Banana Bread Brownies (with Cream Cheese Frosting)
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Banana Bread Brownies are the best way to use up ripe bananas when you want something sweeter than classic banana bread. These moist, chewy bars are a cross between banana bread and blondies, topped with rich cream cheese frosting that makes every bite irresistible. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when banana bread meets fudgy brownies, this is it.
These frosted banana bars are quick to mix, bake in just 25 minutes, and slice neatly into squares—perfect for school snacks, bake sales, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving banana dessert. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while cinnamon and vanilla bring warm flavor to balance the tangy frosting.
If you love banana desserts, make sure to also try my Sticky Banana Bread Pudding, Fluffy Banana Pancakes, or Banana bread for more ways to use ripe bananas.
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Brownies
- Moist and chewy: Ripe bananas and Greek yogurt keep every bite soft.
- Easy to make: No mixer required and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Frosted to perfection: Cream cheese frosting balances the sweet banana base.
- Crowd-pleasing: A cross between banana bread and blondies that everyone loves.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or switch up the frosting.
Ingredients Needed To Make Banana Bread Brownies
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Flour
- Bananas
- Greek yogurt
- Butter
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Kosher salt
- Baking soda
- Eggs
- Cream cheese frosting
- Walnuts
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Banana Bread Brownies
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Add butter, sugars, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla; whisk to combine. Stir in flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until just combined.
- Prepare the pan: Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment.
- Bake: Spread batter evenly in pan and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Frost and finish: Cool completely, then spread with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired. Slice into squares and enjoy.
Variations & Substitutions
- Banana Chocolate Brownies: Stir in 1 cup mini chocolate chips.
- Nutty Banana Bars: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Gluten-Free Banana Brownies: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Frosting Swap: Try peanut butter frosting or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make banana bread brownies without frosting?
Yes. They’re delicious plain, but the cream cheese frosting adds tangy sweetness that balances the banana base.
How long should I let banana bread brownies cool before frosting?
At least 30 minutes. Frosting too soon can cause it to melt and slide off.
Can I freeze banana bread brownies?
Yes. Freeze unfrosted brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.
Are banana bread brownies the same as banana blondies?
They’re very similar! Both are chewy, bar-style desserts, but banana blondies usually lean more on butter/brown sugar while banana brownies highlight ripe banana flavor.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely. Walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips are great additions for texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Banana Brownies
- Use bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added — it keeps the bars tender.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and neat slices.
- Always let the bars cool before frosting.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, wrap unfrosted brownies tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then frost before serving.
Banana Bread Brownies vs. Banana Blondies
Banana bread brownies are soft, bar-style desserts with a chewy, banana-forward flavor. Blondies are similar in texture but usually rely more on butter and brown sugar. These frosted banana brownies give you the best of both — rich banana flavor in a blondie-like bar.
Banana Bread Brownies
Equipment
- nonstick baking spray
- toothpick
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup 1.1 GF flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup mashed bananas approximately 3 bananas
- 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 eggs
- Optional Topping: cream cheese frosting and 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a 9×13 or 10×10 baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups of 1.1 GF flour, 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp of kosher salt, and 1 tsp of baking soda.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mash 1 1/2 cups of bananas.
- Add 1 cup of unsweetened Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 2 tsp of vanilla extract, and 2 eggs.
- Mix until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is lightly browned.
Cool
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish.
Optional Topping
- Once cooled, top with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with 1 cup of chopped walnuts if desired.
Serve
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Nutrition
These Banana Bread Brownies are pure indulgence! The perfect blend of moist banana bread and rich brownie, it’s a decadent treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
These banana bread brownies, are Delicious. I had to give them to my neighbor, I kept eating them. Absolutely delicious
LOVE this feedback, THANK YOU!
Sounds yummy!! Going to make for camping.