Introduction: A Fudgy Twist on Classic Banana Bread
When you’ve got overripe bananas sitting on your counter, banana bread is usually the go-to. But what if you could take that same cozy flavor and transform it into something even more decadent? Enter banana bread brownies—a rich, moist dessert bar that’s part banana cake, part blondie, and 100% crave-worthy. These bars are soft, sweet, and perfect for those moments when you’re craving comfort but want something a little extra.
Unlike traditional banana bread, these bars are made to slice and serve like brownies, with a dense texture that feels indulgent but still familiar. The real magic happens when you top them with an optional brown butter frosting—just enough richness to elevate each bite. You’ll often find them featured on Pinterest banana dessert boards alongside banana puddings and banana cakes, but these are arguably the easiest of them all to make.
For fans of sweet, handheld treats like our Lemon Cream Cheese Bars or 5 Minute Fudge, these banana brownies offer the same kind of satisfaction—quick to mix, quick to bake, and always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re serving them chilled from the fridge or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they bring a bakery-style flavor to your own kitchen without the hassle.
What Are Banana Bread Brownies?
Think of banana bread brownies as the best of both dessert worlds: the cozy, familiar taste of banana bread with the soft, chewy bite of a blondie. Unlike classic brownies which rely on chocolate for their signature richness, these bars use ripe bananas and butter to achieve a golden, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re moist, flavorful, and simple to make with pantry staples.
These bars have grown in popularity thanks to their versatility and ease. They appear across Pinterest banana bar collections, often topped with brown butter frosting or loaded with add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts. Unlike standard banana bread, they bake faster, slice cleaner, and are easier to serve at parties or pack in lunches. They’ve become a favorite among home bakers looking for a more decadent way to use overripe bananas.
For another easy twist on nostalgic baking, you might also enjoy our Homemade Chocolate Pie—rich, silky, and perfect as a make-ahead dessert to complement these bars. Together, they offer a satisfying blend of classic comfort and indulgent flavor.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies
These bars are made from scratch with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that soft, moist texture and balanced sweetness:
Brownie Base:
-
½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds fat and richness
-
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps with structure
-
2 large eggs – Bind the batter and provide a soft crumb
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the banana flavor
-
1 cup mashed ripe bananas – About 2–3 bananas; adds moisture and natural sweetness
-
1 cup all-purpose flour – Standard base for the structure
-
½ teaspoon baking powder & ½ teaspoon baking soda – Both leavening agents help the bars rise gently
-
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor
Optional Brown Butter Frosting:
-
¼ cup unsalted butter
-
½ cup powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons milk
-
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor and softness. To learn more about banana ripening and baking, check out banana bread techniques.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the pan and preheat
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Grease or line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the batter
-
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
-
Stir in vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
3. Bake
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
-
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool completely before frosting or cutting.
4. Make the frosting (optional)
-
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns golden brown.
-
Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Spread over the cooled brownies and let it set before slicing.
Need inspiration for toppings or presentation? See Pinterest banana dessert trays.
Why This Recipe Works
These banana bread brownies deliver the best of both banana bread and blondies in one simple, satisfying recipe. Here’s why it works:
-
Butter and bananas give it an ultra-moist crumb without needing oil.
-
The leavening combo ensures it rises without becoming cakey.
-
Brown butter frosting adds a rich, nutty layer that elevates the bars.
-
It’s easy to mix by hand—no stand mixer needed.
-
Customizable with nuts, chips, or even a swirl of cinnamon.
Looking for another nostalgic dessert? Don’t miss our soft, crowd-favorite Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups—savory, creamy, and just as easy to prep ahead.
Recipe Variations to Try
These banana brownies are highly versatile. Here are some easy variations:
-
Banana Chocolate Chip Bars – Fold in ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips before baking.
-
Nutty Banana Bars – Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
-
Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the same texture.
-
Peanut Butter Swirl – Swirl in 2–3 tablespoons of melted peanut butter before baking.
-
Cinnamon Spice – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the batter for a warmer flavor.
Explore more ideas on Pinterest banana brownie variations.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These bars are great for batch baking and storing:
-
Room Temp: Store unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
-
Refrigerator: Keep frosted bars chilled for up to 5 days.
-
Freezer: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
-
Make-Ahead: Bake the night before and add frosting the next day for best results.
For storage visuals and hacks, see Pinterest dessert storage boards.
Tips for the Best Banana Brownies
Follow these tips for bakery-level results every time:
-
Use super ripe bananas—the darker the peel, the sweeter the flavor.
-
Let the bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
-
Don’t overmix once dry ingredients are added.
-
For clean cuts, chill the bars and use a sharp, warm knife.
-
Sprinkle with powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel for a finished look.
For more techniques, visit banana bread baking resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Yes. Thaw completely and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Can I skip the frosting?
Definitely. The bars are sweet and moist enough to enjoy plain.
Are these like traditional brownies?
Not quite. These are more like banana blondies or banana bread bars, with a soft texture but no cocoa.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
Do I need a mixer?
No. A whisk or spatula is enough to mix the batter.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes—use a dairy-free butter and milk alternative for both the batter and frosting.
What’s the texture like?
Soft, moist, and slightly cakey—like banana bread, but firmer and easy to slice.
How should I store leftovers?
Unfrosted bars can stay at room temp; frosted ones are best in the fridge or freezer.
The Best Banana Dessert Recipes Featuring Banana Bread Brownies
Description
These banana bread brownies are a soft, buttery dessert bar made with mashed bananas and pantry staples. Moist like banana bread, chewy like a blondie, and optionally topped with a rich brown butter frosting, they’re the perfect anytime treat for banana lovers.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the frosting (optional but delicious):
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons milk
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas. Stir until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
For the frosting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it begins to turn a light golden brown, then remove from heat.
Whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and allow it to set before slicing.
Notes
-
Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness.
-
Chill before slicing for cleaner, neater bars.
-
The frosting adds a gourmet touch but isn’t required.
-
Store frosted bars in the fridge; unfrosted at room temperature.
-
Add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips are optional but delicious.
