If you’re craving a treat that beautifully blends the moist, comforting charm of banana bread with the rich, fudgy decadence of brownies, then this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is your new go-to indulgence. Imagine tender, banana-infused layers with just the right hint of walnuts, offering a luscious bite that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. This recipe is so easy and rewarding that it’ll quickly become a favorite for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a cozy pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for achieving that perfect balance of sweet, moist, and nutty. Each plays a special role, whether it’s creating texture, enriching flavor, or adding that golden color that makes these Banana Bread Brownies so inviting.
- Sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness and helps with browning for a beautiful crust.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter, softened: Brings richness and a tender crumb to the brownies.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the bake.
- Ripe Bananas, mashed: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and incredible moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a lovely aromatic note.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to keep your brownies perfectly dense yet soft.
- Baking Soda: Helps the batter rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Walnuts, chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth that contrasts perfectly with the soft banana bread texture.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking these treats. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and help the edges develop a lovely browned crust.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients Until Smooth
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs. Using an electric mixer makes this step effortless and guarantees a smooth, creamy base. Once combined, gently fold in the mashed bananas and the vanilla extract, infusing the batter with sweet, fragrant goodness.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt, then mix until just combined. This is key to keeping the brownies tender and not overworked. Finally, carefully fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing their crunch throughout the batter without beating it out.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it out smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean, signaling that perfect doneness.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the Banana Bread Brownies cool slightly in the pan to set before slicing. They’re delicious as is, but feel free to add your favorite frosting or simply dust with a bit of powdered sugar to keep things simple.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These brownies shine on their own, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add a fun, elegant touch. For something extra special, whip up a quick cream cheese frosting or scatter some extra chopped walnuts on top for visual appeal and added texture.
Side Dishes
Serve your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the richness. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a handful of berries can add a bright, refreshing contrast that complements the bananas beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter for parties or afternoon snacks. You can even layer chunks of these brownies in a parfait with yogurt and granola for a dessert that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Bread Brownies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good option but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To enjoy your Banana Bread Brownies warm, pop individual pieces in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat them in a low oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked warmth and gooey texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Plain yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream, adding moisture and a subtle tang, though the texture might be slightly different.
How ripe should the bananas be for the best flavor?
The riper the bananas, the better. Look for ones with lots of brown spots and a sweet aroma—they’ll blend smoothly and give you the richest flavor.
Can I omit the walnuts or replace them with another nut?
Yes, walnuts add a lovely crunch but feel free to skip them if you have allergies, or swap with pecans or almonds for a different but equally delicious texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper structure.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Toss in half a cup of your favorite chocolate chips for extra pockets of melty chocolate that pair wonderfully with the banana flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want a delightful twist on two classic favorites, I can’t recommend this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe enough. It’s straightforward, so rewarding, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to comfort treats.
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously moist and rich Banana Bread Brownies combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the classic dense texture of brownies, enhanced by tangy sour cream and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for a comforting dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp salt
Add-ins
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing again until incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the brownies tender.
- Fold in Walnuts: Carefully fold in the chopped walnuts using a spatula to evenly distribute the nuts without deflating the batter.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center that it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread brownies to cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Enjoy them plain or topped with your favorite frosting for an extra indulgence.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added; this prevents tough brownies.
- Using very ripe bananas enhances the natural sweetness and moisture.
- Chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch but can be omitted or substituted with pecans.
- Make sure to grease the baking pan well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- These brownies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or can be refrigerated for up to a week.
