🍌🍫 The Perfect Mashup You Didn’t Know You Needed
Soft, chewy, and rich with banana and buttery brown sugar flavor these Banana Bread Brownies are what happens when two classic desserts fall in love. Imagine all the cozy comfort of banana bread fused with the indulgence of fudgy brownies, topped with the dreamiest brown butter frosting that melts into every bite.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, holidays, or just a sweet tooth fix, this one-bowl wonder is an instant crowd favorite!
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Moist and chewy like banana bread, but rich like brownies
✔ Quick and easy just 10 minutes of prep!
✔ Perfect use for overripe bananas
✔ Brown butter frosting = NEXT LEVEL
✔ Makes 2 dozen large bars great for sharing!
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- 15×10-inch jelly roll pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
🍌 Key Ingredients & Why They Shine
Ripe Bananas 🍌 Add natural sweetness, moisture, and that iconic banana flavor.
Sour Cream 🍶 The secret to super tender, fluffy bars.
Butter 🧈 For richness in the base, and nutty depth in the frosting once browned.
Eggs 🥚 Help bind the batter and add structure.
Vanilla Extract 🌿 Adds warmth and enhances all the flavors.
Flour, Baking Soda, Salt 🥣 The base trio for perfect rise and texture.
Chopped Walnuts 🌰 Totally optional, but adds a satisfying crunch.
Powdered Sugar & Milk 🍯 Create a creamy, pourable frosting that sets like a dream.
👩🍳 How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
PREP.
Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
MIX.
In a large bowl, beat sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy.
Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla.
COMBINE.
Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix for 1 minute. Fold in walnuts (if using).
BAKE.
Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
MAKE THE FROSTING.
In a saucepan, brown the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat.
Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
FROST.
Spread frosting over warm bars so it melts in slightly — pure heaven.
💡 Tips for Success
✅ Use super ripe bananas for maximum flavor
✅ Don’t overbake edges golden, center just set
✅ Frost while bars are warm so it spreads like silk
✅ Let cool before cutting for clean squares
✅ Toast your walnuts for extra flavor
👩🍳 Gemma’s Pro Tips
✨ Browning butter takes a minute don’t walk away! Stir constantly until golden and nutty.
✨ No jelly roll pan? Use a 9×13″ dish but increase bake time slightly.
✨ Swap walnuts with chocolate chips if you’re nut-free.
🧊 How to Store
Let bars cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully — just layer with parchment and freeze up to 2 months.
Get Recipes on Pinterest
Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies combine everything you love about banana bread and brownies in one easy, delicious bar. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious browned butter frosting, they’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or any sweet craving!
Ingredients
Banana Bread Bars
Brown Butter Frosting
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15x10" pan 🧁.
-
In a large bowl, beat sugar, sour cream 🍶, butter 🧈, and eggs 🥚 until creamy.
-
Mix in mashed bananas 🍌 and vanilla 🌿.
-
Add flour, baking soda, and salt 🥣. Blend well. Stir in walnuts 🌰 if using.
-
Pour into pan and bake 20–25 minutes until golden ⏱️.
-
For frosting 🍯: brown the butter 🧈 in a saucepan. Remove from heat.
-
Stir in powdered sugar, vanilla 🌿, and milk 🥛 until smooth.
-
Spread over warm bars 🔥. Cool, slice, and enjoy 😋!