Banana Bread Brownies

 

If you love banana bread and can’t resist brownies, this is the perfect recipe for you! Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, sweet flavor of banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, topped with a luscious browned butter glaze for an indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Fusion: A cross between banana bread and brownies with a touch of nostalgia.
• Moist and Fudgy: Packed with ripe bananas and rich, buttery goodness.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and no special equipment needed.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Brownies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

For the Browned Butter Glaze:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Add the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
3. Fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips, if using.

Step 4: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan while you prepare the glaze.

Step 5: Make the Browned Butter Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
2. Remove the butter from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and pourable.

Step 6: Glaze the Brownies

1. Pour the glaze over the warm brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack.

Tips for Success

• Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the brownies will be.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid dense brownies.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk in the glaze for your desired thickness.

Variations

• Peanut Butter Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter over the glaze for a nutty twist.
• Spiced Brownies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs, butter with plant-based alternatives, and sour cream with coconut yogurt.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of creamy bananas, buttery richness, and the soft texture of brownies creates a dessert that’s both familiar and extraordinary. The browned butter glaze adds a caramel-like depth that takes these brownies over the top.

Enjoy every bite of these decadent Banana Bread Brownies!