Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These easy banana bread brownies combine the rich, comforting flavors of banana bread with the fudgy texture of brownies. Topped with a creamy, nutty frosting, they make a perfect treat for any occasion, whether as a snack or a dessert.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the sugar, sour cream, room temperature butter, and eggs until smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Add the mashed bananas and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the wet mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chopped pecans, then pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
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 allow to cool completely.
7. Step 7: To make the frosting, brown the ½ cup unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat until light brown and fragrant, then transfer to a bowl.
8. Step 8: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the browned butter, stirring after each addition until smooth.
9. Step 9: Stir in the milk and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, then beat with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
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; just drain excess liquid before mashing.
• Swap pecans for your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for variety.
• Try different frosting flavors such as chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting for a 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 brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; they keep well for up to three months. Thaw before serving and reheat gently if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Is it okay to use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas that have been thawed work well. Be sure to remove any extra liquid before mashing to keep the batter from becoming too wet.

Can I leave out the pecans in the brownies?

Absolutely! You can omit the pecans or replace them with other nuts or chocolate chips according to your preference.

Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Creamy Frosting Recipe

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4.9 from 109 reviews

Delight in these Easy Banana Bread Brownies topped with creamy, browned butter frosting. This recipe combines the rich, moist texture of banana bread with the chocolatey, nutty twist of brownies, enhanced by a luscious vanilla-infused frosting. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars offer a comforting, flavorful treat that’s simple to prepare and sure to please any crowd.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread Brownies

• Two eggs
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 cup regular sour cream
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• Three 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

Creamy 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 the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, combine sugar, sour cream, unsalted butter (room temperature), and eggs in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
3. Add Bananas and Vanilla: Stir the mashed bananas and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to ensure even leavening.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the brownies tough.
6. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the chopped pecans into the batter for texture and flavor.
7. Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
9. Bread Butter for Frosting: In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the ½ cup unsalted butter until it turns light brown and smells nutty, then remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
10. Make Frosting: Pour the browned butter into a bowl, then gradually beat in powdered sugar, mixing after each addition to combine thoroughly.
11. Add Milk and Vanilla: Stir in whole milk and 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to blend until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
12. Frost Brownies: Spread the creamy frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Once frosted, cut the brownies into bars for serving.

Notes

• You can use thawed frozen bananas, but be sure to drain excess liquid before mashing.
• Pecans can be substituted with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips, or omitted entirely if preferred.
• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; refrigerate to extend freshness.
• Brownies may be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to three months. Thaw completely before frosting.
• Try alternative frosting options like chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting to vary the flavor profile.

Keywords: banana bread brownies, creamy frosting, dessert bars, easy banana dessert, nutty brownies, sweet snack