Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your home. But have you ever tried turning that classic recipe into brownies? Yes, you read that right—Banana Bread Brownies! This delightful twist on two beloved treats is sure to become a new favorite. And to make it even more irresistible, we’re topping it off with a luscious brown butter frosting.

Why Banana Bread Brownies?

Banana bread and brownies are both comfort foods that many of us grew up with. Combining the two creates a dessert that’s moist, rich, and full of banana flavor, but with the added indulgence of a brownie’s texture. Plus, the brown butter frosting elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Brownies:
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1-3/4 ripe bananas, mashed (3 or 4 bananas)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• For the Brown Butter Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Let’s Get Baking!

1. Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 375°F. Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy. Blend in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt, and blend for 1 minute. If you’re using walnuts, stir them in now.
4. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Make the Frosting: While the brownies are baking, heat the butter for the frosting in a large saucepan over medium heat until boiling. Let the butter turn a delicate brown and remove from heat immediately. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk together until smooth.
6. Frost: Once the brownies are done, use a spatula to spread the brown butter frosting over them while they’re still warm. This makes the frosting easier to spread.

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

These Banana Bread Brownies are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a treat for yourself. The brown butter frosting adds a gourmet touch that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and enjoy the best of both worlds—banana bread and brownies—in one delicious treat!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

1. Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas will give your brownies a stronger banana flavor and a natural sweetness that’s hard to beat.
2. Nut Variations: If walnuts aren’t your thing, you can easily substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips for an extra dose of sweetness.
3. Storage: These brownies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing.
4. Serving Suggestions: These brownies are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a dessert, a snack, or even as a breakfast treat. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
5. Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. However, this will slightly alter the texture and taste.

Why Not Make It a Gift?

If you know someone who loves unique and delicious baked goods, why not turn these Banana Bread Brownies into a gift? Simply bake a batch, let them cool, and package them in a decorative tin or box. Include a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch. It’s a gift that’s sure to be appreciated and remembered.

Ready to Bake?

There you have it—a comprehensive guide to making the most delicious Banana Bread Brownies you’ve ever tasted. With the added decadence of brown butter frosting, this is a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and get baking!