If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that perfectly balances moist, fruity comfort with rich, buttery indulgence, you’ve found it with this Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe. Imagine the tender, banana-infused crumb of banana bread transformed into decadent brownies, topped with a luscious frosting made from browned butter that adds a deep, nutty flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Every bite offers that magical harmony of familiar warmth and surprising richness, making it an absolute favorite to share (or keep all to yourself!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is key to nailing the perfect texture and flavor of these brownies. Each component plays its own vital role, from the sweetness and moisture to the soft crumb and that irresistible nutty finish.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly while helping with moisture retention for soft brownies.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tangy richness and boosts the tender crumb of the brownies.
- 1/2 cup butter: Provides buttery goodness and a delicate base flavor in the batter.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and add structure without heaviness.
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed: The star! They bring natural sweetness, moisture, and that classic banana bread taste.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic depth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The framework for the brownies, balancing softness and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the brownies rise and creates that desirable light texture.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Brightens flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and a toasty contrast to the soft batter.
- 1/2 cup butter (for frosting): To brown and give the frosting its signature nutty, caramelized flavor.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting into a silky finish.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting): A splash of warm aroma for the frosting.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to perfect spreadability.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by greasing it generously and dusting with flour. This ensures your banana bread brownies will release perfectly when baked, giving you clean edges and an inviting presentation every single time.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until the mixture is luxuriously creamy. This step is crucial because it integrates air into the batter, giving the brownies a tender crumb and smooth texture you’ll notice in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Bananas and Vanilla
Next, gently stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. The bananas bring so much moisture and natural sweetness, while the vanilla magnifies all the flavors in the batter, elevating this treat from ordinary to unforgettable.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Nuts
Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can toughen your brownies, so be gentle. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts for a gratifying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender banana bread texture.
Step 5: Bake Your Brownies
Spread the lush batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the surface turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out spotless. This short yet precise baking time ensures they remain moist and fudge-like without drying out.
Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Frosting
While your brownies bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and gives off a gorgeous nutty aroma. Be sure to watch carefully! Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. This frosting is the pièce de résistance, bringing rich complexity and sweetness to complement the banana brownies.
Step 7: Frost and Cool
Immediately spread the brown butter frosting over the warm brownies. The heat helps the frosting meld into the surface, creating a shiny, irresistible layer. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares—patience here rewards you with clean cuts and maximum flavor.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon can add that extra touch of charm. Fresh banana slices elegantly placed on top, just before serving, can visually tie the flavors together and hint at the luscious banana inside.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the richness. A bright, tangy berry compote also pairs beautifully, bringing a fruity contrast that complements both the banana and brown butter notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, cut the Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden platter. Alternatively, layer chunks of these brownies with mascarpone and fresh fruit in clear dessert cups for an elegant parfait that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover banana bread brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The frosting stays luscious without hardening, and the flavors deepen beautifully when given a day to meld.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
Warm individual brownies for about 10 seconds in the microwave to revive that freshly baked feeling. The brown butter frosting will soften delightfully, making each bite just as heavenly as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in this Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet treat, but keep in mind the frosting is quite sweet, so balance accordingly to maintain that perfect harmony of flavors.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture, but if you only have underripe bananas, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or a tomato for a day or two. Alternatively, use banana puree from frozen ripe bananas.
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Definitely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts would work wonderfully here. Just toast them lightly to bring out their oils and enhance the nutty flavor, which will complement the brown butter frosting beautifully.
Is the frosting too rich for some tastes?
If the brown butter frosting feels too rich, try reducing the butter slightly or use less powdered sugar for a lighter glaze. Another option is to serve the brownies without frosting and dust with cinnamon sugar instead.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swapping the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend works well. Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe is an absolute treasure in the baking world—combining nostalgic comfort with an exciting twist that will wow everyone at your table. Once you make them, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a cherished favorite. So go ahead, grab those ripe bananas and butter, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of pure joy!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting combine the moist, flavorful goodness of banana bread with the rich, decadent texture of brownies. Topped with a luscious brown butter frosting, this dessert is perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Brownies
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Brown Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Add bananas and vanilla: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with flavor.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture.
- Bake the brownies: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the surface is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare brown butter frosting: While the brownies bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, cooking it until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and cool: Spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the warm brownies directly after baking. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into 18 servings.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- The walnuts can be omitted or substituted with pecans if preferred.
- Be careful not to overbake to maintain moist brownies.
- Brown butter frosting adds a rich, nutty flavor but can be replaced with cream cheese frosting for a different taste.
- Ensure the brownies are cooled before cutting to achieve clean slices.
