If you have a soft spot for moist banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies, then the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. This scrumptious fusion brings the best of both worlds together, creating a delightfully dense and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and a luscious glaze topping it all off, these brownies are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings in the most irresistible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe calls for ingredients that are simple but essential, each contributing to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moistness. From the ripe bananas for that tender crumb to the walnuts adding a satisfying crunch, every element plays a vital role.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup melted): Provides richness and a velvety texture to the brownie base.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the batter while helping create a lovely tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup): Adds natural sweetness and moistness, making these brownies wonderfully soft.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Enhances the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Builds structure while maintaining tenderness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the batter for a light but tender brownie.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup for glaze): Creates a luscious base for the glaze topping.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for a perfect finishing touch.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Makes the glaze smooth and spreadable.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s just right when the batter is ready. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. This little trick saves you from scraped fingers and ruined edges!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until silky smooth. Next, add in the eggs, mashed ripe bananas, and vanilla extract. Mixing these components thoroughly but gently sets the foundation for the moist, flavorful brownies you’ll soon enjoy.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to distribute the leavening evenly. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined—be careful not to overmix, or you could toughen the texture. For a delightful crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans now if you’re using them.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan; this step is crucial for setting the texture and preparing for the glaze.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
Meanwhile, melt the butter for the glaze over medium heat, then remove from the heat to whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and pourable. This glaze adds a sweet, shiny finish that beautifully complements the dense banana bread brownie base.
Step 6: Glaze the Brownies
Once the brownies have fully cooled, pour the glaze evenly over the top. Use a spatula to spread it gently and get an even coating. Let the glaze set at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes—it’ll harden slightly, making the brownies look irresistible.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan without any hassle. Slice the brownies into 16 generous bars and get ready to indulge in something truly special.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts on top works wonders to brighten up these banana bread brownies. For an extra touch of decadence, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a small dollop of whipped cream can take the presentation to the next level.
Side Dishes
These Banana Bread Brownies Recipe pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing dollop of Greek yogurt to cut through the richness. Fresh berries also add a burst of color and tartness, balancing the sweet, comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and serving them on a festive platter for parties or afternoon teas. Layer them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream, banana slices, and chocolate chips for a show-stopping treat that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Banana Bread Brownies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For even better freshness, refrigerate them where they’ll stay moist without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies by wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you want a quick sweet fix.
Reheating
To enjoy warm brownies, reheat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. Just warm enough to soften without drying out, bringing that fresh-baked feel back to life.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they’re sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the flavor and moistness of the brownies.
Do I need to peel the bananas before mashing?
Yes, only use peeled bananas since the peel isn’t edible and you want the smooth, creamy mashed banana portion in your batter.
Can I skip the nuts in this recipe?
Of course! Nuts are optional and can be left out if you have allergies or prefer a smoother texture in your brownies.
Is the glaze necessary or can I serve the brownies plain?
The glaze adds a wonderful sweet finish and beautiful shine, but the brownies are delicious on their own too. It’s up to your preference!
How ripe should the bananas be for best results?
Look for bananas with plenty of brown speckles on the peel or even fully brown skin—this means they’re super ripe, sweet, and perfect for baking.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite indulgences to share with friends and family because it combines comfort with a bit of magic. Whether you’re new to baking or an old hand, these brownies are simple, satisfying, and downright irresistible. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and make it your own signature treat.
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the rich, moist texture of traditional banana bread with the fudgy, dense qualities of brownies. Enhanced with a smooth vanilla glaze, they offer a delightful twist on classic treats, perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Vanilla Glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add in the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans to add texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before proceeding to the glaze.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Brownies: Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the glaze set at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- For added texture, nuts like walnuts or pecans are optional but recommended.
- Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Overmixing the batter can make the brownies tough, so mix just until ingredients are combined.
