Description
Craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug? These Banana Bread Brownies combine the nostalgic flavor of banana bread with the soft, moist texture of brownies—all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. They’re a perfect solution for overripe bananas and a great option when you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, a healthy snack, or a crowd-pleasing easy recipe to bring to your next potluck. These bars are moist, lightly sweet, and ideal for brunch, dessert, or even a sneaky breakfast treat.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)
1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
0.5 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
2.5 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch pan with parchment or grease.
2. Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
6. Mix in sour cream (or yogurt), and fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
7. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan or on a rack.
10. Prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until fluffy.
11. Frost the cooled banana brownies generously.
12. Slice into squares and serve. Chill slightly for cleaner cuts.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting to avoid a melting mess.
Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute for sour cream and adds protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: banana bread brownies, banana dessert, easy banana recipe, breakfast ideas, healthy snack, quick baking, ripe banana recipe