Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect blend of two classic desserts—moist banana bread and rich, chewy brownies. These sweet squares are incredibly soft, bursting with banana flavor, and topped with a luscious brown butter frosting that elevates every bite. Whether you’re a banana bread lover or a brownie enthusiast, this recipe combines the best of both worlds into one indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Brownies:
2 eggs
3 bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Frosting:
1/2 cup butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

For the Brownies:

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan
In a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy
Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract
Add flour, baking soda, and salt, then blend the mixture for 1 minute
Fold in chopped walnuts
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan
Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown
Let the brownies cool slightly (they should be warm, not hot) before adding frosting

For the Frosting:

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat
Continue heating until the butter turns a light golden brown, then remove from heat
Gradually whisk in powdered sugar
Add milk a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency
Stir in vanilla extract
Immediately pour the frosting over the warm brownies
Smooth the top with a spatula or butter knife
Let cool completely before cutting into squares

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

Serve the banana bread brownies at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
For an elegant presentation, cut into clean squares once fully cooled.
Pair with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of coffee for a delicious dessert or snack.

Storage Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer freshness, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw frozen brownies at room temperature for several hours or warm them briefly in the microwave for a soft, gooey texture.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Brownies
Add 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter before baking. The chocolate melts into the soft banana base, giving every bite an extra indulgent, gooey texture.

Nut-Free Version
Omit the walnuts entirely if you prefer a smooth, nut-free brownie. You can substitute with sunflower seeds or leave them out for a more banana bread-like consistency.

Cinnamon Spice Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana and brown butter frosting.

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter onto the batter once it’s in the pan. Swirl it through using a knife before baking. The peanut butter adds a rich, nutty layer of flavor.

Cream Cheese Frosting Alternative
Replace the brown butter frosting with a tangy cream cheese frosting made from 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. This balances the sweetness with a slight tang.

Vegan Banana Bread Brownies
Substitute eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water), use dairy-free butter and sour cream alternatives, and choose a plant-based milk for the frosting.

Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure all other ingredients (like baking soda and vanilla) are gluten-free certified if needed.

Caramel Drizzle Finish
After frosting, drizzle with warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty combination that’s irresistible.

Extra Moist Yogurt Swap
Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and even more moisture in the brownies.

Berry Banana Brownies
Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist that works beautifully with the banana base and frosting.

FAQs

1. Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes, overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal. They’re softer, sweeter, and add more moisture and flavor to the brownies.

2. What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk for a similar creamy texture and slight tang.

3. Can I make these brownies without the frosting?
Absolutely. The brownies are delicious on their own, but the brown butter frosting adds a rich, nutty sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.

4. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.

5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them 1–2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

6. Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
No, a hand whisk or spoon works just fine. The batter comes together easily with minimal equipment.

7. Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes. Cut into squares, wrap individually, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

8. What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
Chopped walnuts are classic, but pecans or hazelnuts also work well. Toasting them beforehand enhances their flavor.

9. How can I make the frosting thicker or thinner?
Adjust the amount of milk. Add more milk (a teaspoon at a time) to thin it, or more powdered sugar to thicken.

10. Why did my frosting turn out gritty?
This can happen if the powdered sugar isn’t fully incorporated or if the butter was too hot. Be sure to whisk thoroughly and let the butter cool slightly before adding sugar.

Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting are an unforgettable dessert that blends comfort and indulgence into every bite. They’re quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a new twist on a beloved classic.

Banana Bread Brownies

Author: Lusine Svetlana

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