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A tray of freshly baked banana bread brownies cooling.

The Ultimate Guide to Banana Bread Brownies


  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: One 9x9-inch pan 1x

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

  1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Mash Bananas – In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients – Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. 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

  1. Pour Batter – Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Bake – Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  3. Cool – Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding frosting.

Step 3: Make the Brown Butter Frosting (Optional)

  1. Brown the Butter – In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat.
  2. Mix Frosting – Whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Spread Over Brownies – Pour the frosting over the cooled brownies and let it set before slicing.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. 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