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Simple Banana Brownie Bars

Featured in Desserts.

Had some ripe bananas lying around, so mashed them and mixed with brownie batter stuff like flour and sugar. While warm, added this awesome brown butter topping. Tossed in some chocolate chips for fun. Smelled crazy good when baking, and my neighbor even popped by to check it out. Made a big batch, but they were gone fast. Sweet breakfast or dessert? Your call.
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Updated on Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:07:45 GMT
A slice of banana-flavored brownie square with creamy frosting on top, garnished with a banana slice and more banana slices around it. Pin it
A slice of banana-flavored brownie square with creamy frosting on top, garnished with a banana slice and more banana slices around it. | tasteofmoms.com

Take overripe bananas and whip up delicious fudgy treats. They're super moist thanks to Greek yogurt and topped with a tasty brown butter drizzle.

Reasons To Try These Brownies

Get the yummy banana bread flavor with a dense brownie feel. Toss in some nuts or chocolate chunks if you want. Perfect for quick snacks or serving at gatherings. You can make them days ahead and pop them in the freezer.

Ingredients

  • Salt: Just a dash
  • Baking Soda: For lift
  • Flour: All-purpose white
  • Vanilla: Adds aroma
  • Bananas: Overripe ones
  • Eggs: Big ones work best
  • Butter: Room temperature
  • Greek Yogurt: Sour cream works too
  • Sugar: Plain white granulated

For glaze:

  • Milk
  • Vanilla
  • Powdered sugar
  • Butter

Instructions

Finish:
Drizzle hot glaze over warm brownies. Smooth it out evenly.
Make Glaze:
Cook butter until golden brown. Stir in sugar, vanilla, milk until it's nice and smooth.
Bake:
Transfer to baking dish. Cook for 23-28 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Add Dry:
Fold in flour, baking soda, salt. Just mix until combined.
Mix Wet:
Cream sugar and butter together. Throw in yogurt and eggs. Blend in mashed bananas and vanilla.
Heat Oven:
Warm to 375°F. Coat a 9x13 baking dish with butter or spray.
A stack of two banana dessert bars with a creamy frosting and sliced bananas on top, resting on parchment paper. Pin it
A stack of two banana dessert bars with a creamy frosting and sliced bananas on top, resting on parchment paper. | tasteofmoms.com

Standout Features

The Greek yogurt makes them super tender. That brown butter glaze gives a nutty taste you'll love. They're great warm or cold. Anyone can make these, even beginners.

Baking Tips

Those brown-spotted bananas give the best flavor. Make sure you beat the butter and sugar really well. Go easy when mixing in flour. Keep an eye on that butter when making glaze - it can go from brown to burnt fast.

Change It Up

Throw in walnuts for some crunch. Mix in some chocolate chunks. Skip the glaze and use cream cheese topping instead. Cut back on sugar and butter if you want something lighter.

Storage Tips

They'll stay fresh in your fridge for about 2 days if covered. Want to save them longer? Freeze for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tight in plastic wrap and foil. Let them come to room temp before you dig in.

Nutrition Facts

Each piece has about 254 calories. You get some protein from the yogurt and good stuff like potassium from the bananas. They've got a nice balance of carbs, protein and fats.

Two stacked banana brownies topped with a glazed frosting, placed on a piece of parchment paper with bananas in the background. Pin it
Two stacked banana brownies topped with a glazed frosting, placed on a piece of parchment paper with bananas in the background. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen bananas?
  • Let them fully defrost
  • Drain off extra water
  • Smash into a nice mash
  • Measure the same
  • Turns out great
  • Batter might be wetter
→ No Greek yogurt - what do I sub?
  • Plain yogurt works
  • Try sour cream
  • Use same quantity
  • No flavored kinds
  • Skip low-fat stuff
  • Stick to full-fat
→ When are they done baking?
  • Test with a toothpick
  • Should be clean
  • A few crumbs are fine
  • No raw batter
  • Edges shrink back
  • Top bounces back lightly
→ Can I make these gluten-free?
  • Use GF flour blend
  • Keep the same ratio
  • Add some xanthan gum
  • Cake may be more dry
  • Shorter baking time helps
  • Cool longer before eating
→ Can you freeze them?
  • Chill completely first
  • Wrap tightly so no air gets in
  • Store up to 3 months
  • Defrost in the fridge
  • Reheat before eating
  • Frosting texture might change

Conclusion

Use ripe bananas to make either sweet banana cakes or nut muffins. Both work great and taste amazing anytime.

Banana Brownie Bars

Quick banana bars everyone loves

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (-)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup butter, softened.
02 2 eggs.
03 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream.
04 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar.
05 3 to 4 bananas, mashed.
06 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
07 2 cups all-purpose flour.
08 3/4 teaspoon salt.
09 1 teaspoon baking soda.
10 1-2 tablespoons milk.
11 4 tablespoons butter.
12 2 teaspoons vanilla.
13 2 cups powdered sugar.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.

Step 02

Whip butter and sugar together until light and creamy.

Step 03

Stir in the yogurt and beat in the eggs one at a time.

Step 04

Add the mashed bananas along with the vanilla and mix gently.

Step 05

Toss in the flour, salt, and baking soda. Don't overmix! Nuts can be added too.

Step 06

Transfer the batter into your greased pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 07

Bake for 23 to 28 minutes. Poke with a toothpick and if it comes out clean, it's done.

Step 08

Melt the butter on the stove and let it turn golden brown.

Step 09

Take it off the heat, then blend the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

Step 10

Pour the frosting over the warm dessert and spread it around with a spoon.

Notes

  1. Want nuts? Add them in.
  2. Chocolate chips are an option.
  3. Swap with cream cheese frosting.
  4. Reduce sugar a bit if you'd like.
  5. Good refrigerated for a couple of days.
  6. Freezes well up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Non-stick spray.
  • Small pan.
  • Whisk for mixing.
  • Spoon for spreading.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten.
  • Dairy is included.
  • Contains eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 254
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 39 g
  • Protein: 4 g