Banana Bread Brownies

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Looking for a dessert that captures the cozy flavor of banana bread with the indulgent texture of brownies? These Banana Bread Brownies are just what your sweet tooth craves. They combine the moist, rich essence of overripe bananas with a buttery, slightly chewy brownie base. Add a velvety cream cheese glaze, and you’re in dessert heaven.

Perfect for using up leftover bananas, this recipe is quick to make and impossible to forget. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, wrapping up lunchboxes, or enjoying a late-night bite, Banana Bread Brownies hit all the right notes of comfort, flavor, and ease.

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What Kind of Bananas Work Best?

For the most flavor-packed banana bread brownies, overripe bananas are key. You want peels that are deeply speckled or even blackened. These bananas are naturally sweeter and mash beautifully into the batter, infusing every bite with bold banana richness.

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Ingredients for the Banana Bread Brownies

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the cream cheese glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk, as needed for consistency

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How To Make the Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain—don’t overmix.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While the brownies cool, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until creamy. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is pourable.

Step 6: Glaze and Slice

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies, then slice into squares and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store Banana Bread Brownies

Serve these brownies slightly warm or fully cooled, depending on your texture preference. They’re delightful with a glass of milk or cup of coffee, and the glaze adds a creamy contrast to the soft crumb.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just glaze after thawing for best results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, though the texture may be slightly denser. Try a half-and-half mix to keep it balanced.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The brownies are delicious on their own if you prefer a less-sweet version.

What can I add for texture?

Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips work great in the batter.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly.

Is this more like a blondie or a brownie?

Think of it as a banana blondie—fudgy, rich, and not chocolate-based.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper the better. Black-spotted bananas will deliver the sweetest, most flavorful results.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If these Banana Bread Brownies made your day, don’t miss these other sweet picks:

• Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
• Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies
• 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
• Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it classic, or add nuts or a drizzle of chocolate? Did you go glaze-free or double down on the creamy top?

I love seeing your takes on these sweet creations. Don’t forget to tag me and explore more of my daily recipe posts on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

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