Name: Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups sugar; 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup butter (softened); 1¾ cups ripe bananas (mashed); 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional); ½ cup butter; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons milk

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If you adore the comforting flavors of banana bread and crave the rich indulgence of chocolate brownies, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with the Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe. This decadent treat brilliantly combines the moist, fruity goodness of ripe bananas with the fudgy texture of classic brownies, topped with a luxuriously nutty brown butter frosting that takes every bite to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a unique twist that will warm hearts and satisfy every sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows close-up slices of a chocolate cake with two visible layers; the bottom layer is a dark, moist, and spongy chocolate base, while the top layer is covered with round banana slices and scattered whole walnut pieces on a crumbly, light brown topping. The cake has a soft texture with visible chocolate chunks inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this recipe is a breeze since the ingredients are simple and familiar, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the ripe bananas lending natural sweetness and moisture to the walnuts adding a delightful crunch, every component is essential in crafting these irresistible Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe.

Sugar (1½ cups): Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds moisture and keeps the brownies delightfully soft.
Butter, softened (½ cup): Offers rich flavor and helps bind the batter.
Ripe bananas, mashed (1¾ cups): Infuses natural sweetness and a moist texture.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives structure and the right density to the brownies.
Chopped walnuts (½ cup, optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and depth of flavor.
Butter for frosting (½ cup): Browned to deepen the flavor of the frosting.
Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Vanilla extract (1½ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
Milk (3 Tbsp): Balances the frosting for a smooth, spreadable consistency.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 15×10 inch baking pan generously to ensure your brownies release easily after baking. This step helps guarantee a golden-brown crust as the brownies bake evenly.

Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and mashed ripe bananas. Stir these ingredients until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth—this creamy base sets the tone for a moist brownie that’s bursting with banana flavor.

Step 3: Adding Dry Ingredients and Nuts

Next, add the all-purpose flour along with your baking soda and salt into the wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps your brownies tender. If you love a bit of crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts here—this adds a lovely texture contrast that’s hard to resist.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown surface with edges just starting to pull away from the pan. This signals that your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe are baked to perfection.

Step 5: Preparing the Brown Butter Frosting

While the brownies are baking, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until your frosting is silky smooth and thick enough to spread. This frosting elevates the classic banana bread brownie to something truly extraordinary.

Step 6: Frosting and Cooling

As soon as your brownies come out of the oven and are still warm, spread the brown butter frosting evenly on top. Allow the brownies to cool completely so the frosting sets nicely before slicing. This step ensures each piece is coated with that rich, buttery frosting that melts in your mouth.

How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

The image shows thick rectangular slices of a chocolate cake with a moist texture, layered with pieces of banana and sprinkled with walnut chunks on top. Each slice has a dark brown color with visible banana slices embedded near the surface, their pale yellow standing out. The walnuts add a rougher pale brown texture on top, spread evenly across each piece. The cake looks soft with a crumbly top layer around the banana and nuts. It is resting on a light tan parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, try sprinkling chopped toasted walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on the frosting to add a touch of texture and enhance the warm flavors. A few thin banana slices on top also make for a charming and tasty garnish.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the richness. If you prefer beverages, a hot cup of coffee or chai tea complements the flavors perfectly, making it an ideal afternoon treat or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, cut your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter with fresh berries for a pop of color. You could also layer them in a jar with layers of frosting for individual portions that look as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover brownies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them moist and prevents the frosting from drying out. They typically stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick grab-and-go treats.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies to enjoy later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you like your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe slightly warm, reheat them briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the frosting and revives the banana flavor beautifully without melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter for the frosting?

Yes, you can use regular butter, but browning it adds a lovely nutty richness that transforms the frosting, making it a highlight of this recipe. It’s definitely worth the extra step!

What is the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor. Mash them with a fork or potato masher until they’re smooth but still slightly chunky to give the brownies some texture.

Can I omit the walnuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer a nut-free version or if you have allergies. The brownies will still be delicious and moist without them.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just ensure it has xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it to maintain the right texture.

How long will these brownies stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, these brownies will last up to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to bring them back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe that makes it stand out from any ordinary dessert. The harmony of banana’s sweetness, the soft brownie texture, and that dreamy, nutty frosting combines to create a treat you won’t want to share—although everyone will be asking for your secret! I encourage you to try this recipe soon; it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire.