If you’re looking to combine the moist, comforting flavors of banana bread with the rich, indulgent texture of a brownie, then the Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This delightful treat brings together the best of both worlds: soft mashed bananas that add natural sweetness and moisture, alongside a dense, fudgy brownie base, all topped with a luscious brown butter frosting that perfectly balances nutty warmth with creamy sweetness. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a bite for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite that sparks joy with every rich, tender bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a key role in crafting the ultimate Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe. From the ripe bananas providing natural sweetness and moisture to the butter’s richness, every component works harmoniously for texture, flavor, and that irresistible appearance.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a tender crumb.
- 1 cup sour cream: Enhances moistness and adds a slight tang for depth.
- 1/2 cup butter: Brings richness to the batter and a beautiful golden color when baked.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the brownie’s structure.
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient—delivers natural sweetness and soft texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for the batter’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the brownies rise and keeps them tender.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a pleasant crunch and nutty contrast.
- 1/2 cup butter (for frosting): Browned to bring rich, nutty flavor in the frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds a smooth, aromatic note.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Balances consistency in the frosting for easy spreading.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan to ensure your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe come out clean and perfect every time. This step prevents sticking and helps with even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy and well combined. This mixture forms the base that will ensure a soft, moist brownie with a velvety crumb.
Step 3: Add the Bananas and Vanilla
Next, stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. These ingredients infuse the batter with that unforgettable banana sweetness and warm aroma that make this recipe stand out.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Nuts
Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring just until everything comes together—overmixing can toughen the brownies. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The brownies should turn golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, signaling they’re perfectly baked.
Step 6: Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting
While the brownies bake, it’s time to create that show-stopping brown butter frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt and brown the butter, which introduces a rich, nutty flavor you won’t find in ordinary frostings. Once browned, whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth, creamy, and ready to spread.
Step 7: Frost Your Brownies
Spread the frosting evenly over the warm brownies so it melts slightly into the top layer, creating a luscious glaze. Let the entire pan cool before slicing to let the frosting set beautifully and ensure clean servings.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of elegance and texture, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon atop the frosting. Fresh banana slices or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the experience, making your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe look as fantastic as they taste.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add creamy richness. A cup of rich coffee or a mildly sweetened chai tea also complements the deep banana and brown butter flavors perfectly for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe in rustic wooden trays for a cozy gathering or cut into bite-sized squares arranged on a tiered dessert stand for a party display. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming homemade gifts that anyone would adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and delicious. For longer storage, refrigerate to preserve freshness but bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for best flavor and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies uncut in a tightly wrapped foil or airtight container for up to two months. To freeze with frosting, chill the brownies until the frosting firms up, then flash freeze on a tray before wrapping—this prevents the frosting from sticking or smudging.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that soft, freshly baked sensation. Be careful not to overheat so the frosting doesn’t melt away completely. Enjoy them as if they just came out of your oven!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great for the Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe. Just thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before mashing to maintain the right batter consistency.
What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
If nuts are off-limits, feel free to leave them out completely or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a bit of crunch without the allergy concern.
Is the frosting very sweet with all that powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar balances the nuttiness of the brown butter, but if you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can slightly reduce the sugar or add a pinch of salt to mellow the sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup to keep the texture and structure just right in the Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe.
How ripe should bananas be for the best flavor?
For the tastiest outcome, use bananas that are very ripe, with lots of brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful the brownies will be.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way the Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe blends classic comfort with a touch of gourmet charm. Every bite is a celebration of rich flavors, soft textures, and that home-baked love you can almost taste. I cannot recommend this recipe enough for your next baking adventure—get ready to impress everyone who tries it and enjoy every delicious moment yourself!
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
Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Bread Brownies topped with a rich, creamy Brown Butter Frosting. Perfectly combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the nutty crunch of walnuts and the decadence of browned butter frosting, this dessert is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Add Bananas and Vanilla: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Then gently fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Brown Butter Frosting: While the brownies are baking, brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a deep golden color and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are out of the oven, spread the warm frosting evenly over the top. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender.
- Allow the frosting to cool slightly if it becomes too thin, then re-whisk before spreading.
- Walnuts can be omitted or substituted with pecans if preferred.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
