Banana Bread Brownies

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
4. How To Serve Banana Chocolate Brownies
5. Why You'll Love this easy Banana Brownies Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Banana bread brownies take everything you love about banana bread and mix it with rich, fudgy brownies. They’re soft, sweet, and topped with a smooth brown butter frosting. Perfect for using ripe bananas, this recipe makes a great dessert or snack. Make a batch for parties, potlucks, or just because you’re craving something sweet.

This recipe is simple to make, and the guide below walks you through every step. You'll find step-by-step photos and directions to make sure your brownies turn out perfect. We’ve included pro tips and tricks, plus answers to the most frequently asked recipe questions!

Banana Bread Brownies come together in about thirty minutes and combine the best parts of moist banana bread and chewy brownies. The brown butter frosting adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes every bite irresistible.

This easy recipe is perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a sweet snack at home. Use up ripe bananas and make a dessert everyone will love!

What you'll need to make this Brownie Banana Bread recipe:

For The Brownies:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup of light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe medium bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• ¾ cup of buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• ¾ cup of chopped walnuts

For The Frosting:

• ⅓ cup of unsalted butter
• 2½ cups of powdered sugar
• ¼ cup of half-and-half cream
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Make your banana bread bars your own by switching up ingredients and adding tasty extras! These easy swaps bring fun new flavors to every batch. Check out these top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Sugar: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor in your banana bread brownies.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in chocolate chips for an extra sweet and gooey texture in every bite.
• Substitute Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds to change up the crunch and flavor in your brownies.
• Add Cinnamon: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced twist that pairs perfectly with bananas.
• Substitute Frosting: Use cream cheese frosting instead of brown butter frosting for a tangy, rich topping.

Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make the best banana nut brownies. The brown butter frosting takes these chewy, sweet bars to the next level. Let’s get started and bake a batch today!

For The Brownies

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

SECOND STEP: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.

THIRD STEP: In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined and fluffy.

FOURTH STEP: Add the eggs, mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla, and mix well.

FIFTH STEP: Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, mixing until well combined.

SIXTH STEP: Stir in the chopped walnuts.

SEVENTH STEP: Pour the brownie banana bread batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs.

For The Brown Butter Frosting

FIRST STEP: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it is a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma.

Immediately remove from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar, half and half cream, and vanilla.

SECOND STEP: Using a silicone or rubber spatula, spread the frosting over the warm banana brownies.

Banana bread brownies work for any occasion, from casual family nights to special celebrations. Their sweet banana flavor and fudgy texture make them a hit year-round. Serve them in fun ways to match the season or event!

• Perfect for Parties: Cut these brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a dessert tray for birthdays, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The brown butter frosting makes them extra rich, pairing well with peanut butter fudge or no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies.
• Great for Fall and Winter: Cool weather calls for warm, cozy treats, and these brownies fit right in. Serve them with hot chocolate or a pumpkin spice latte for a comforting snack. Add a scoop of homemade cookie dough ice cream for even more flavor.
• Kid-Friendly Treat: Kids love the soft texture and sweet banana taste of these brownies. Pack them in lunchboxes or serve them after school with a glass of chocolate milk. Pair them with rice krispie treats for an easy, kid-approved dessert spread.

Banana brownies have become a favorite for so many reasons. They’re soft, sweet, and topped with a rich brown butter frosting. This easy recipe brings together the best parts of banana bread and fudgy brownies in one bite.

Easy to Make: Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this a no-fuss dessert that anyone can bake.

Great Way to Use Ripe Bananas: Instead of tossing overripe bananas, turn them into something sweet and delicious.

Soft and Chewy Texture: The brownies stay moist with a fudgy bite, making them impossible to resist.

Brown Butter Frosting: This creamy, nutty topping takes the flavor up a notch and sets these brownies apart.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, bake sale, or late-night snack, these brownies fit the bill.

Banana bread brownies check all the boxes for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. You’ll love how fast they disappear!

Why are my banana bread brownies too dry?
Your banana bread brownies may be too dry if you used less banana or overbaked them. Be sure to use ripe bananas and check for doneness a few minutes early.

Can I mix the frosting directly into the brownies?
No, the brown butter frosting works best as a topping. Spreading it over warm brownies lets it melt slightly for the perfect finish.

How do I know when banana bread brownies are done baking?
Banana bread brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking makes them dry.

Why did my brownies sink in the middle?
Your brownies may have sunk because of underbaking or too much banana. Make sure to measure carefully and bake until fully set.

Can I make banana bread brownies without nuts?
Yes, you can leave out the nuts without changing the texture. The brownies will still be soft, chewy, and packed with banana flavor.

Why does my frosting look too thin?
Your frosting may be too thin if the butter was too hot. Let it cool slightly before mixing, and add more powdered sugar if needed.

What’s the best way to cut banana bread brownies for serving?
Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for even squares.

Should I serve banana bread brownies warm or cold?
These brownies taste great both ways! Serve them warm for a soft, gooey texture or chilled for a firmer bite.

Can I top banana bread brownies with anything besides frosting?
Yes! Try dusting them with powdered sugar, drizzling melted chocolate, or adding a scoop of whipped cream for extra sweetness.

Are banana bread brownies good for a party?
Yes, these brownies make an easy party treat! Cut them into bite-sized squares for guests to grab and enjoy.

Can I serve banana bread brownies with ice cream?
Absolutely! A scoop of vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream makes a perfect pairing with the rich banana flavor.

How do I serve banana bread brownies for a special occasion?
Dress them up with a drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a swirl of chocolate sauce for a fancy touch.

Follow the directions below to keep your banana bread brownies fresh and delicious. We’ve included the best tips and tricks for storing, freezing, and reheating so you can enjoy them anytime.

Can I make banana bread brownies ahead of time?
Yes, bake the brownies a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature until ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftover banana bread brownies?
Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days for the best texture and flavor.

Can I refrigerate banana bread brownies to keep them fresh longer?
Yes, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Let them sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze banana bread brownies?
Yes, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months.

How do I thaw frozen banana bread brownies?
Let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave in short bursts for a quick treat.

What’s the best way to reheat banana bread brownies?
Warm them in the microwave for ten to fifteen seconds to soften them and bring out the banana flavor.