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A hand holding a thick square-cut Banana Bread Brownie displaying a dense golden banana cake base, moist crumb, and thick opaque white frosting layer.

Banana Bread Brownies with Thick Cream Cheese Frosting

These dense Banana Bread Brownies feature a moist, golden-brown cake layer with visible bits of mashed banana, a tight crumb, and a thick, smooth layer of creamy white cream cheese frosting dusted with fine ground cinnamon.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Brownie Base
  • 3 large Overripe Bananas Mashed, keeping visible bits of fruit (about 1.5 cups / 340g)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Melted (113g)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar 100g
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar Packed (100g)
  • 2 large Eggs Room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 5ml
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour 180g
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt 3g
Cream Cheese Frosting & Garnish
  • 8 oz Brick Cream Cheese Full-fat, softened to room temperature (226g)
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Softened to room temperature (57g)
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Confectioners sugar (240g)
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 5ml
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon 0.5g, for dusting the top surface

Equipment

  • 1 8x8-inch Square Baking Pan Lined with parchment paper for easy removal
  • 1 Electric Hand Mixer Used for whipping the thick cream cheese frosting

Method
 

Prepare the Brownie Layer
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for a lifting handle.
  2. Mash 3 overripe bananas with a fork, leaving small visible bits of banana intact for an authentic rustic texture.
  3. Whisk 1/2 cup (113g) melted butter, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar together. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract and the mashed banana bits.
  4. Gently fold in 1.5 cups (180g) all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp (3g) fine sea salt using a spatula until just combined, ensuring a tight crumb.
  5. Spread into the prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes until the edges are caramelized and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Frost and Decorate
  1. Whip 8 oz (226g) softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup (57g) softened butter together until smooth. Gradually beat in 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar and 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract until a thick, opaque white frosting forms.
  2. Spread the frosting smoothly over the cooled banana brownie block. Dust evenly with 1/4 tsp (0.5g) fine ground cinnamon using a fine-mesh sieve, cut into squares, and serve on a white ceramic plate.

Notes

Tip 1. For clean cuts, chill the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing with a hot knife.
Tip 2. Ensure your cream cheese is full-fat brick style and at true room temperature to avoid lumps.