Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Imagine the delightful fusion of banana bread’s comforting warmth and the indulgent sweetness of brownies. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this Banana Bread Brownies recipe topped with a heavenly brown butter frosting. These bars are so irresistible, you might find yourself tempted to devour the entire pan in one sitting. Trust me, your family and friends will shower you with praises when you serve up this delectable treat!
I stumbled upon this genius recipe on Pinterest, originally from the blog Life’s Simple Measures. It was one of the first recipes I tried, and it was love at first bite. If you haven’t visited Life’s Simple Measures, you’re missing out on other gems like Blueberry Pie Bars and Butterscotch N Cream Muffins. But today, let’s focus on these Banana Bread Bars… OMG, they’re incredible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Banana Bread Brownies are moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious brown butter frosting. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a casual family gathering to a special celebration. Plus, they’re simple to make yet taste like they took hours.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- 15×10-inch jelly roll pan
- Large saucepan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1-3/4 cups (3 or 4) ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
- In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy.
- Blend in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix for about 1 minute until fully combined. Stir in walnuts if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bars are golden brown.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until it starts to brown. Remove from heat immediately.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to the browned butter. Whisk until smooth. The consistency should be thicker than a glaze but thinner than frosting.
- Spread the brown butter frosting over the warm bars for easier spreading.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe bananas for a richer flavor and natural sweetness.
- For best results, frost the bars while they are still warm.
- Be sure to brown the butter carefully, watching closely to prevent burning.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra sweet treat.
- Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of sour cream and a plant-based butter alternative.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 35g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How should I store the leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Conclusion
There you have it, a deliciously moist and flavorful Banana Bread Brownies recipe with an unforgettable brown butter frosting. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the magic yourself. Please share your thoughts and any creative variations you come up with. Happy baking!