Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Moist and tender thanks to ripe bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
Classic meets creative: relish the best of banana bread and brownies in one treat
Simple and versatile: easy to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or alternative frostings

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the banana brownie base:
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¾ tsp salt
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1½ tsp vanilla extract
3 Tbsp milk

directions

Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13″ pan.
In a large bowl, beat sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy. Fold in mashed bananas and vanilla.
Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in walnuts if using.
Spread batter in prepared pan and bake for 20–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While baking, brown the butter over medium heat until fragrant and nutty. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Spread the warm frosting over warm brownies. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

Servings: approximately 12–16 squares
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Bake time: 20–30 minutes
Cool time: around 1 hour to set the frosting

Variations

Swap or reduce the sugar in the frosting for a lighter dessert
Add chocolate chips or pecans in place of or alongside walnuts
Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy topping
Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

storage/reheating

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Refrigerate for up to 5–7 days
Freeze individual bars or the whole batch for up to 3 months; thaw before serving

FAQs

What makes these brownies “banana bread” brownies and not just banana brownies?

They blend classic banana bread ingredients with the moist, dense texture of brownies and a decadent frosting layer.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt works well as a 1:1 substitute and adds a slight tang.

Are overripe bananas best?

Yes—bananas with brown spots enhance the sweetness and moisture.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely. They’re still delicious plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

How do I know when they’re done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can these be made nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the walnuts or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.

How should I reheat a brownie square?

Microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm briefly in a low oven to refresh.

Can I freeze individual squares?

Yes—wrap each square tightly and thaw at room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have brown butter?

You can use regular melted butter; the frosting will be creamy vanilla without the nutty flavor.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, they store well and can be made 1–2 days in advance. Just bring to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Brownies are a must-try fusion of two favorite treats. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or a dessert, their rich banana flavor, moist texture, and irresistible frosting will keep you coming back. Perfect for using up ripe bananas or preparing ahead for gatherings, these brownies are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.