Banana Bread Brownies bring together the best of two beloved desserts rich, chocolatey brownies and moist, flavorful banana bread. These bars are incredibly soft and chewy, with a deep banana flavor complemented by a luscious brown butter frosting that adds a nutty, caramelized richness. Every bite melts in your mouth, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Perfect as an afternoon snack, a party dessert, or even a comforting sweet breakfast, these banana bread brownies are sure to be a crowd favorite. With simple ingredients and an easy baking process, you can whip up these decadent treats in no time. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or alongside a cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread Brownies:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 3/4 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 to 4 bananas)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
- Blend in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt, and mix for one minute until well combined. If using, fold in chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
For the Frosting:
6. While the brownies are baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to boil until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from heat immediately.
7. Stir in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, whisking until smooth. The frosting should be slightly thick but spreadable.
8. Spread the warm brown butter frosting over the freshly baked banana bread brownies while they are still warm for the best texture.
9. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal per bar | Servings: 24 large bars
Banana Bread Brownies: The Ultimate Fusion of Two Classic Desserts
Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful combination of two beloved desserts classic banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies. These treats bring the moist texture and sweet flavor of banana bread together with the dense, chewy goodness of brownies, all topped with an irresistible brown butter frosting. The result is a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent, making it a must try for anyone who loves to bake.
In this article, we’ll explore the appeal of Banana Bread Brownies, why they work so well, tips for making them perfect, and variations to suit different dietary needs. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a casual snack, or a sweet breakfast treat, these brownies are sure to impress.
Why Are Banana Bread Brownies So Special?
Banana Bread Brownies offer the best of both worlds moist banana infused texture and the rich, chewy consistency of brownies. Traditional banana bread is known for its soft and slightly dense crumb, often enjoyed as a breakfast item or snack. On the other hand, brownies are a favorite for their fudgy, chocolatey bite. By blending these two elements, you get a hybrid dessert that’s incredibly satisfying.
What truly sets these brownies apart is the brown butter frosting. Brown butter, made by cooking butter until the milk solids turn golden brown, adds a deep, nutty, and slightly caramelized flavor. When combined with powdered sugar and vanilla, it transforms into a silky frosting that elevates the dessert to another level.
The Secret to Moist and Chewy Brownies
The key to achieving the perfect texture in Banana Bread Brownies lies in a few essential techniques:
- Using Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas (with plenty of brown spots) are naturally sweeter and provide a deeper banana flavor while adding moisture to the batter.
- Balancing Wet and Dry Ingredients – The addition of sour cream ensures that the brownies remain soft and tender, preventing them from becoming dry. Butter adds richness, while eggs provide structure.
- Mixing with Care – Overmixing the batter can result in dense or tough brownies. It’s best to mix just until the ingredients are incorporated for a perfectly soft texture.
- Even Baking Temperature – Baking at 375°F ensures that the brownies cook through evenly without becoming overly dry or crisp on the edges.
The Magic of Brown Butter Frosting
While these brownies are delicious on their own, the brown butter frosting takes them to another level. The process of browning butter enhances its flavor, creating a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweet, banana filled brownies.
To make the frosting, butter is melted and cooked over medium heat until it turns a golden brown color. It’s then mixed with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a creamy frosting that spreads effortlessly over warm brownies. The result is a glossy, rich topping that sets slightly as it cools, providing a perfect contrast to the soft brownie base.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Banana Bread Brownies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Warm with Ice Cream – Enjoy them straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.
- With a Cup of Coffee – Their rich, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, making them a great afternoon snack.
- Topped with Nuts or Chocolate Chips – For added texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips over the frosting before it sets.
- Drizzled with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce – Enhance the flavor by drizzling warm caramel or melted chocolate over the brownies before serving.
Variations to Try
Banana Bread Brownies are easy to customize based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a high quality gluten free flour blend instead of all purpose flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten free.
- Dairy-Free Option – Substitute butter with plant based butter and use a dairy free alternative like almond milk for the frosting.
- Chocolate Banana Brownies – Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey twist.
- Nut-Free Variation – Omit the walnuts if you have nut allergies or replace them with dried fruit for added texture.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
There are many reasons to bake these Banana Bread Brownies:
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these brownies come together quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just as a personal treat, these brownies are always a hit.
- Great Use for Overripe Bananas – Instead of throwing away overripe bananas, you can turn them into something delicious.
- Rich and Satisfying – The combination of banana bread and brownies creates a dessert that is both light and indulgent, satisfying any sweet craving.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – The unique taste of bananas paired with a buttery frosting makes these brownies a standout treat.
Conclusion:
Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate fusion dessert that brings together the comforting taste of banana bread with the chewy richness of brownies. Their soft, moist texture, combined with the sweet and nutty brown butter frosting, makes them a truly special treat. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is one that you’ll want to keep in your collection. The next time you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, give these brownies a try you won’t regret it!