browning butter may seem like an extra step, but once you taste the result, you’ll never go back to regular frosting again.
The texture of the frosting is velvety and melts into the top of the warm banana brownie, creating a sort of glaze-frosting hybrid that hardens ever so slightly as it cools. It’s not just delicious—it’s visually stunning, too. That golden-brown sheen across the top of the bars is as photogenic as it is palate-pleasing.
Why Banana Bread Brownies Are a Must-Try
There are several reasons why Banana Bread Brownies have become a fan favorite. First, they are the ultimate solution for overripe bananas. If you’re like most people, you’ve had bananas go brown on the counter and wondered what to do with them. While banana bread is a common answer, this recipe takes it to the next level by offering something a bit more indulgent and versatile.
Second, the recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a batch for the week, you can double the recipe, cut it into smaller bites, or even add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter. Some bakers like to swirl in a bit of peanut butter or Nutella before baking, creating a flavor twist that balances the banana beautifully.
Third, it’s the perfect mix of texture and taste. The brownie base is soft yet sturdy, not crumbly, with just the right amount of chew. The frosting adds a melt-in-your-mouth contrast, making each bite a delightful experience.
Baking Tips for Best Results
Although the recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips that can help elevate the final result. Make sure to use very ripe bananas for the most intense flavor—those with brown spots or fully browned peels are ideal. Don’t overmix the batter; doing so can make the brownies tough rather than tender.
When making the brown butter, keep a close eye on it. Butter can go from golden and nutty to burnt in seconds. Look for a deep amber color and a nutty aroma, then immediately remove it from the heat. Be careful when adding milk to the hot butter mixture for the frosting—it may sputter a bit, so add slowly and stir continuously.
Let the banana brownies cool slightly before frosting, but don’t wait too long. Applying the brown butter frosting while the bars are still a bit warm allows it to glide smoothly and set into a glaze-like finish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Banana Bread Brownies are fantastic on their own, but they can also be dressed up depending on the occasion. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can also take this already mouthwatering treat to the next level.
Pairing beverages with dessert is often overlooked, but it’s worth considering. These brownies go exceptionally well with a strong cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a warm chai latte. Their sweet, banana-forward flavor with the buttery richness of the frosting creates a balanced profile that complements both bold and mild drinks alike.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Another reason to love Banana Bread Brownies is their shelf life. Stored in an airtight container, they stay moist for several days at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them if you want the frosting to set more firmly or prefer a firmer texture. They freeze beautifully, too—just wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
If you’re planning a big event, these brownies are an excellent make-ahead option. Bake and frost the day before, cover tightly, and store at room temperature. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.
Nutrition and Dietary Adaptations
While these brownies are definitely a treat, they can be adapted to fit a variety of dietary needs. To make them gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and sour cream alternatives—there are plenty of excellent vegan products available today that maintain the same texture and flavor integrity.
Though they are undeniably sweet, the use of real fruit (bananas) means you’re also getting some natural potassium and fiber in each bite. If you want to reduce the sugar slightly, feel free to cut back a bit on the granulated sugar in the batter—the ripe bananas already bring a lot of natural sweetness to the dish.
Conclusion: A Must-Bake for Every Home Baker
Banana Bread Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a delicious solution to your overripe banana dilemma, a comforting treat for a cozy night in, and an impressive dish to bring to any gathering. The combination of moist banana base and nutty brown butter frosting makes for a dessert that’s hard to forget and even harder to resist.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe offers the perfect blend of simplicity and wow factor. It’s easy to follow, comes together quickly, and yields consistently stellar results. Plus, it fills your home with an irresistible aroma that makes the entire baking process a joy from start to finish.
So next time you find yourself with ripe bananas on the counter, skip the usual banana bread and go for something a little more special. These Banana Bread Brownies will not only satisfy your sweet tooth—they’ll earn you compliments for days.
