Banana Bread Brownies

Banana Bread Brownies blend the moist richness of banana bread with the indulgent chewiness of brownies in one irresistible treat.

Why You’ll Crave These Banana Bread Brownies

Craving something comforting, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent? These Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect marriage between two beloved desserts—classic banana bread and fudgy brownies. They’re soft, moist, and bursting with banana flavor, with just enough richness to satisfy your sweet tooth without being overly heavy. Whether you're baking for a weekend brunch, a family gathering, or just to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter, this recipe promises pure joy in every bite.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Toothpick or cake tester

Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies

For the Banana Bread Bars:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the sour cream, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the bars tender.

4. Pour & Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Cool & Serve
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled—every version is delicious in its own way.

Tips for Success

• Use very ripe bananas—they bring out a deeper sweetness and more intense banana flavor.
• Don't overmix the batter once you add the flour; this helps preserve the light texture.
• Let it cool completely before slicing if you want clean, sharp edges.

Delicious Variations

• Add chocolate chips for a gooey, chocolatey twist.
• Top with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of decadence.
• Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and nuttiness.
• Swirl in Nutella or peanut butter before baking for a creative flavor kick.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back the fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 24g
• Fiber: 1g

(Based on 16 servings; values may vary slightly)

Prep & Bake Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a similar creamy texture.

What if I only have three bananas?
It'll still work—just reduce the flour slightly or expect a slightly less banana-forward flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Are these more like cake or brownies?
They're a soft, moist hybrid—more tender than traditional brownies, but denser than cake. Think of them as banana bread’s chewy, more indulgent cousin.

These Banana Bread Brownies aren’t just a dessert—they’re a warm, familiar hug in edible form. With rich banana flavor and a brownie-like finish, they hit that perfect sweet spot between nostalgic and new. Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they vanish before they’ve even had a chance to cool.