If you are a fan of both banana bread and brownies, you are about to discover your new ultimate indulgence with this Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe. Imagine the rich, moist texture of banana bread fused perfectly with the dense, fudgy delight of a brownie, topped with a luscious browned butter frosting that adds a nutty, caramelized depth. This dessert is an irresistible crowd-pleaser that combines comforting flavors with a sophisticated twist, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to wow your friends or simply treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary dessert. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s the ripe bananas that bring moisture and sweetness, or the browned butter that gives the frosting its signature nutty flavor and silky texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich fat content for moist brownies and a silky texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a delicate crumb.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Brings moisture and slight tang for balanced flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup): The star of the show, delivering natural sweetness and tender crumb.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that holds the batter together.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the brownies slightly for a subtle lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned: The secret weapon for the frosting’s rich, nutty taste.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting with the perfect consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A final touch to the frosting for warmth and depth.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Used to adjust the frosting’s texture to silky spreadability.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing your baking pan—either 9×9 inches for thicker bars or 9×13 inches if you prefer thinner pieces. This step ensures your brownies come out perfectly without sticking, so you get those clean, satisfying edges.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Then stir in the sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and those lovely mashed ripe bananas. Finally, fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt just until combined. Overmixing can make the texture tough, so gentle is key here—embrace the little lumps of banana for added charm.
Step 3: Bake Until Just Right
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly, then pop it in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly as those bananas and butter work their magic.
Step 4: Make the Browned Butter Frosting
While your brownies cool, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Keep a close eye as it bubbles and changes color—after about 4 to 5 minutes, it will turn a beautiful golden brown and give off an irresistible nutty aroma. Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly before mixing it with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until smooth and spreadable, adding a bit more milk if needed to get the perfect luscious frosting.
Step 5: Frost and Enjoy
Once your banana bread brownies have cooled completely, slather on that decadent browned butter frosting. This last touch turns these bars into pure dessert bliss, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling chopped walnuts, toasted pecans, or even mini chocolate chips over the frosting for a bit of crunch and extra flavor contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can also enhance the warm, comforting notes of this dessert beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these banana bread brownies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent pairing. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea complements the nuts and bananas marvelously, turning simple moments into cozy experiences.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter for parties or gatherings. You could also stack them into a layered dessert with whipped cream and fresh berries between layers for a show-stopping treat that still holds onto the Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe’s charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover banana bread brownies tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep them moist and fresh. Refrigerating them will extend their life and keep that frosting stable, especially in warmer environments.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted banana bread brownies by wrapping individual portions in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frost after thawing for the best texture, or freeze fully frosted if you’re short on time—just bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm your brownies gently in the microwave or oven to revive that fresh-baked feel. If frozen or refrigerated, let them come to room temperature first, then heat for 10 to 15 seconds per serving in the microwave or 5 to 7 minutes in a 300°F oven for a soft, gooey treat.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in the Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly in the batter to suit your taste, but keep in mind the frosting adds sweetness too, so aim for balance to keep that classic flavor everyone loves.
What if I don’t have brown bananas?
Ripe or even slightly underripe bananas will work, though the flavor and sweetness intensify with more overripe bananas. If your bananas are not very ripe, you might want to add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to boost natural sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for one-to-one substitution. Just be aware the texture might vary slightly, but it will still taste amazing.
Is the frosting too sweet or too thick?
You can easily adjust the powdered sugar and milk in the browned butter frosting to get your desired sweetness and consistency. Start with less powdered sugar and add more gradually, thinning with milk by the teaspoon as needed.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Feel free to add mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit into the batter for exciting twists. Swirling in peanut butter or cream cheese before baking can add a delightful surprise as well!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe—combining the best elements of two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just craving something comforting and delicious, this recipe will not disappoint. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the warm smiles that come with sharing these bars fresh from your oven.
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Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, fruity flavor of banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies. Topped with a luscious browned butter frosting, they make a perfect dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and irresistible to eat.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan depending on how thick you want your brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add Sour Cream, Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas: Mix in the sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, making sure everything is fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting to ensure the frosting sets properly.
- Make the Frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook it for about 4–5 minutes until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Mix Frosting Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Brownies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled banana brownies.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- These banana bread brownies store well in the refrigerator and often taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
