How to Make Banana Bread Brownies: The Ultimate Fusion Dessert

When two of the most beloved desserts—banana bread and brownies—come together, you get the irresistible Banana Bread Brownies. These moist, fudgy bars are the perfect blend of the rich flavor of ripe bananas and the dense, cake-like texture of a brownie. Whether you’re looking for a comforting treat or a creative way to use up overripe bananas, this recipe delivers big on taste and satisfaction.

The Story Behind Banana Bread Brownies

Banana bread has long been a go-to for using up leftover bananas, while brownies are a dessert staple that’s loved for their rich, chewy texture. By combining these two classics, we create a dessert that has the best of both worlds: the warmth and natural sweetness of banana bread with the indulgent decadence of a brownie. This recipe is perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or just a weekday treat for the family.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Creamy Frosting (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Brownie Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Stir in the mashed bananas, ensuring a smooth and creamy mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined (do not overmix).

3. Bake the Brownies

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding frosting.

4. Prepare the Creamy Frosting

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor if desired.
2. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed—it should be thick but spreadable.

5. Frost and Serve

1. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
2. Slice into bars and serve.

Tips for Success

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the brownies dense. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
3. Customizable Add-Ins: Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of marshmallows on top for a s’mores dessert-inspired twist.

Variations and Customizations

• Banana Bread Bars: Skip the frosting and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a lighter treat.
• S’mores Dessert: Add a graham cracker crust and marshmallow topping for a gooey twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Banana Chocolate Brownies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these Banana Bread Brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or melted chocolate for an extra indulgent dessert.