Banana Bread Brownies – Moist, Flavorful, and Easy to Make Recipe
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, flavorful goodness of banana bread with the rich indulgence of brownies. Topped with a luscious brown butter frosting, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for a comforting treat or a special occasion.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Banana Bread Bars:
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¾ cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 to 4 bananas)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional for a delightful crunch)
Brown Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan to ensure your bars come out effortlessly.
- Mix the Banana Bread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, blending until well combined. Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix for about 1 minute until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. If desired, stir in the chopped walnuts for added texture.
- Pour and Spread the Batter: Transfer the batter into the greased and floured pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting: While the bars are baking, heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt and bubble, watching carefully as it turns a golden-brown color with a nutty aroma. Remove the butter from heat immediately to prevent burning. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly but remain warm. Spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the bars while still warm for the best flavor absorption.
Notes
- You can omit walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version.
- Be careful when browning the butter; constant attention is needed to avoid burning.
- The bars should be slightly warm when frosting to allow the frosting to melt and soak in for enhanced flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To adjust sweetness, you can reduce sugar slightly if desired.
Keywords: banana bread brownies, banana brownies, brown butter frosting, easy banana dessert, moist banana bread bars, baked banana treat