These Banana Bread Brownies combine the comforting flavor of banana bread with the indulgent texture of fudgy brownies, topped off with a luscious brown butter frosting. Moist, rich, and packed with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion.
The nutty sweetness of the brown butter frosting perfectly complements the banana base, making these brownies a standout dessert. Serve them at parties, bring them to potlucks, or enjoy them as a comforting snack with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. One bite, and these banana bread brownies will become your new go-to treat!
Why You’ll Love It:
Two Desserts in One: The best of banana bread and brownies, in one mouthwatering bite.
Rich and Moist: Thanks to the ripe bananas and sour cream, these brownies are incredibly tender and flavorful.
Show-Stopping Frosting: Brown butter frosting adds a nutty, caramel-like sweetness that takes this dessert to the next level.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or simply treating yourself and your loved ones.
Key Ingredients:
Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the banana flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making the brownies extra tender.
Butter: Used in both the batter and frosting for a rich, buttery taste.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together while contributing to the soft texture.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and that distinct banana bread flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of both the brownies and the frosting.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the brownies structure while keeping them soft.
Baking Soda: Ensures the brownies rise slightly and stay fluffy.
Walnuts: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor (optional but highly recommended).
Powdered Sugar: The base for the creamy brown butter frosting.
Milk: Helps adjust the frosting’s consistency, making it smooth and spreadable.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Proper preheating ensures even baking.
Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
Cream the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
½ cup softened butter
2 eggs
Use an electric mixer to beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Incorporate Bananas and Vanilla:
Mash 4 ripe bananas and add them to the mixture along with 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Blend until fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Blend for about 1 minute, being careful not to overmix.
Stir in Walnuts:
Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts. For variations, substitute with chocolate chips or omit the nuts altogether.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until:
The top is golden brown.
A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool Slightly:
Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before applying the frosting.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting
Brown the Butter:
In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat.
Stir continuously as the butter turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Make the Frosting:
Remove the browned butter from the heat and whisk in:
4 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
Mix until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed to achieve a pourable, yet thick, frosting.
Step 5: Frost the Brownies
Spread the Frosting:
While the brownies are still warm, pour the frosting over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Cool Completely:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This helps the frosting set and makes slicing easier.
Slice and Serve:
Cut the brownies into squares and enjoy! These rich and flavorful treats are perfect as a dessert or snack.
Serving Suggestions:
Classic Dessert: Serve with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a comforting treat.
Indulgent Pairing: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
Snack-Size Portions: Cut into smaller squares for a perfect grab-and-go snack or lunchbox treat.
Brunch Addition: These brownies make a sweet addition to any brunch spread, paired with fresh fruit and coffee.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigeration
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Freeze unfrosted brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and storing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Frosted brownies can also be frozen but may take longer to thaw.
Make-Ahead Option
Prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
The frosting can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Warm slightly before spreading.
Variations:
Chocolate Banana Bread Brownies
Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
Nut-Free Brownies
Omit the walnuts or replace them with shredded coconut or dried cranberries for a nut-free version.
Peanut Butter Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter before baking and swirl with a knife for a banana-peanut butter twist.
Cinnamon-Spiced Brownies
Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the bananas.
Gluten-Free Version
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make these brownies gluten-free.
Conclusion:
These Banana Bread Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a fusion of comfort and indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds. The moist, flavorful base paired with the nutty brown butter frosting makes this treat unforgettable.
Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is one you’ll want to save and make on repeat. Looking for more banana recipes? Try Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins or Banana Cream Pie Bars for more ways to enjoy this beloved fruit. Happy baking!
