There is something irresistibly comforting about combining two beloved treats into one. The Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe captures that magic perfectly, blending the moist richness of banana bread with the fudgy texture of brownies, all crowned with a luscious vanilla frosting. This dessert offers a fantastic twist that feels both familiar and exciting, making it a delightful showstopper for gatherings or a cozy indulgence any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze because this recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to the mix. From the natural sweetness and moistness of bananas to the creamy tang of sour cream, every component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 2 eggs: These bind everything together and add a light richness.
- 3 bananas, mashed: Ripe bananas provide moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
- 1 ½ cups sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist.
- ½ cup butter, softened: Gives richness and a tender chew to the texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm aromatic touch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies without weighing them down.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the brownies rise and stay light.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- For the frosting: ½ cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons milk – these combine into a smooth, velvety topping that perfectly complements the banana bread brownie base.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and make sure to grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan generously. This groundwork ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out cleanly without sticking, making your life easier when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. This step creates a luscious base that will help the batter blend perfectly while giving the brownies a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add the Bananas and Vanilla
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. The bananas infuse the batter with natural sweetness and moisture, while the vanilla highlights and rounds out all the other flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here as you want to maintain a tender brownie texture rather than a chewy or dense one.
Step 5: Add the Walnuts
If you’re a fan of extra texture, stir in the chopped walnuts now. They bring a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft banana bread brownie base.
Step 6: Bake
Pour and spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This timing ensures the brownies are perfectly cooked through without drying out.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
While the brownies bake, melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan, cooking gently until it reaches a lovely medium brown color. This toasty butter adds a deep, nutty flavor to your frosting that really elevates the dish.
Step 8: Finish the Frosting
Remove the butter from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract. The result is a decadent, fluffy frosting that’s ready to be spread on your warm brownies.
Step 9: Frost and Cool
Pour the frosting over the warm brownies, spreading it evenly for a beautiful finish. Allow the brownies to cool completely; the frosting will set to a perfect soft consistency while the brownies firm up for ideal slicing.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or even a few banana chips on top for added texture and visual appeal. Fresh sliced bananas or a dusting of cinnamon can also bring a charming finish to your presentation.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs wonderfully with these banana bread brownies, balancing the richness with cool, creamy indulgence. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea rounds out the experience perfectly for an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing dessert platter, serve the brownies with small bowls of fresh berries and drizzles of chocolate or caramel sauce. You can also cut them into bite-size squares for finger-food style serving at parties or potlucks, where their sweet, tender richness will be a big hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their moist texture. If you want them to last longer, storing in the refrigerator will extend freshness for about a week.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep well for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated brownies back to life, warm them briefly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a soft, just-baked feel. Avoid overheating to maintain the perfect texture and enjoy the frosting at its creamy best.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a healthy alternative to sour cream. It will still provide the moisture and tang needed for that rich, tender texture without altering the flavor too much.
Are the walnuts necessary in this Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe?
Walnuts are optional but highly recommended for the added crunch and nuttiness. If you have a nut allergy or prefer no nuts, simply leave them out or replace with chocolate chips for a different twist.
Can I use overripe bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal for this recipe because they are sweeter and mash more easily, delivering more banana flavor and moisture to the brownies.
What’s the best way to cut the brownies without cracking the frosting?
Use a sharp knife and warm the blade slightly by dipping it in hot water and wiping it dry before slicing. This technique creates cleaner cuts and prevents the frosting from cracking or sticking.
How long do these brownies stay fresh after frosting?
Once frosted, they stay fresh and moist for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature, or up to a week if refrigerated. Be sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe is one of those treats that brings pure joy with every bite. The perfect blend of banana bread softness and brownie decadence, topped with a sweet and creamy frosting, creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Don’t wait to try it yourself — your taste buds will thank you!
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Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
This Banana Bread Brownies recipe combines the moist richness of banana bread with the fudgy texture of brownies. Made with ripe bananas, sour cream, and a blend of classic brownie ingredients, these treats are topped with a creamy, caramel-like browned butter frosting. Perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack, these brownies are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the Bananas and Vanilla: Fold in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract carefully to maintain the batter’s fluffiness.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture, mixing gently until fully combined without overmixing.
- Add the Walnuts: Stir in the chopped walnuts if you prefer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor in your brownies.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the brownies are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, indicating they are cooked through.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies bake, heat ½ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns medium brown and develops a nutty aroma, creating browned butter.
- Finish the Frosting: Remove the browned butter from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Frost and Cool: Pour the frosting over the warm brownies, spreading it evenly. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- You can omit walnuts or substitute with pecans as preferred.
- Letting the brownies cool completely before cutting prevents crumbling.
- Browned butter frosting adds a rich, nutty flavor but can be substituted with regular butter frosting if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, sub all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
