Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies are moist, tender, and full of natural banana flavor. They are easy to prepare and perfect for using overripe bananas while creating a dessert that feels slightly more indulgent than traditional banana bread.
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Banana Bread Brownies: Soft, Fudgy, and Perfectly Sweet
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Bread Brownies are soft and moist bars that combine the comforting flavor of banana bread with the dense texture of brownies, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in walnuts if using.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled brownies and let set before slicing.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Do not overbake to keep brownies moist.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture.
Unsalted butter adds richness and tender texture.
Granulated sugar sweetens and enhances caramel notes.
Eggs create structure and softness.
Vanilla extract deepens and rounds out flavor.
All-purpose flour forms the base structure of the bars.
Baking soda ensures proper rise and lightness.
Salt balances sweetness and enhances banana flavor.
Sour cream adds moisture and subtle tang.
Brown sugar can be used in the glaze for deeper flavor.
Powdered sugar forms the base of the smooth topping glaze.
Milk helps achieve a pourable glaze consistency.
Directions
Preheat the oven and line a baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
Gradually fold in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
While the brownies cool, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk and a small amount of melted butter if desired. Spread the glaze over the slightly warm brownies and allow it to set before slicing.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 to 16 bars. Preparation takes 15 minutes, with baking time of 25 to 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to five days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Banana Bread Brownies are highly adaptable. I tested this recipe with chopped walnuts folded into the batter, which added a pleasant crunch and depth.
For a richer variation, swirl a small amount of cream cheese mixture into the batter before baking. Chocolate chips can also be added for a sweeter, dessert-like finish.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the glaze slightly or omit it entirely. These simple adjustments allow you to tailor the bars while preserving their soft, banana-forward flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Very Ripe Bananas
Overripe bananas provide maximum sweetness and moisture.
Do Not Overmix
Overmixing can make the bars dense.
Cool Before Glazing
Allow slight cooling so the glaze sets properly.
Even Spreading
Smooth batter evenly for uniform baking.
FAQs
Are these more like cake or brownies?
They are softer than brownies but richer than traditional banana bread.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze without glaze and add glaze after thawing.
Why are my bars dense?
Overmixing or underbaking can affect texture.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, they pair very well with banana flavor.
Do I need the glaze?
No, it is optional but adds sweetness and finish.
How do I know they are done?
A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Brownies offer the comforting flavor of banana bread with the indulgent texture of a dessert bar. Soft, moist, and easy to customize, they are a dependable treat perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet everyday indulgence.
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