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

Scale

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

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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