If you’re craving a delightful dessert that marries the moist, comforting flavors of banana bread with the rich decadence of brownies, you have to try this Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe. It brings together the best of both worlds: tender, banana-infused brownies topped with a luscious frosting made from browned butter that adds a nutty depth you won’t forget. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and appearance, resulting in a treat that looks as good as it tastes.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the banana flavor.
- 1/2 cup butter: Brings richness and helps the batter bind together.
- 2 eggs: Essential for structure and that perfect fudgy consistency.
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and moistness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure for dense yet moist brownies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the brownies rise just enough for a soft texture.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty undertones.
- 1/2 cup butter (for frosting): Browned to create a rich, nutty base for the frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting): Provides extra depth and warmth to the frosting.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting’s texture for easy spreading.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan. This step ensures your brownies will bake evenly and come out cleanly without sticking, making that perfect presentation much easier.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This combination lays the groundwork for a moist, tender batter that will keep your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe irresistibly soft.
Step 3: Add Bananas and Vanilla
Gently stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract. The bananas infuse this recipe with a natural sweetness and a rich, fruity aroma, while the vanilla ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Walnuts
Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid a tough texture. Fold in the chopped walnuts last, adding a crunchy contrast that balances the brownies’ softness perfectly.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know the brownies are done when the top turns a lovely golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell at this point is simply heavenly.
Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Frosting
While the brownies bake, melt the 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to brown gently. The butter takes on a nutty aroma and deeper flavor that elevates the frosting dramatically. Then whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is smooth and luscious.
Step 7: Frost and Cool
Spread the warm frosting over the freshly baked brownies. This allows the frosting to melt slightly, seeping into every crevice for an extra layer of indulgence. Let the whole pan cool completely before cutting into squares to get clean edges and the perfect serving size.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or even some sliced bananas on top right after frosting to add a pretty visual touch and a hint of texture. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can also complement the rich flavors nicely.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic combo. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce make excellent accompaniments that bring brightness and balance to the richness of the bananas and brown butter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the brownies into bite-sized pieces and serve them as part of a dessert platter alongside various nuts, chocolates, and fruit. You can also layer chunks between ice cream sandwiches or crumble them over yogurt for a creative snack or breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the brownies moist and maintains the frosting’s soft texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving for best results. Freezing fully frosted brownies is possible but can affect the frosting’s texture.
Reheating
Warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to revive their softness and enhance the flavor. Avoid overheating to keep the texture just right without melting the frosting into a glaze.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in this Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert, though keep in mind it may affect the moisture and texture slightly. Adjust the frosting sugar accordingly to keep the balance right.
What type of bananas work best for this recipe?
Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal as they are sweeter and softer, which adds natural sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts work wonderfully. Feel free to omit the nuts entirely if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version.
Is it necessary to brown the butter for the frosting?
While you can technically use regular melted butter, browning the butter adds a rich, nutty depth that complements the banana flavor beautifully, making it a key step in this Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe.
How thick should I spread the frosting?
Spread a generous but even layer so that every bite gets a bit of that luscious brown butter frosting without overpowering the banana brownie base. About 1/4 inch thick is perfect for balance.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The combination of moist, flavorful banana brownies with that irresistible brown butter frosting is pure magic. Trust me, whether for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe will bring smiles all around. So grab those ripe bananas and give it a whirl — you won’t regret it!
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Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting combine the rich, moist texture of banana bread with the fudgy decadence of brownies, topped with a luscious brown butter frosting. Perfect for a comforting dessert or snack, this easy-to-make recipe blends ripe bananas, chopped walnuts, and a sweet, creamy frosting for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Brown Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until the mixture is creamy and smooth, forming the base of your batter.
- Add Bananas and Vanilla: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract, incorporating them evenly into the batter for flavor and moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt into the mixture, stirring gently to combine without overmixing. Fold in the chopped walnuts for a pleasant crunch.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Frosting: While the brownies bake, brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat by cooking it until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Cool: Spread the warm brown butter frosting evenly over the freshly baked brownies. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into 18 servings.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe to maximize natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to keep brownies tender.
- Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as it turns golden and smells nutty.
- Cool brownies completely for best frosting texture and neat cutting.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or omitted for nut-free version.
