Crisp, chewy edges giving way to a soft, intensely chocolatey, and banana-infused center – that’s the promise of these banana bread brownies. This recipe marries the comforting sweetness of banana bread with the irresistible fudginess of brownies, creating a dessert experience that’s both familiar and exciting. The secret? Using simple ingredients and a straightforward technique that anyone can master.
These dreamy banana bread brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a comforting treat perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, a weeknight indulgence, or even a casual get-together. The addition of a nutty brown butter glaze elevates them to a whole new level of decadence.
Why you’ll love this Dreamy Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Glaze
- Enjoy the best of both worlds: the fudgy texture of brownies and the comforting flavor of banana bread.
- Ready in under an hour, making it a perfect last-minute dessert.
- The brown butter glaze adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the banana and chocolate perfectly.
- This recipe is a great way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter.
- The simple ingredients mean you likely have everything you need on hand.
- Indulge in dreamy banana bread brownies that offer a unique twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients & Substitutions

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate all work well)
- 3 tablespoons milk (any kind will do)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
How to make Dreamy Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan
Banana bread brownies makes every moment feel indulgent. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine wet ingredients
In a large bowl, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter. Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Add eggs, vanilla, and bananas
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and mashed bananas until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Step 6: Add chocolate chips
Stir in chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness. You can also add chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
Step 7: Bake the brownies
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them. Check out this easy chicken shawarma recipe while you wait!
Step 8: Brown the butter
While the brownies are baking, prepare the brown butter glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Chef’s Tip: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns. It can go from perfectly browned to burnt very quickly.
Step 9: Make the glaze
Stir in milk and powdered sugar until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin.
Step 10: Glaze and serve
Let the brownies cool slightly before drizzling the brown butter glaze over the top. Cut into squares and serve. If you love a good glaze, you might like our cream cheese spaghetti recipe.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies.
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The browner, the better!
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them. They should be slightly soft in the center.
- Let the brownies cool slightly before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
Serving Suggestions
These banana bread brownies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
* A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the glaze.
* A glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 2 months). Thaw completely before serving. Reheating is not usually necessary, but a few seconds in the microwave can make them extra gooey.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Can I freeze these brownies?**
Yes, you can! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
**Can I use a different type of chocolate chip?**
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
**Can I add nuts to the batter?**
Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or other nuts would be a delicious addition. Add about 1/2 cup to the batter along with the chocolate chips.
These dreamy banana bread brownies with brown butter glaze are a true treat, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. With their easy preparation and comforting taste, they are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Dreamy Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Glaze
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert: banana bread brownies! This easy recipe combines the best of both worlds, delivering fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownies infused with the sweet, comforting flavor of ripe bananas. Forget sour cream; this recipe uses simple ingredients for a moist, tender crumb. Topped with a luscious brown butter glaze, these brownies are pure decadence. Each bite offers a symphony of textures – the chewy edges of a perfect brownie meeting the soft, banana-infused center, all enhanced by the nutty, caramelized notes of the glaze. Prepare to be amazed by how easily these come together, making them perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. You’ll love the simple ingredients and the incredible flavor combination!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter. Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the brown butter glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Stir in milk and powdered sugar until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Let the brownies cool slightly before drizzling the brown butter glaze over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them. Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips. Walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
