Decadent Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Scrumptious Banana Bread Brownies Recipe: A Sweet Fusion Treat

Decadent and moist, these banana bread brownies strike the perfect balance between two beloved desserts.

The rich, fudgy texture combined with classic banana bread flavor creates an irresistible treat that will steal the show at any gathering.

Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and depth to this indulgent dessert.

Chocolate lovers and banana bread enthusiasts will find themselves falling head over heels for this innovative twist on traditional recipes.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of moist banana goodness and intense chocolate undertones.

The simple ingredients and straightforward method make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Prepare to experience a dessert that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary delight that you won’t be able to resist.

Banana Bread Brownies Ingredient Rundown

For Base Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Provides natural sweetness and intense banana flavor, ensuring soft and moist texture with deep fruity undertones.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates sturdy structure and tender crumb for the perfect bakery-style consistency.
  • Baking Soda: Helps brownies rise and creates light, airy texture with gentle lift.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.
For Moisture and Binding Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream, Eggs: Adds rich creaminess, ensures tender crumb, and provides essential moisture and protein structure.
  • Softened Butter: Delivers rich flavor, contributes to smooth texture and helps ingredients blend seamlessly.
For Sweetness and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness and helps create golden-brown exterior.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth and complements banana's natural flavor.
  • Chopped Walnuts: Brings delightful crunch, nutty richness, and textural contrast.
For Frosting Ingredients:
  • Browned Butter: Creates deep, nutty caramel-like flavor with sophisticated complexity.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Ensures silky smooth, cloud-like frosting consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds elegant aromatic notes to frosting.
  • Milk: Adjusts frosting thickness for perfect spreading texture.

Tools to Make Banana Bread Brownies

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients and creating a smooth batter.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and ensuring even distribution.
  • Jelly roll pan (15×10-inch): Crucial for baking the brownies to the right thickness.
  • Spatula: Helpful for spreading batter evenly and smoothing out frosting.
  • Saucepan: Needed for browning butter and creating the frosting.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Toothpick: Useful for checking the brownies' doneness.

How to Bake Banana Bread Brownies Step-by-Step

How to Bake Banana Bread Brownies Step-by-Step
  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a toasty temperature and get your baking pan ready with a light coating of grease or parchment paper.

  • Banana Mixture

Blend creamy ingredients together until smooth, mixing in ripe bananas and a splash of vanilla for extra flavor.

  • Dry Ingredient Blend

Combine flour, leavening agent, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl, then gently fold into the wet banana mixture.

  • Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle chopped walnuts throughout the batter, creating delightful pockets of texture.

  • Baking Magic

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Caramel Butter Sauce

Cook butter until it develops a rich, golden color and releases a nutty aroma, creating a base for the creamy topping.

  • Frosting Creation

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of milk to create a silky smooth glaze.

  • Final Touch

Drizzle the luscious frosting over the warm brownies, ensuring every corner gets covered.

  • Cooling and Serving

Allow the brownies to cool completely, then slice into perfect squares ready to be devoured.

Tips for Better Banana Bread Brownies

Tips for Better Banana Bread Brownies
  • – Banana Bread Brownie Boosters
  • Choose overripe bananas with dark spots for deeper, sweeter flavor and maximum moisture in your brownies.
  • Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their rich, roasted flavor and create a crunchier texture.
  • Let browned butter cool slightly before mixing with powdered sugar to prevent a runny consistency and ensure a perfectly smooth, spreadable frosting.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to 5 days.
  • Experiment by adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to transform the classic recipe into your unique creation.

Serving Banana Bread Brownies for Dessert

Serving Banana Bread Brownies for Dessert
  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these banana bread brownies with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a delightful morning treat that melts in your mouth.
  • Dessert Plating Perfection: Create an elegant dessert presentation by adding a small scoop of vanilla ice cream beside each brownie square, drizzling with extra caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
  • Brunch Crowd Pleaser: Slice brownies into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a decorative platter for weekend brunches, offering guests a delectable sweet option that complements savory breakfast dishes.
  • Party Snack Upgrade: Pack these brownies in cute little gift bags or mason jars for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings, making them an irresistible homemade treat that everyone will adore.

Storing Banana Bread Brownies with Care

Storing Banana Bread Brownies with Care
  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. These tasty treats will stay delicious for up to 3 months when frozen properly.
  • Refrigeration Tip: When topped with frosting, store brownies in the refrigerator to maintain their creamy consistency and prevent bacterial growth. Allow them to reach room temperature before serving for best flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the entire batch up to two days in advance, keeping the brownies covered and chilled. This strategy works perfectly for parties or unexpected sweet cravings, allowing you to have a delightful dessert ready in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 25

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Decadent Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Decadent Banana Bread Brownies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Irresistible banana bread brownies combine classic comfort with rich chocolate decadence. Moist layers of banana-infused batter and chocolate swirls create a perfect dessert that delights taste buds and satisfies sweet cravings you will adore.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g / 10.5 oz) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) sour cream
  • ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) softened butter
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (60 g / 2 oz) chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) browned butter
  • 4 cups (480 g / 16 oz) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper or grease and dust with flour.
  2. Mixing Base: Cream granulated sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until light and fluffy, incorporating mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract for rich flavor depth.
  3. Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gently fold into the wet mixture to create a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
  4. Nutty Incorporation: Fold chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter, ensuring balanced distribution of crunchy texture.
  5. Baking Process: Spread batter uniformly in the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, with a toothpick test confirming doneness.
  6. Brown Butter Frosting: Melt butter over medium heat until it develops a golden, nutty color, then remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to create a silky smooth frosting.
  7. Finishing Touch: While brownies are still warm, pour and spread frosting evenly across the surface, allowing it to set completely before cutting into square servings.

Notes

  • Choose Perfectly Ripe Bananas: Select overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the brownies.
  • Prevent Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture just until combined to maintain a tender, soft texture and avoid developing tough, dense brownies.
  • Master Browning Butter Technique: Watch butter carefully while browning to achieve a rich, nutty flavor without burning, stirring constantly and removing from heat when it turns golden amber.
  • Control Frosting Consistency: Adjust milk quantity gradually when making frosting to achieve the perfect spreadable texture that’s neither too runny nor too thick.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star