If you love the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and the rich indulgence of chocolatey brownies but want something a bit different, this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to treat. Picture moist, fudgy bars bursting with banana sweetness and topped with a luscious browned butter frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe combines the best of both worlds in one delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family snacks to impressive potluck contributions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to create a wonderfully textured, flavorful brownie that balances sweet and buttery notes with just a touch of nuttiness when you add walnuts. Each item plays an essential role in achieving that perfect moist crumb and decadent frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the sweetness and helps with browning the batter during baking.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderness for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness to the batter and ensures a tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Act as a binder and add structure to the brownies.
- Ripe bananas: The star of the show, mashed bananas add natural sweetness, moistness, and a lovely fruity flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter, giving these brownies their structure.
- Baking soda: Helps these bars rise just enough and keeps them light.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens flavor complexity.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty depth to complement the soft brownies.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the frosting’s smooth, sweet finish.
- Milk: Used in the frosting to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your banana bread brownies don’t stick — this simple step means easy cleanup and perfectly shaped bars.
Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, sour cream, and softened butter. Cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy; this creates a base that will keep your brownies tender. Then add in the eggs, mashed ripe bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is nicely incorporated. This blend is where the magic begins, as the natural sweetness and moisture from the bananas start to shine.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bringing Wet and Dry Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture so that the batter just comes together. You don’t want to overmix here — gently stirring preserves that soft crumb you’re aiming for. If you love a little crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts at this point for a delightful contrast in texture.
Step 5: Baking Those Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This timing gives you brownies that are moist but hold their shape perfectly.
Step 6: Creating the Brown Butter Frosting
While your brownies are baking, get started on the frosting. Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until it just starts to brown and smells nutty. Be careful not to burn it! Remove the pan from heat, then whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and spreadable — this frosting is a dreamy complement that makes these banana bread brownies truly unique.
Step 7: Frosting and Cooling
Once your banana bread brownies come out of the oven, give them about 5 to 10 minutes to cool just a bit before spreading the warm browned butter frosting evenly over the top. Let the bars cool completely so the frosting can set into that irresistible fudgy layer you’ll fall in love with.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your banana bread brownies even further, try dusting the tops with a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for added texture and visual appeal. A few fresh banana slices or a drizzle of honey can also bring an extra touch of elegance and freshness to the final presentation.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of light whipped cream to balance the rich flavors. A cup of hot coffee or spiced tea also makes a perfect companion to enjoy alongside your banana bread brownies recipe, creating a cozy and satisfying snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these banana bread brownies in a rustic wooden tray for a charming farmhouse vibe at your next gathering or cut them into miniature squares for bite-sized party treats. Layering them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and banana slices adds a fun, creative twist that will impress family and friends alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and it’s hard not to!), store the banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this treat throughout the week without losing any of the delicious texture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the banana bread brownies before frosting them. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen this way, they’ll maintain their quality for up to 3 months, ready to thaw for an easy, quick dessert when you need it most.
Reheating
Warm your brownies slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to revive that freshly baked feel. This is especially delightful if you pair the warmed brownies with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy them alongside a warm beverage for an extra comforting treat.
FAQs
Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt in this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe?
Yes! Plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tang and moisture. Just keep it at a one-to-one ratio, and your brownies will still turn out tender and flavorful.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
For the best taste and texture, very ripe, spotted bananas are ideal. If yours aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing bananas in a paper bag with an apple or a tomato for a day or two to encourage ripening.
Can I make these banana bread brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.
Is it necessary to brown the butter for the frosting?
Browning the butter adds a lovely nutty depth and richness that elevates the frosting. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and use melted butter instead, but the browned butter truly makes the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe special.
How long do these brownies keep refrigerated?
If you store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge, they will keep well for up to one week without losing moisture. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe brings together the best of two beloved desserts in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these moist, flavorful brownies topped with that dreamy browned butter frosting are sure to earn rave reviews. Don’t wait to try making them — your next delicious kitchen adventure is just a recipe away!
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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist and fudgy Banana Bread Brownies featuring ripe bananas mixed into a classic brownie batter, topped with a rich browned butter frosting. This easy-to-make dessert combines the best of banana bread and brownies into one delectable treat, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract; mix well until all are fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents and seasoning.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure tender brownies. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using at this stage.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and cook for 2-3 minutes until the butter just begins to brown, developing a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool slightly for 5-10 minutes. Spread the warm browned butter frosting evenly over the warm brownies.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the frosted brownies to cool completely to let the frosting set into a smooth, fudgy layer. Slice into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
- The browned butter frosting sets as it cools, creating a rich, fudgy topping.
- Store brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend shelf life.
