Print

Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Creamy Frosting 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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