Ready for your new favorite treat? Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting are delightfully moist, irresistibly sweet, and brimming with home-baked charm. Imagine everything you love about banana bread, transformed into rich, tender brownie bars, finished with a glossy, nutty brown butter frosting. Each bite combines nostalgia and decadence—perfect for dessert, snacking, or surprising your friends. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or simply want to make an ordinary day feel special, these Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting truly deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting come together with simple pantry staples—each one thoughtfully chosen to create the best flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Don’t skip or substitute; every ingredient plays a role in making this recipe stand out.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness, and creaming it provides essential moisture and richness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds that classic sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb in the brownies.
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient gives the bars a moist, velvety texture and a hint of tang that complements banana perfectly.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and ensure structural integrity—don’t skimp on freshness for the fluffiest brownies.
- Vanilla extract: Invites warmth and rounds out the sweetness in both the batter and the frosting.
- Mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium): The star of the show; brings natural sweetness, flavor, and those beautiful speckles throughout the bars.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the brownies, giving them a sturdy—yet still tender—bite.
- Baking soda: Helps the brownies rise perfectly, so you’ll get lift without making them cakey.
- Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Blends into the brown butter for a luxuriously smooth, melt-in-your-mouth frosting.
- Milk or heavy cream: Adjust the consistency of the frosting, adding richness, and sheen.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first: give your brownies the best start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan well—this ensures easy brownie removal and beautiful slices later. Don’t rush this step; a well-prepped pan means less sticking and more gorgeous bars for sharing.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them until the mixture turns light and fluffy—about two to three minutes. This introduces air, making your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting lighter and more tender.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Bananas
Mix in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, making sure each addition is fully incorporated. Then, stir in your mashed ripe bananas. This blend creates a wonderfully rich and flavorful base, while the bananas make things moist and add that classic, fragrant banana scent we all crave.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Together
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this flour mix into your wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined—no overmixing! A few streaks of flour are better than overworked batter, which can make your brownies tough rather than tender.
Step 5: Bake Until Just Right
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell irresistible! Allow the brownies to cool slightly in the pan—enough to set, but still warm for the next step.
Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Frosting
Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Swirl and watch carefully as it melts, foams, and starts to turn golden brown with a nutty aroma, usually around four to five minutes. Remove from heat immediately and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk or cream to create a smooth, spreadable frosting. The brown butter infuses the frosting with unbeatable depth and flavor.
Step 7: Frost and Finish
Spread the luscious brown butter frosting evenly over the still-warm brownies. The warmth helps the frosting glide on smoothly, melting just a bit into the top for extra gooeyness. Once set, cut into generous squares and marvel at your creation—Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting are officially ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra flair! For a touch of elegance, finish your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting with a dusting of cinnamon, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a scattering of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts. A few banana slices or a sprinkle of flaky salt on top can make each brownie look extra-special for sharing.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine on their own, but they play well with others, too. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. If you want something lighter, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad—the contrast of sweet and tart brightens every bite of your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your brownies bakery-level presentation! Try cutting them into bite-sized cubes for a dessert platter or stacking slices on a cake stand. Pack them in cute parchment wrappers for lunchboxes or picnics. For holidays, add themed sprinkles or serve them as part of a breakfast or brunch board—Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting are endlessly versatile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting super fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’ve already sliced them, placing a piece of wax paper or parchment between layers helps prevent sticking and maintains their beautiful finish.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? These brownies freeze well! Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature for the best results, and add a quick drizzle of fresh frosting if you like.
Reheating
Craving a warm treat? Pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to gently revive that wonderful fresh-from-the-oven quality. The frosting will get extra gooey, making your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting taste just as magical as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas, drain any excess liquid, and mash as usual. They work perfectly in Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting, and can even enhance the banana flavor.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream in this recipe. It will still give your brownies a wonderful moistness and tang that pairs beautifully with the bananas and brown butter frosting.
Do I really need to frost the brownies while they’re warm?
Yes, it makes a difference! Spreading the brown butter frosting over warm brownies allows it to melt just slightly, creating a smooth, glossy finish that sets beautifully as they cool.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely; replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder). The texture might be slightly different, but the Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting will still be delicious.
How can I make the frosting thicker or thinner?
Simply adjust the amount of milk or cream. Add a little more to loosen up the frosting or a bit more powdered sugar to thicken things up. It’s easy to find that just-right spreadable consistency for topping your brownies.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all the secrets, it’s the perfect time to whip up a batch of Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting! Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, these bars bring joy to every occasion. Give them a try, share the love, and enjoy the big smiles these sweet treats inspire.
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Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of banana bread and brownies with a rich brown butter frosting in this irresistible dessert recipe.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix the brownie batter: Cream butter and sugar, add sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the banana mixture and mix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool slightly.
- Make the frosting: Brown the butter, then whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm brownies.
Notes
- Frost while the brownies are warm for a smoother finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
