Banana Bread Brownies: Moist, Fudgy, and Full of Banana Flavor

If you’re the kind of person who can’t decide between making banana bread or brownies, why not combine both? Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect hybrid dessert — soft and moist like banana bread, but with the rich, fudgy decadence of brownies. With swirls of ripe banana, a touch of chocolate, and the option for a creamy glaze or chocolate drizzle, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re looking to use up overripe bananas or just want a new dessert for brunch, snacks, or potlucks, this easy recipe delivers big on flavor and comfort.

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Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Brownies

🍌 Uses ripe bananas — perfect for reducing food waste
🍫 Fudgy texture with a banana twist
🧁 Easy to make — no mixer required
🍯 Versatile — great plain, glazed, or frosted
🎉 Ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or dessert trays

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What Are Banana Bread Brownies?

Banana bread brownies take the best of both worlds: the soft, fruity texture of classic banana bread and the richness of chewy chocolate brownies. Some versions are more banana-forward with chocolate chips, while others lean toward a cocoa base with banana folded in.

This version strikes a delicious balance — subtly sweet, lightly spiced, moist, and topped with a creamy glaze that adds just the right finishing touch.

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Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

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For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Want a chocolate version? Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the batter or glaze!

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Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric hand mixer
• Spatula
• Small saucepan (for glaze)

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How to Make Banana Bread Brownies (Step-by-Step)

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

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

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Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Mashed bananas
• Sugar and brown sugar
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Melted butter
• Vanilla

Mix until smooth.

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Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• (Optional) Cinnamon

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined — do not overmix.

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Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Let cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before adding the glaze.

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Step 5: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Pour the warm glaze over the slightly warm brownies and spread evenly. Allow to set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

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Optional Add-Ins & Variations

🍫 Chocolate Chip Banana Brownies – Fold in ½–¾ cup chocolate chips
🌰 Nutty Banana Brownies – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
🧁 Cream Cheese Frosted Version – Replace glaze with tangy cream cheese frosting
🍫 Double Chocolate – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a more brownie-forward version
🍌 Banana Layered Swirl – Reserve ¼ cup mashed banana and swirl on top before baking

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Tips for Success

✔️ Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for best flavor
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour
✔️ Let the glaze set slightly before cutting for cleaner bars
✔️ If using chocolate chips, toss them in a little flour before adding to prevent sinking
✔️ Store in the fridge for longer shelf life

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store:

• At room temp: Up to 2 days in an airtight container
• In the fridge: Up to 5–6 days
• In the freezer: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months

Make-Ahead:

• Bake a day in advance and glaze just before serving
• Glaze can also be made ahead and reheated briefly for spreading

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What to Serve With Banana Bread Brownies

• A hot cup of coffee or chai
• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Fresh berries on the side
• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce for dessert plates
• Spiced whipped cream for extra indulgence

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Nutrition (Per Square, Based on 12 Servings)

• Calories: ~290
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 42g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 3g

Nutrition will vary based on glaze, add-ins, and serving size.

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FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and make sure other ingredients (like baking powder) are certified GF.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The brownies are sweet and moist on their own. You can top with powdered sugar or frost with cream cheese if desired.

What’s the difference between banana brownies and banana bread?

Banana bread is typically denser, bread-like, and baked in a loaf pan. Banana bread brownies are baked in a pan like bars, with a more tender crumb and dessert-style texture.

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Final Thoughts

Banana Bread Brownies are the dessert you didn’t know you needed — soft, sweet, full of banana flavor, and just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re baking for your family, brunch guests, or just yourself (no shame!), this hybrid dessert is guaranteed to hit the spot.

So the next time you have overripe bananas on your counter, skip the usual banana bread — and make banana bread brownies instead. You’ll never look back.

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