Introduction

Banana Bread Brownies combine the best of both worlds: the moist, comforting flavor of banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of day.

A thick, light brown batter with a slightly lumpy texture is being poured from a bowl into a square baking pan lined with parchment paper. The batter forms one even layer at the bottom of the pan, slowly spreading as it is poured. The woman's hand holding the bowl and a wooden spatula gently guides the batter’s flow. The pan is placed on a smooth white marbled surface, highlighting the batter’s creamy consistency and warm color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup butter (softened at room temperature)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
1 cup sour cream
2 eggs (room temperature)
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
4 very ripe bananas (mashed)
¾ cup chopped walnuts
8 ounces cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
½ cup butter (softened at room temperature)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish liberally with baking spray or butter.
Step 2: In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars on high speed until fluffy and noticeably lighter in color, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Reduce the mixer to medium speed and mix in the sour cream. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed. Mix until just combined, then stir in the mashed bananas and fold in the chopped walnuts.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely while you prepare the frosting.
Step 8: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 9: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots.
Swap walnuts for pecans or omit nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.
Try adding mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute in equal amounts.

Storage

Store the banana bread brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving. You can also freeze the brownies (without frosting) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a square piece of cake with two layers, placed in front of similar cake pieces on a sheet of parchment paper. The bottom layer is a light brown, moist cake with visible tiny dark specks inside, showing a soft and crumbly texture. The top layer is smooth white frosting spread thickly and topped with small chunks of light brown walnuts. Some walnut pieces and crumbs are scattered on the white marbled surface around the cake. In the foreground, a spoon holds a small amount of white frosting with walnut bits. The background is softly blurred with a hint of a small container tilted on its side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without nuts?

Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version. The brownies will still be delicious and moist.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe and can be used in equal amounts for similar texture and tang.