Looking for a show-stopping dessert that delivers on both taste and nostalgia? Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting combine the comforting flavor of classic banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, then finish with a decadent swipe of brown butter frosting that takes everything over the top. This recipe fuses two beloved treats into one irresistible pan of joy—soft, moist, packed with intense banana flavor, and dressed up with a nutty, caramel-like finish. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just an afternoon craving, these brownies will quickly earn a spot in your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting plays a starring role in creating that dreamy, moist crumb and craveable depth of flavor. Gather these easy-to-find ingredients and get ready to transform humble pantry staples into something extraordinary.
- Unsalted butter (brownies & frosting): Provides richness and structure for the brownies while elevating the frosting with a toasty, nutty aroma.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and ensures the brownies are perfectly tender and moist.
- Sour cream: Lends a subtle tang and helps create a supremely soft crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the brownies a light, cake-like lift.
- Ripe bananas (mashed): The star of the show—use overripe for the boldest natural sweetness and flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor profile, adding warmth to both the brownies and frosting.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the essential base, keeping everything sturdy without being dense.
- Baking soda: Gives the brownies a gentle rise and a delicate crumb.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and keeps sweetness in check.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth frosting texture.
- Milk (for frosting): Adjusts consistency so the frosting glides smoothly over the brownies.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes for effortless brownie removal and perfect squares. Having everything prepped helps you move seamlessly once the batter is ready.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, ensuring your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting have a light, luscious texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the sour cream, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the bananas are fully integrated. The ripe bananas will make the batter look creamy and full of those delightful banana flecks.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout your batter, giving your brownies a consistent rise and flavor.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the brownies tender and soft rather than tough.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The aroma will tell you you’re on the right track! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.
Step 7: Make the Brown Butter Frosting
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently; after about 4–5 minutes, the butter will turn golden with brown bits settling at the bottom and a nutty fragrance. Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, mix browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a tablespoon of milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adding a tad more milk if needed.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread the brown butter frosting generously over your completely cooled brownie base. Because the frosting sets quickly, work in swift, confident strokes. Cut into neat squares and enjoy every blissful bite of your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top brings a welcome crunch and complements the deep flavors of the brown butter frosting. You might also try a light drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of cinnamon for a lovely visual and aromatic touch—the little extras make your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting dessert table-ready.
Side Dishes
While these bars happily shine solo, they’re even dreamier served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries alongside the brownies offer a burst of tartness, while a piping-hot mug of coffee or tea sets the mood for a cozy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Showcase your Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting by cutting them into bite-sized squares for party platters or stacking pieces in a rustic tower on a cake stand. For a special brunch, layer them parfait-style with whipped cream and banana slices in clear glasses. Even a simple presentation on a pretty plate brightens any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting into an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. The brownies stay soft and moist, and the frosting settles into a dreamy, slightly set layer that only gets more delicious over time.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange unfrosted brownie squares in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. For frosted brownies, freeze until firm, then wrap individually. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and if desired, refresh with a quick whip of extra frosting just before eating.
Reheating
You can gently reheat an individual brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to soften the crumb and enhance that fresh-baked aroma. If reheating larger quantities, place them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work beautifully in Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting—just thaw completely and drain off any excess moisture before mashing and adding to the batter.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter. Because ovens vary, start checking at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The texture might be slightly different, but the Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting will still taste amazing.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No worries! You can substitute plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for the sour cream—the result will still be deliciously moist and tender.
Can I double this recipe?
Of course! Just bake in a 9×13-inch pan and watch the baking time; it may take closer to 35-40 minutes. This is a great way to make sure there’s enough Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting to go around for a crowd.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting, you’re truly in for a treat. Each bite is the perfect marriage of homey comfort and rich, bakery-style indulgence. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bake a batch soon and let the cozy magic unfold in your kitchen!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of banana bread and brownies with a rich brown butter frosting. These moist and flavorful treats are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the sour cream, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
- Make the brown butter frosting: Melt the butter in a saucepan until golden brown, then let cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adding more milk as needed for spreadable consistency.
- Frost and serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled banana brownies. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for best flavor and natural sweetness.
- The frosting sets slightly as it cools, so spread quickly.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
