Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Creamy Frosting Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Bananas and Vanilla: Stir the mashed bananas and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to ensure even leavening.
- 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.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the chopped pecans into the batter for texture and flavor.
- 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.
- Cool Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- 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.
- Make Frosting: Pour the browned butter into a bowl, then gradually beat in powdered sugar, mixing after each addition to combine thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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
