Banana Bread Brownies

Picture this: it’s a hectic afternoon, the kids are restless, and you’ve got bananas rapidly ripening on the counter. Instead of feeling the pressure to whip up a traditional loaf of banana bread, I decided to create something extra special and irresistible—Banana Bread Brownies! The name itself brings a smile, doesn’t it? And trust me, this recipe has become a huge hit in our home.

One of the things I adore about this dessert is how seamlessly it combines the comfort of classic banana bread with the rich, moist texture of a brownie. It’s soft, buttery, and full of sweet banana flavor, topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting that takes it over the top. The first time I made these, the kids barely waited for them to cool before diving in. My husband, who claims he’s not a “dessert guy,” was hooked after one bite. Watching their excitement made every second spent baking worthwhile.

What’s even better? These Banana Bread Brownies are straightforward to make, using pantry staples. They’re ideal for serving guests, making a special after-school treat, or simply brightening up a gloomy day. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them repeatedly—and maybe even sneaking a piece (or two) with your coffee when no one is looking. So, if you’re ready to impress your family and savor a delightful, flavorful dessert, let’s dive in!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Q: How do I know when the brownies are done?
A: The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Q: Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
A: Absolutely! The brownies are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds a creamy, tangy contrast that’s worth trying.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Q: How should I store these brownies?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

What You Need to Make Banana Bread Brownies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Special Tools:

A hand mixer or stand mixer for the frosting

9×13 inch baking dish

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth. Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined.

Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the walnuts if using.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let the brownies cool completely.

Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.

Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Banana Bread Brownies

Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor—those brown-speckled ones work best.

Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; this keeps the brownies tender.

For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or shredded coconut to the batter.

Let the brownies cool completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt.

Chill the frosting for a few minutes before spreading if it feels too soft.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These were absolutely amazing! My kids gobbled them up, and my picky eater even asked for seconds!” – Sarah B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious and easy to make! Next time, I might try adding a bit of cinnamon to the batter.” – Amy K.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The cream cheese frosting is out of this world! I loved how the banana flavor came through in every bite.” – Mark L.

⭐⭐⭐ “Good recipe, but I felt the brownies were a bit too sweet for my taste. I’ll reduce the sugar next time.” – Jennifer S.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for a quick dessert. It felt like a cross between banana bread and cake, and everyone loved it!” – Rebecca T.

Printable Recipe

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Sharing this recipe is like sharing a little piece of happiness. I’d love to see your creations and hear how they turned out for your family! Snap a photo and tag me on social media. Your shares help keep this community full of delicious ideas, so let’s spread the love (and banana bread brownies) far and wide!