Description
hese Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect mix of moist banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies. Made with overripe bananas, cocoa powder, and a hint of vanilla, they’re packed with natural sweetness and deep chocolate flavor. Top them off with brown butter frosting or enjoy them as-is for an irresistibly delicious treat! Whether you’re a banana bread lover, a brownie fan, or just looking for a new way to use ripe bananas, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies:
- 2 large overripe bananas (mashed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted, or browned for extra flavor)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Brown Butter Frosting (Optional):
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mash Bananas – In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold Together – Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
- Pour Batter – Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake – Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool – Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding frosting.
Step 3: Make the Brown Butter Frosting (Optional)
- Brown the Butter – In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Mix Frosting – Whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread Over Brownies – Pour the frosting over the cooled brownies and let it set before slicing.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Slice into squares and enjoy your rich, fudgy banana bread brownies!
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Healthier Option: Swap whole wheat flour for all-purpose, use coconut sugar instead of white sugar, or reduce the butter slightly.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- No Frosting? No Problem! These brownies are just as good with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~180-220 kcal
- Sugar: ~15-18g
- Fat: ~8-12g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Protein: ~3-4g