Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Banana bread brownies combine the rich, moist texture of banana bread with the fudgy delight of brownies. This easy recipe features ripe bananas and crunchy pecans, topped with a creamy brown butter frosting for an irresistible treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 cup regular sour cream
• 1 stick unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• ½ cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray and line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the sugar, sour cream, room temperature butter, and eggs until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Add the mashed bananas and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until smooth.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, kosher salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chopped pecans, then pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
7. Step 7: To make the frosting, melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns light brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat.
8. Step 8: Transfer the browned butter to a bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring well after each addition to combine.
9. Step 9: Stir in 3 tablespoons whole milk and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to blend until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
10. Step 10: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Cut into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use thawed frozen bananas if fresh ones aren’t available, but drain any excess liquid before mashing.
• Feel free to omit pecans or substitute with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
• Try alternative frostings such as chocolate ganache or cream cheese for a unique twist.

Storage

Store leftover banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them. To freeze, wrap the brownies tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Is it okay to use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas that have been thawed. Just make sure to drain any extra liquid before mashing to avoid affecting the batter consistency.

Can I leave out the pecans in the brownies?

Absolutely. You can omit pecans entirely or replace them with other nuts or chocolate chips based on your preference.

Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

Deliciously moist and flavorful banana bread brownies topped with a creamy browned butter frosting. Combining the comforting taste of ripe bananas with the rich texture of brownies, this recipe features chopped pecans for a delightful crunch and a luscious homemade frosting that perfectly complements the dessert.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 brownie bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread Brownies

• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 cup regular sour cream
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Browned Butter Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine sugar, sour cream, room temperature butter, and eggs until smooth and fully blended.
3. Add Bananas and Vanilla: Stir in the mashed bananas and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender.
6. Add Pecans and Pour Batter: Fold in the chopped pecans evenly, then pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
8. Bake Butter for Frosting: In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the ½ cup unsalted butter and cook until it turns light brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
9. Make the Frosting: Transfer the browned butter to a mixing bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring after each addition to combine well. Once all sugar is added, stir in the whole milk and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
10. Frost the Brownies: Spread the browned butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a spatula.
11. Serve: Cut the frosted banana bread brownies into bars and serve. Enjoy immediately or store as preferred.

Notes

• You can use thawed frozen bananas—just drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid soggy batter.
• If you prefer, omit the pecans or substitute with other nuts or chocolate chips according to your taste.
• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
• Freeze wrapped brownies in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months; thaw before serving.
• Try different frosting variations such as chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.

Keywords: banana bread brownies, banana brownies, browned butter frosting, homemade brownies, pecan brownies, moist banana dessert