There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the house, mingling with the rich, warm aroma of a decadent brownie. This recipe for Banana Bread Brownies captures the best of both worlds, transforming the classic flavors of banana bread into a scrumptious, gooey brownie bar topped with a luscious brown butter frosting. If you’ve ever faced the delightful dilemma of choosing between banana bread and brownies, this recipe provides a delectable solution.
I first discovered this hybrid treat during a particularly rainy weekend. I was rummaging through my overripe banana stash, pondering how to use them up, when I stumbled upon a recipe for banana bread brownies. Curious and intrigued, I decided to give it a try. The result was a batch of brownies that combined the moist richness of banana bread with the dense, fudgy texture of brownies, all topped with a nutty, buttery frosting. Each bite was a revelation, a blend of familiar flavors with an exciting new twist. It quickly became a favorite in my home, perfect for both casual snacking and special occasions.
Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you. It’s a wonderful treat to bake for family gatherings, to share with friends, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone looking to try something new, these Banana Bread Brownies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to make this delightful fusion dessert.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
½ cup butter
2 eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped walnuts
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
½ cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
Directions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature for even baking.
Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan. If you prefer, you can also line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier to lift the brownies out later.
2. Mix the Brownie Batter
Cream the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup butter, and 2 eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Incorporate Bananas and Vanilla: Blend in 4 mashed ripe bananas and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until the bananas are fully incorporated into the batter.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, blending for about 1 minute until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense brownies.
Stir in Walnuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts. If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, you can omit them or substitute with chocolate chips or dried fruit for a different twist.
3. Bake the Brownies
Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter will be thick, so take your time to smooth it out.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The brownies are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for a few minutes before frosting.
4. Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting
Brown the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to cook until it becomes a deep golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.
Make the Frosting: Remove the browned butter from the heat and add 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons milk. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth. The frosting should be thicker than a glaze but thinner than traditional frosting. Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more milk if necessary.
5. Frost the Brownies
Spread the Frosting: While the brownies are still warm, use a spatula to spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the top. The warmth of the brownies will help the frosting spread smoothly and adhere well.
Cool Completely: Allow the frosted brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will make the brownies easier to cut and help the frosting set.
Variations and Substitutions
Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version. You can also substitute with chocolate chips or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added texture and sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a dairy-free milk in the frosting.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices or extracts. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract can provide unique flavor profiles.
For Extra Sweetness: If you like your brownies extra sweet, you can add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle extra melted chocolate over the frosted brownies.
