If you’re searching for a dessert that combines the beloved flavors of banana bread with the fudgy texture of brownies, look no further! I whipped up these Banana Bread Brownies during a lazy Sunday, and with every bite, I was reminded of how effortlessly they bridge the gap between cake and brownie. Perfect for when you have ripe bananas on hand, this recipe is not only easy but also provides a deliciously unique treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why you’ll love this dish
Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful mashup that takes the best of both worlds – the sweetness of banana bread and the rich decadence of brownies. They’re incredibly quick to whip up, making them ideal for unexpected guests, after-school snacks, or a cozy family dessert. These brownies are also budget-friendly, primarily relying on pantry staples, and they can be customized to meet various dietary preferences.
“These Banana Bread Brownies were a hit with my kids! They couldn’t even tell they were made with bananas, and I loved how easy they were to prepare.” – Happy Home Baker
How to prepare Banana Bread Brownies
Creating these Banana Bread Brownies is a straightforward process that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time. Start by preheating your oven and gathering your ingredients, and you’ll see how quickly this dish comes together. The combination of moist bananas and rich frosting promises a satisfying treat that gets better with each bite.
What you’ll need
To create these delightful brownies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk (more if needed for spreading)
Note: Feel free to swap the walnuts for other nuts or omit them entirely if you prefer. Greek yogurt can also substitute sour cream for a slightly tangy flavor.
Directions to follow
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Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Make the Banana Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If you’re adding walnuts, gently fold them in at this step.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
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Prepare the Frosting: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, cooking until it turns a light golden brown and emits a nutty aroma (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and ready to spread.
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Frost and Serve: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top. Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
How to plate and pair
These Banana Bread Brownies are beautiful on their own, but you can elevate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For an added touch, sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce for that indulgent flair. They make a stunning centerpiece at brunch or an impressive after-dinner treat.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Banana Bread Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, they can also be stored in the fridge for about a week. The brownies can be frozen for up to three months; just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Pro chef tips
- Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and moisture. The skin should be brown and soft.
- If you’re aiming for an even fudgier brownie, do not overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients.
- To make cutting easier, use a plastic knife to slice through the brownies after they’ve cooled completely.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Try adding ingredients like chocolate chips, peanut butter swirls, or even a splash of espresso for an enhanced flavor profile. You can also experiment with frosting variations – adding cocoa powder can give your frosting a chocolatey spin, or infusing it with almond extract for a unique twist. For a gluten-free option, substitute regular all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Common questions
1. How long does it take to prepare?
It generally takes about 15 minutes to prepare the batter and around 25-30 minutes to bake.
2. Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works well in place of sour cream, and you can use any kind of nuts or omit them entirely based on your preference.
3. How do I know when the brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, they need more baking time.
With these tips and insights, your foray into making Banana Bread Brownies should be a sweet success. Enjoy baking!
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Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful mashup of banana bread and brownies, these Banana Bread Brownies are rich, moist, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 tablespoons milk (more if needed for spreading)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the sugar, sour cream, and butter together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan.
- For the frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Once brownies are cool, spread frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: banana bread, brownies, dessert, easy recipe, baking