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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 55 reviews

These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, sweet flavors of banana bread with the rich, dense texture of brownies. Topped with a decadent brown butter frosting, they make the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a delightful twist on classic banana bread with a luscious, creamy finish.

Ingredients

Banana Bread Bars

  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1¾ cups ripe bananas (3–4 bananas), mashed
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Brown Butter Frosting

  • ½ cup butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 Tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  3. Add bananas and vanilla: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, blending well.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture and blend thoroughly. If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
  5. Bake the bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Prepare brown butter frosting: While the bars bake, brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns a golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
  7. Make frosting: Into the browned butter, stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix continuously until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  8. Frost the bars: Once the bars come out of the oven and are still warm, spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the surface to allow it to melt slightly into the bars.
  9. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 15 minutes, then slice into squares and enjoy your delicious banana bread brownies.

Notes

  • You can substitute walnuts for pecans or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
  • Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
  • If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For an extra rich flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.