If you have a soft spot for rich, moist, and irresistibly flavorful treats, then you will absolutely adore this Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe. Combining the cozy, comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the fudgy, dense texture of a brownie, this recipe elevates both with a divine browned butter frosting that adds a nutty, caramelized note. It’s like getting your two favorite desserts in one extraordinary bite, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth craving or impressing guests with a twist on a traditional favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and texture. These simple staples come together to deliver a beautifully tender banana bread brownie with a luxurious frosting that’s smooth, glossy, and bursting with buttery flavor.
- Unsalted butter for the brownies: Melted butter brings richness and moisture, making the brownies tender and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping to achieve a slightly crisp edge on the brownies.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor and tenderness.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to a soft, cakey texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that complements the bananas beautifully.
- Ripe bananas: Mashed to bring natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies without weighing them down.
- Baking soda: Helps the brownies rise properly for the perfect crumb.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter for the frosting: Browned to add a nutty, caramel flavor that takes the frosting to new heights.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a silky finish.
- Milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your baking pan (9×9-inch or 9×13-inch depending on how thick you want your brownies). Prepping the pan in advance ensures your banana bread brownies will release easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until completely smooth and glossy. Then, stir in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Finally, add in your ripe mashed bananas, folding them gently to maintain some texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until combined—overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want to keep them tender and soft.
Step 4: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely before moving on to frosting.
Step 5: Make the Browned Butter Frosting
To make the frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep cooking until the butter foams and turns golden brown with a delicious nutty aroma, around 4 to 5 minutes—this step is the flavor superstar of the recipe. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable. Add more milk if necessary to reach the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Frost and Enjoy
Spread the browned butter frosting evenly over the cooled banana bread brownies. The frosting sets beautifully, creating a luscious top layer that perfectly complements the tender brownie beneath.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped walnuts or toasted pecans on top adds delightful crunch and a rustic touch that pairs beautifully with the nutty frosting. If you want an extra pop of chocolate, mini chocolate chips scattered over the frosting work wonders too.
Side Dishes
These banana bread brownies are delightful on their own, but if you’re serving them at a gathering, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to transform your dessert experience. A cup of hot coffee or a creamy latte also makes an excellent companion to enhance the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares served on a wooden board alongside fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation. Or stack a few layers with frosting between them for a playful brownie “cake” that’s sure to wow your friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your banana bread brownies with browned butter frosting keep fabulously in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies before frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature and frost when ready to serve for the freshest taste.
Reheating
If you prefer warm brownies, microwave individual pieces for 10 to 15 seconds to soften them slightly. Avoid reheating the frosted side directly too much as it can melt the frosting, but a gentle warming enhances the gooey banana bread brownie experience.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they are sweeter and softer, which intensifies the banana flavor and helps create a moist texture in the brownies.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar for structure, and the texture will be just as delicious.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Adding about 1/2 cup of walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter adds delightful texture and extra bursts of flavor that pair beautifully with the banana and browned butter.
How do I prevent the frosting from cracking?
Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before frosting, and spread the frosting gently. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to keep it smooth and creamy.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the browned butter frosting ahead and store it in the fridge. Rewhip or stir it gently before spreading to restore its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Banana Bread Brownies with Browned Butter Frosting Recipe that makes it a standout in the world of baked goods. Whether for a cozy family dessert or a special occasion, these brownies bring together nostalgia and gourmet flair in every bite. I genuinely encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite treat that everyone will ask for again and again.
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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 classic banana bread with the dense, fudgy texture of brownies. Topped with a rich, nutty browned butter frosting, they make a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan to your preferred brownie thickness.
- Mix the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar together until smooth and well combined. Then mix in sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas thoroughly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the texture tender.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Browned Butter Frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook it until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine Frosting Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth and spreadable. Add additional milk, if needed, to achieve desired consistency.
- Frost the Brownies: Spread the browned butter frosting evenly over the cooled banana brownies. Slice and serve.
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 develop even better flavor the next day.
