These Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts. Imagine the moist, tender bite of banana bread mixed with the dense, fudgy texture of brownies. It’s a match made in dessert heaven, and the cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finishing touch that takes it to the next level.
Perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or weekday treats, these bars are quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or just craving something comforting, this recipe is the answer. Get ready to impress your guests with the best of both worlds—banana bread meets brownie bliss.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Banana Brownie Layer:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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4 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
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In a large mixing bowl, stir together melted butter and sugar until combined.
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Add eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk until smooth.
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Stir in mashed bananas.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
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Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool completely in the pan.
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To make the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
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Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
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Spread frosting evenly over cooled banana brownies. Cut into squares and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 9 servings
Introduction to Banana Bread Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies are a unique and delightful twist on two classic baked treats—banana bread and fudgy brownies. This hybrid dessert captures the warm, nostalgic flavor of banana bread and enhances it with the dense, chewy texture of a brownie. The end result is a moist, soft, and satisfying bar that is perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast option, a coffee break companion, or a dessert that pleases a crowd, banana bread brownies are your new go-to.
This recipe is particularly ideal for using up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Instead of letting them turn to mush on your counter, mash them up and transform them into a decadent baked good that offers both comfort and indulgence in each bite. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t feel overly fussy, but still delivers incredible results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
There are several reasons why Banana Bread Brownies are such a hit with home bakers. First, the flavor profile is universally appealing. Bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to baked goods, while the brownie format provides a denser, chewier experience that feels more like a dessert than a loaf of bread. When topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, this treat becomes a three-layered flavor and texture journey that hits every note perfectly.
Another great reason to make this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment, and the ingredients are likely already in your pantry. It’s a straightforward, one-bowl kind of recipe that even beginner bakers can master. And because it bakes in a single pan, cleanup is minimal—something everyone can appreciate.
The Texture and Taste
The texture of Banana Bread Brownies is what sets them apart from both traditional banana bread and standard brownies. While banana bread is soft and fluffy, and brownies are dense and gooey, these bars strike a perfect balance between the two. They’re moist and cakey but with just enough structure to hold their shape when sliced.
Taste-wise, you get the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas with the slight tang of cream cheese frosting. The use of real butter in the base adds richness, while the vanilla enhances all the flavors. If you’re a fan of banana bread but wish it had a bit more flair, this dessert will exceed your expectations.
Great for All Occasions
Banana Bread Brownies are incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of occasions. They make a great addition to brunch spreads, bake sales, school lunchboxes, or even as an after-dinner dessert. Their tidy, bar-like form makes them easy to transport and serve—no utensils required.
Because they’re not overly sweet or heavy, these brownies also serve as a nice midday snack. You can prepare them a day in advance for events or keep a batch in the fridge for quick bites throughout the week. They also freeze well, so you can bake in bulk and enjoy them later.
How to Customize
One of the best things about Banana Bread Brownies is how easily you can adapt them to suit your preferences. If you love nuts, feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Want a little chocolate in the mix? Add a handful of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.
You can also play around with the frosting. While the standard cream cheese version is incredibly satisfying, a peanut butter frosting or a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk can add a new twist. Dairy-free alternatives are easy to substitute too—vegan butter and cream cheese work just as well if you’re avoiding animal products.
Storage and Shelf Life
Banana Bread Brownies are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, especially if they’re frosted. They will keep well for about 4–5 days, maintaining both their texture and flavor. If you prefer a room temperature experience, simply let them sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving.
For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. They’ll stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave.
Nutritional Benefits
While Banana Bread Brownies are still a dessert, they do carry some nutritional perks. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. Using bananas in your baking means you can cut back on refined sugar slightly, relying on the natural sweetness of the fruit instead.
Cream cheese also contributes a small amount of calcium and protein. For those looking to reduce sugar or fat, you can easily substitute some ingredients with lighter options, like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado, and still achieve a delicious result.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This dessert is particularly popular among children, thanks to its mild sweetness and soft texture. It’s a great way to sneak in a serving of fruit while still offering a treat that feels indulgent. The creamy frosting layer adds a touch of fun that kids and adults alike appreciate.
When you serve Banana Bread Brownies at parties or family gatherings, they’re guaranteed to be one of the first items to disappear. Their familiar yet elevated flavor makes them approachable to a wide audience, even those who might not consider themselves fans of banana-based desserts.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Banana Bread Brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
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Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture content. The blacker the peel, the better.
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Don’t overmix the batter—this will keep the texture light and tender.
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Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the topping from melting.
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For clean slices, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
These simple practices can make a big difference in your final product and help you create bakery-quality brownies right in your own kitchen.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Brownies offer the best of both dessert worlds. With the fruity warmth of banana bread and the rich, satisfying texture of a brownie, this hybrid treat is perfect for any time of year. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and versatility to your kitchen, whether you’re baking for your family, guests, or just yourself.
From their crowd-pleasing taste to their simple preparation, these brownies truly check all the boxes. And with endless customization options and a generous shelf life, they’re a smart and delicious choice for your baking repertoire. If you’ve been looking for a new way to use ripe bananas or just want a fresh twist on an old favorite, Banana Bread Brownies are the answer. Bake a batch today—you’ll see why they’ve become a staple in so many homes.