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Banana Bread Brownies

Soft, moist banana dessert bars topped with a simple vanilla glaze and optional chopped nuts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 196
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the banana bread brownies
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans chopped, optional
For the glaze
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons walnuts or pecans finely chopped, optional topping

Equipment

  • 1 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper
  • 1 mixing bowl large
  • 1 mixing bowl medium
  • 1 hand mixer or sturdy whisk
  • 1 spatula for folding and spreading batter
  • 1 small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for glaze

Method
 

Prepare the bars
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and smooth.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Mix in the mashed bananas until fully combined.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 23 to 27 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Glaze and finish
  1. Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Make the glaze by whisking together melted butter, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract. Add more milk as needed for a thick but pourable consistency.
  3. Spread the glaze over the slightly warm bars and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
  4. Cool completely before slicing into 16 bars.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor. Do not overmix after adding the flour. For clean slices, let the glaze set fully before cutting. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.