If you love banana bread and fudgy brownies, this recipe combines the best of both worlds! These Banana Bread Brownies are soft, moist, rich with banana flavor, and topped with a luscious brown butter frosting that takes them over the top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super moist and tender
- Great way to use overripe bananas
- Easy one-bowl batter
- Perfect for dessert, snacks, or potlucks
- Delicious with or without frosting
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings
12–16 brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brown Butter Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until smooth.
- Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 2: Bake
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool slightly while preparing the frosting.
Step 3: Make the Brown Butter Frosting
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
Step 4: Frost and Serve
- Spread the frosting over the warm brownies.
- Let the frosting set before slicing into squares.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the brownies soft.
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent twist.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 30g