Banana Bread Brownies – a delightful treat that combines the comfort of banana bread with the richness of brownies, topped with a delectable brown butter frosting. This recipe is perfect for using up those overripe bananas and offers a twist on traditional baked goods.

 

Imagine a sweet, moist square, where the homey flavor of bananas meets the dense texture of a brownie. The brown butter frosting adds a layer of nutty, caramel-like richness, making these brownies not just a dessert, but a decadent experience.

 

Banana bread has roots dating back to the Great Depression when resourceful homemakers sought ways to use overripe bananas rather than waste them. Brownies emerged in the late 1800s, gaining popularity throughout the 20th century. Now, in your kitchen, these two American classics are about to meet in perfect harmony.

Are you tired of choosing between banana bread and brownies? Frustrated by dry banana breads or overly sweet brownies? This recipe solves both problems while creating something entirely new and crave-worthy. By the end of this post, you’ll have mastered a versatile dessert that works for breakfast, snacking, or elegant entertaining.

Recipe Overview

 

These banana bread brownies represent the best of both worlds—featuring the moist, fruit-forward profile of banana bread with the dense, chocolatey satisfaction of brownies. The difficulty level is intermediate, as some technique is required to achieve the perfect texture balance, but the steps are straightforward enough for motivated beginners.

This recipe falls under American fusion cuisine and requires basic baking equipment: a mixing bowl, hand mixer (or stand mixer), 9×13 baking pan, and measuring tools. The dessert is vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted for several dietary needs with simple substitutions.

What makes this recipe special is the contrast between the cakey banana layer and fudgy chocolate layer, crowned with a brown butter frosting that elevates the entire creation to gourmet status.

 

Inspiration

This recipe is inspired by the classic banana bread, a beloved staple in many kitchens. The twist? Turning it into a brownie form and adding a luscious brown butter frosting. It’s an innovative way to enjoy the familiar taste of banana bread in a new and exciting format.

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Large skillet (for frosting)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Ingredients

 

For the Banana Bread Bars:

• Granulated Sugar: 1-1/2 cups
• Plain Greek Yogurt: 1 cup (or sour cream)
• Butter: 1/2 cup, softened
• Large Eggs: 2
• Ripe Bananas: 3-4, mashed
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 3/4 teaspoon

 

For the Brown Butter Frosting:

• Butter: 4 Tablespoons
• Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Milk: 1-2 Tablespoons

Method

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease the baking pan.
2. Batter: Cream sugar and butter. Add yogurt, eggs, bananas, and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt. Spread in the pan.
3. Bake: For 23-28 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Frosting: Brown the butter in a skillet. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Pour over warm bars.

Serving Suggestions

Cut into squares and serve as a dessert or a special treat with coffee or tea.

Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the texture light.
• Watch the butter carefully while browning to prevent burning.

Variations

• Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Add to the batter before baking.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap out for a different frosting style.
• Healthier Version: Reduce the sugar and butter amounts.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Bake and frost 1-2 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek? Yes, though the texture may be slightly different.
2. Can I make this gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
3. Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes, though it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
4. How do I know when the brownies are done? A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

These banana bread brownies can be modified to accommodate various dietary preferences while preserving their irresistible taste:

Reduced Sugar Version: Replace half the granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia (designed for baking). This simple swap cuts approximately 30% of the total sugar content while maintaining sweetness. The natural sugars in ripe bananas allow for this reduction without sacrificing flavor.

Whole Grain Upgrade: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour to triple the fiber content. This modification adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the banana flavor while improving the nutritional profile.

Heart-Healthier Fat Profile: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce in the banana layer, reducing saturated fat by approximately 25% while maintaining moisture. The brownie layer needs some butter for proper texture, but can use avocado oil for 25% of the fat content.

Protein Enhancement: Add 2 tablespoons of unflavored collagen peptides or whey protein isolate to each layer, boosting protein content by 3g per serving without affecting taste or texture.

Lower Glycemic Impact: Use coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index. This alternative provides the same sweetness with less blood sugar impact, plus subtle caramel notes that enhance both layers.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your banana bread brownies from everyday treat to memorable dessert with these serving options:

For weekday breakfasts, warm a square slightly and pair with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a surprisingly balanced morning meal. The protein from the yogurt complements the carbohydrates in the bars.

Create an impressive dinner party dessert by placing a square on a plate, adding a scoop of coffee or vanilla bean ice cream, and garnishing with brûléed banana slices and a light dusting of cocoa powder.

For a playful family dessert, cut bars into bite-sized pieces and use as the base for a sundae bar with various toppings like crushed walnuts, warm salted caramel sauce, whipped cream, and fresh berries.

During fall and winter, serve slightly warmed with a side of spiced apple compote to create a seasonal comfort dessert that pairs beautifully with your holiday menu.

For summer gatherings, sandwich a thin slice of vanilla ice cream between two chilled bars for an elevated ice cream sandwich that stands up to the heat.

 

Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of banana bread in a fun and indulgent format. Whether you’re looking for a new way to use up bananas or just a delicious treat, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the blend of sweet banana flavor, moist texture, and rich frosting in every bite.