Easy Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked banana bread brownies filling your kitchen. This delightful treat combines the moistness of banana bread with the fudgy texture of brownies, making it perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack. Let’s dive into why you should definitely give this recipe a try!

Why make this recipe

These banana bread brownies are a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas. They are simple to make, deliciously sweet, and provide a delightful twist on traditional banana bread. With the added option of frosting, they become an indulgent treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: chocolate chips or nuts
• For frosting:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar to taste

How to make it

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter.
3. Stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar until well mixed.
4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture until just combined.
7. Fold in any optional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. For the frosting, in a bowl, blend brown sugar, cream cheese, and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar to reach desired sweetness.
11. Once brownies are cool, spread the frosting on top and serve.

How to serve it

These banana bread brownies are delightful on their own or can be served warm with a scoop of ice cream. You can cut them into squares or bars, and they make a perfect treat for a gathering or special occasion.

How to store it

To keep your banana bread brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness for up to a week.

Helpful tips

• Make sure your bananas are really ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Don’t overmix your batter once you add the flour; this keeps your brownies tender.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the frosting based on your sweetness preference.

Optional variations

• Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch.
• Mix in chocolate chips or swirl in nut butter to elevate the flavor.
• If you want a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour or substituting some of the sugar with applesauce.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them and mash before mixing them into the batter.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for frosting?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk instead.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

Banana Bread Brownies

These banana bread brownies combine the moistness of banana bread with the fudgy texture of brownies, making it a perfect dessert or snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

Brownies

• 3 pieces ripe bananas, mashed Make sure they are really ripe for maximum sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour blend.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• to taste optional: chocolate chips or nuts For added flavor and texture.

Frosting

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cream cheese Can replace with powdered sugar and milk for a glaze.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• to taste powdered sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter.
• Stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar until well mixed.
• Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture until just combined.
• Fold in any optional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Baking

• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Frosting

• In a bowl, blend brown sugar, cream cheese, and butter until smooth.
• Mix in powdered sugar to reach desired sweetness.
• Once brownies are cool, spread the frosting on top and serve.

Notes

To store, keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. Making sure not to overmix your batter once the flour is added keeps your brownies tender.

Keyword baking, banana bread, Banana Bread Brownies, brownies, Dessert Recipes