Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the comfort of classic banana bread and the indulgence of frosted brownies, these Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting are your new sweet spot. This luscious dessert captures everything you love about moist banana bread, kicks up the decadence with a rich, nutty brown butter frosting, and slices into irresistible bars that vanish fast at any gathering. It’s a recipe I come back to time and again—simple enough for a weeknight treat, yet show-stopping enough for a special occasion—offering the very best of both banana and brownie worlds in one delightful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these brownies has a job to do—the bananas bring moisture and flavor, the sour cream guarantees tenderness, and that brown butter frosting steals the show with its deep, toasty notes. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Unsalted Butter (softened & for browning): Adds richness to both the brownies and the frosting; browning for the frosting creates an irresistible nutty aroma.
- Granulated Sugar: Lends sweetness and a light, tender crumb to the brownies.
- Sour Cream: The secret weapon for ultra-moist, melt-in-your-mouth brownies.
- Large Eggs: Hold everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts the natural flavors in both the brownies and the frosting.
- Mashed Ripe Bananas: Brings natural sweetness, a delightful flavor, and heavenly moisture—brown bananas work best!
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to create a sturdy, bar-like texture without making them heavy.
- Baking Soda: Gives a gentle lift so your brownies are tender, not dense.
- Salt: A pinch makes all the flavors pop and keeps things from being too sweet.
- Powdered Sugar: Makes the frosting creamy, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet.
- Milk: Loosens up the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by bringing your butter to room temperature—this ensures a smooth, creamy batter. Mash your bananas until they’re nearly lump-free for even moisture throughout.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy—this aerates the mixture and sets the stage for fudgy, soft brownies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. The batter will look creamy and a little pale. Now, add your mashed bananas and beat just until blended; don’t worry if the batter looks a bit textured from the banana.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Avoid over-mixing; stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain for the softest brownies possible.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Let them cool just slightly before frosting.
Step 6: Brown the Butter for Frosting
While the brownies are cooling, it’s time for your kitchen to smell like heaven. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch as it sizzles, foams, and transforms into a golden, fragrant brown—about 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately take it off the heat to keep it from burning.
Step 7: Make and Spread the Brown Butter Frosting
Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into the browned butter until your frosting is smooth and spreadable. Pour it over the slightly warm brownies—this lets it glide and sink in at the edges—then smooth the top. Allow to cool completely so the frosting sets before slicing into bars.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting
Garnishes
For an extra-special finish, I love to shower my Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted walnuts or pecans. A dusting of cinnamon or an extra drizzle of melted chocolate will also make each bar look especially tempting. Even a simple pinch of flaky sea salt can elevate them beautifully.
Side Dishes
When serving these luscious brownies at brunch or dessert, they pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. For a playful beverage match, try a strong cold brew coffee, a chai latte, or even a sparkling lemonade to balance the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the bars on a pretty platter layered with parchment for a rustic look, or serve them individually in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go dessert. If you’re feeling festive, cut the brownies into fun shapes with cookie cutters or drizzle extra brown butter frosting in zigzags for extra flair. For special occasions, stack brownie squares as a “tower” centerpiece—so fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting stay moist and delicious for days! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, pop them in the fridge to keep that dreamy frosting firm and fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual bars between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay lovely for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving—great for unexpected guests or midnight cravings!
Reheating
If you love a gooey, just-baked experience, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The frosting will get a little soft and the banana flavor becomes even more pronounced. Just be sure not to overheat, or the frosting could melt too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting?
Absolutely! Thaw your bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are fantastic for baking because they get even sweeter.
Is it okay to use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream and keeps the brownies just as moist and tender. Use the same amount by volume.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Of course! Fold in up to one cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Just be sure not to overload, or the brownies could get heavy.
Why is my brown butter frosting too thick or thin?
If your frosting seems too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s thin, whisk in more powdered sugar. The warm brown butter helps pull everything together, but you can keep adjusting until it’s spreadable and smooth.
Do I have to wait for the brownies to cool before frosting?
No need! In fact, frosting the brownies while they’re still slightly warm lets the brown butter frosting melt a little for an extra fudgy finish. Just don’t frost them while they’re piping hot or the frosting could become runny.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting and see how quickly they win over everyone lucky enough to grab a piece. Whether you bake them for a cozy night in or to share with friends, they promise comfort, a little wow-factor, and lots of sweet memories. Enjoy every last crumb!
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Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting are a delightful twist on traditional banana bread. Moist and flavorful banana brownies topped with a rich brown butter frosting, these bars are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Brownies: Cream together butter and sugar, add sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then spread batter in the pan and bake.
- Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting: Melt butter in a saucepan until golden brown, then whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spread over warm brownies.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the frosted brownies to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Frosting spreads best over slightly warm brownies.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
