You know, there’s something magical about the smell of baked goods wafting through the house, and for me, that magic often begins with my Banana Bread Brownies. I can still picture myself in my mom’s kitchen, the warmth of the oven radiating as we mashed ripe bananas together. It was one of those rainy afternoons where we’d sneak bites of the batter, giggling as we created something delicious. Now, every time I whip up this recipe, I’m reminded of those sweet memories and the joy of sharing something special with loved ones.

These Banana Bread Brownies are perfect for cozy weekends or when you need a little pick-me-up after a long day. They combine the rich, moist texture of banana bread with the indulgence of brownies, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, these brownies will surely bring smiles and warm hearts around the table.

Why You’ll Love "Banana Bread Brownies"

Quick prep time of just 15 minutes means you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!
Made with simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Rich in flavor and super moist, these brownies are a delightful twist on classic banana bread.
Family-friendly and perfect for kids and adults alike — everyone will want seconds!
Freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you want.
Customizable with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra deliciousness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter, melted (I love using a good quality butter for richness, like Kerrygold!)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar (feel free to use a mix of granulated and dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
2 large eggs (room temperature works best for blending)
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas; the riper the better for sweetness!)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (always choose pure vanilla extract for the best flavor)
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, no need to pack it tightly)
1 teaspoon baking soda (make sure it’s fresh for the best rise)
½ teaspoon salt (don’t skip this—it enhances all the flavors!)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional; they add a lovely crunch, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer)

Glaze:
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted, of course!)
2 cups powdered sugar (sifted for a smooth glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (you can substitute almond milk if you want it dairy-free)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because why not add a little extra flavor?)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First thing’s first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want that oven nice and toasty for the brownies!
While that’s heating up, grab a baking pan (9x13 inches works perfectly) and grease it well with some butter or cooking spray. You want to make sure that those brownies slide right out once they’re baked.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your melted butter and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or a wooden spoon to mix them together until they’re smoothly blended.
Add in the eggs, mashed ripe bananas, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined. Don’t be shy—give it a good mix so that those bananas really get incorporated!

Combine the Dry Ingredients

Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial because it helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
Make sure to whisk it well—no clumps allowed! We want a smooth brownie batter, after all.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually, add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. It’s best to do this in batches to avoid flour clouds!
Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. This will keep your brownies tender and soft.

Add Optional Ingredients

If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to fold in your chopped walnuts or pecans! They’ll add a lovely crunch to your brownies.
Of course, if you’re not a fan of nuts or you’re making these for someone with a nut allergy, just leave them out!

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Pop that pan into the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Prepare the Glaze

While the brownies are baking, you can whip up the glaze. Start by melting ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. It should be pourable but thick enough to drizzle!

Cool and Drizzle

When the brownies are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
Once they’re cool enough to handle, drizzle the glaze over the top. Feel free to get creative and make a zig-zag pattern!
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before cutting the brownies into squares. Then, it’s time to dig in and enjoy!

Variations

Add chocolate chips or swirls of peanut butter for a decadent twist.
Use ripe pumpkin or sweet potato puree instead of bananas for a seasonal spin.
Try a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these brownies.
Swap in coconut oil for the butter for a dairy-free alternative.
Mix in dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

For the best enjoyment, serve these Banana Bread Brownies warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They’re also delightful with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Don’t forget to serve them on a fun plate—presentation makes it even more special!

Storage

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Helpful Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Egg substitutes can include applesauce (¼ cup per egg) or flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Feel free to add in chocolate chips or coconut for extra flavor.
If you have nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts or pecans and consider sunflower seeds as a crunchy alternative.
These brownies are vegetarian-friendly, and using dairy-free butter makes them suitable for a dairy-free diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the Banana Bread Brownies?

Yes, absolutely! These brownies freeze wonderfully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

How can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?

If you're looking for egg substitutes, you have a few great options! You can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. Another option is to mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Both work well in these brownies!

What can I use instead of walnuts or pecans?

If you want to skip the nuts, you can easily replace them with chocolate chips for a sweeter touch or use seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch without the allergens. Dried fruit like cranberries or raisins also makes for a delicious add-in!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—my beloved Banana Bread Brownies! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own memories in the kitchen. Whether it's a rainy day, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to bring warmth and joy. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and enjoying the process, so don’t stress—embrace the mess and the magic of baking. I hope these brownies become a new favorite in your home, just like they are in mine. Happy baking, my friend!

Banana Bread Brownies

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious twist on classic banana bread, these brownies are rich and moist.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until combined.
Add eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Add walnuts or pecans if desired.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While baking, prepare the glaze by melting butter and mixing with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Once brownies are done, let them cool and drizzle with the glaze.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Banana Bread Brownies