Name: Banana Bread Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: For the Brownies:; 2 large eggs; 3 ripe bananas (mashed); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped); For the Frosting:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons milk (or more, as needed)

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Description of this recipe: These Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts. Imagine the moist, comforting flavors of banana bread swirled into the fudgy, decadent goodness of brownies. This recipe is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a unique treat that will impress your friends and family.

Why you will love this recipe: You’ll adore this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Second, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. And third, the combination of banana bread and brownies is simply irresistible! The caramelized brown butter frosting takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. The moist, dense texture combined with the rich, nutty frosting creates an unforgettable dessert experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Introduction

Banana bread has always been a comfort food classic, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Brownies, on the other hand, are the epitome of chocolatey indulgence. What happens when you combine these two iconic desserts? You get Banana Bread Brownies – a delightful hybrid that’s both comforting and decadent.

This recipe isn’t just about throwing bananas into a brownie mix. It’s about creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The bananas add moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the walnuts contribute a satisfying crunch. The real magic, however, lies in the brown butter frosting. Browning the butter before incorporating it into the frosting adds a nutty, caramelized depth of flavor that elevates these brownies from simple to extraordinary.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party or a comforting treat to enjoy on a cozy night in, these Banana Bread Brownies are sure to hit the spot. So, grab those ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a baking adventure!

Ingredients:

For the Brownies:

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

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk (or more, as needed)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 13 x 9 inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light and creamy. This step is crucial for creating a tender brownie base. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas and sugar.

Step 3: Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the mixture. Gently blend until well combined. Ensure the bananas are fully mashed to avoid any lumps in the batter. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent texture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.

Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. The walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the banana and brown butter flavors.

Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Ensure the batter is distributed uniformly for even baking.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to keep an eye on the brownies.

Step 8: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly until warm (but not hot) before frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting and running off the brownies.

Step 9: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the brown butter frosting. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns a medium brown color and emits a nutty aroma. Watch carefully, as browned butter can burn quickly. The key to perfect brown butter is patience and vigilance. The transformation from melted butter to browned butter is a delicate process that requires constant attention.

Step 10: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, adding milk gradually to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. The amount of milk required may vary depending on the humidity and the consistency of the powdered sugar. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 11: Pour the brown butter frosting over the warm banana bread brownies. Spread the frosting evenly with a spatula, ensuring every corner is covered.

Step 12: Allow the frosted brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will allow the frosting to set and prevent the brownies from crumbling when cut.

COOKING Rating:

Easy to Medium

Serving Suggestions:

These Banana Bread Brownies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, fudgy brownies perfectly.
Drizzled with caramel sauce: The sweet, buttery caramel sauce adds an extra layer of decadence.
With a sprinkle of sea salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the sweetness of the brownies and the nutty flavor of the brown butter frosting.
Paired with a cup of coffee or tea: The warm, comforting flavors of the brownies pair perfectly with a hot beverage.

Tips:

Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the brownies will be.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
Brown the butter carefully: Watch the butter closely while it’s browning to prevent it from burning.
Cool completely before cutting: This will prevent the brownies from crumbling and ensure clean cuts.
Add chocolate chips: For an extra chocolatey kick, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
Store properly: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Approximate values per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 200mg

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Brownies are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of banana bread and brownies is simply irresistible, and the brown butter frosting takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas tend to be softer and more watery than fresh bananas, so draining the excess liquid is important to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.

Q2: Can I substitute the walnuts with another type of nut?

A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy, you can easily substitute them with another type of nut, such as pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces as the walnuts.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make these brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and prevent the brownies from becoming too crumbly.

Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

A: Definitely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the chocolate flavor of these brownies. You can add about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the walnuts. Feel free to use any type of chocolate chips you prefer, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate.

Q5: How should I store leftover brownies?

A: To store leftover brownies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If storing in the refrigerator, the brownies may become slightly drier, so you can warm them up slightly before serving to restore their moistness.

Banana Bread Brownies

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

For the Brownies:
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas mashed
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts chopped
For the Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk or more, as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 13 x 9 inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light and creamy. This step is crucial for creating a tender brownie base. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas and sugar.
Step 3: Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the mixture. Gently blend until well combined. Ensure the bananas are fully mashed to avoid any lumps in the batter. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent texture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. The walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the banana and brown butter flavors.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Ensure the batter is distributed uniformly for even baking.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to keep an eye on the brownies.
Step 8: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly until warm (but not hot) before frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting and running off the brownies.
Step 9: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the brown butter frosting. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns a medium brown color and emits a nutty aroma. Watch carefully, as browned butter can burn quickly. The key to perfect brown butter is patience and vigilance. The transformation from melted butter to browned butter is a delicate process that requires constant attention.
Step 10: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, adding milk gradually to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. The amount of milk required may vary depending on the humidity and the consistency of the powdered sugar. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 11: Pour the brown butter frosting over the warm banana bread brownies. Spread the frosting evenly with a spatula, ensuring every corner is covered.
Step 12: Allow the frosted brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will allow the frosting to set and prevent the brownies from crumbling when cut.