Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting

These Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate combination of moist, flavorful banana bread and rich, decadent brownies. Topped with a luscious brown butter frosting, this recipe is perfect for any banana lover. The brownies are tender and full of banana flavor, while the brown butter frosting adds a nutty, caramel-like sweetness that makes each bite irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Brownies:

  • 1½ cups (300 g) sugar
  • 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
  • ½ cup (115 g) butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Brown Butter Frosting:

  • ½ cup (115 g) butter
  • 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Banana Bread Brownie Batter

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together 1½ cups of sugar, 1 cup of sour cream, and ½ cup of softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs and bananas: Beat in the 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon of salt.
  5. Mix the batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing. If using, stir in the ½ cup of chopped walnuts for added texture.
  6. Pour the batter: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

2. Bake the Brownies

  1. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish while you prepare the frosting.

3. Make the Brown Butter Frosting

  1. Brown the butter: In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it—once it reaches the right color and smell, immediately remove it from the heat.
  2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually whisk in 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Frost the Brownies

  1. Spread the frosting: While the brownies are still slightly warm, spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. The warmth from the brownies will help the frosting spread smoothly and set into a glossy layer.

5. Serve

  1. Slice and serve: Once the frosting has set, slice the brownies into squares and enjoy. These banana bread brownies are perfect as a dessert, snack, or even for breakfast!

Tips for Success

  • Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
  • Brown the butter carefully: Browning butter adds a deep, nutty flavor to the frosting, but be sure to watch it closely as it can burn quickly.
  • Chilling the brownies: For a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the brownies after frosting for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugars: 40 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting offer the perfect mix of moist banana bread and rich, indulgent brownies. Topped with the nutty sweetness of brown butter frosting, they’re a hit for any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. The combination of banana, vanilla, and brown butter creates a deliciously memorable dessert that’s hard to resist!