Banana Bread Brownies Made Easy

Banana Bread Brownies Made Easy combines the comforting flavor of classic banana bread with the soft, dense texture of a brownie. The result is a moist, rich dessert bar topped with a light vanilla glaze that melts into every bite.

If you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this easy banana dessert recipe is the perfect solution. Instead of making traditional banana bread, these banana bread brownies offer something slightly different—thicker, more indulgent, and perfectly sliceable for sharing.

These moist banana bars are ideal for bake sales, potlucks, after-school snacks, or simple weekend baking. They’re easy to prepare, use pantry staples, and deliver bakery-style results without complicated steps.


Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Brownies

  • Ultra moist texture from ripe bananas
  • Soft, brownie-like consistency
  • Light vanilla glaze for extra sweetness
  • Simple ingredients
  • Great way to use overripe bananas

Unlike traditional brownies, these homemade banana brownies do not contain cocoa. Instead, they focus on rich banana flavor and a tender crumb that feels both comforting and indulgent.


Ingredients

For the Banana Brownies

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

For the Vanilla Glaze

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

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

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and mashed bananas.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Create the Batter

  1. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  2. Fold in sour cream or yogurt until fully combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Allow brownies to cool completely before glazing.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  3. Add milk gradually until smooth and pourable.

Step 7: Glaze and Slice

  1. Spread glaze evenly over cooled brownies.
  2. Let glaze set before slicing into squares.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

Use Very Ripe Bananas

The darker the banana peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the brownies will be.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing can lead to dense or tough bars. Stir just until ingredients are combined.

Cool Before Glazing

If the brownies are too warm, the glaze will melt completely instead of setting nicely on top.


Flavor Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Brownies

Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips before baking for extra sweetness.

Walnut Banana Bars

Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for crunch and depth.

Cinnamon Banana Brownies

Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for warm spice flavor.

Cream Cheese Swirl

Swirl sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking for a marbled effect.


Serving Suggestions

Banana bread brownies with glaze pair beautifully with:

  • Fresh berries
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Caramel drizzle

They are perfect for:

  • Bake sales
  • Holiday dessert tables
  • Afternoon snacks
  • School lunch treats
  • Weekend baking projects

Storage and Freezing

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator

Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for extended freshness.

Freezer

Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes. Thaw completely and drain excess liquid before mashing.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce sugar, but texture may change.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.


Final Thoughts

Banana Bread Brownies Made Easy is the perfect balance between classic banana bread and soft dessert bars. Moist, rich, and topped with a simple vanilla glaze, these homemade banana brownies are both comforting and crowd-pleasing.

If you’re searching for an easy banana dessert recipe that transforms overripe bananas into something truly special, these moist banana bars will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Banana Bread Brownies Made Easy

Moist banana bread brownies topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, perfect for dessert or snacking.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Banana Brownies
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
Vanilla Glaze
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp milk

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking pan
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking pan.
  2. Mix butter and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, and bananas.
  3. Combine dry ingredients separately.
  4. Mix dry into wet ingredients and fold in sour cream.
  5. Bake 25–30 minutes and cool completely.
  6. Prepare glaze and spread over cooled brownies.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.

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