Banana Bread Brownies

We all know that mantra about breakfast being the most important meal of the day, but we also know that breakfast is often the first meal to get kicked to the curb as we hustle to get everyone to work and school. The truth is, though, eating breakfast helps kick start our metabolism, wakes up the brain, and gets us going in the morning. So it really is important to grab a bite to eat before heading out the door. Now, the other mantra that we’ve all heard is that we have to eat a meal before we get to eat dessert. So we thought, how can we say YES to both breakfast and dessert? The solution is really quite simple: banana bread brownies.

Banana bread brownies are the perfect sidekick to a cup of morning joe, and make for easy individually wrapped on-the-go breakfast or mid-morning snack. One way to add a little extra umph” to banana bread – if you don’t already do this – is to add chopped nuts, like walnuts. These add not only great texture and crunch, but also a little bit of protein, as well as nutty sweetness that goes really well with bananas. We also love banana bread as a way to salvage those couple of bananas that no one wants to eat because they’ve started to turn”. It is almost like a food recycling project – bringing new life back to a tired banana.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Banana Bread Brownies combine the comforting taste of classic banana bread with the indulgence of a brownie. They’re moist, full of flavor, and topped with a delectable frosting that makes them irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Saucepan
• Toothpick

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 3 bananas, mashed
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash the bananas until just smooth. Add the cinnamon and stir until well blended.
3. In a large bowl, beat the sugar, softened butter, sour cream, and eggs until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three small batches. Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
6. For the frosting, melt the butter in a large saucepan until it turns a golden brown color.
7. Whisk in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, followed by the vanilla and milk.
8. Once the mixture has thickened, pour the warm frosting over the banana brownies, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.

Tips for Success

• Ensure bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness and texture.
• Let the frosting cool slightly before spreading to avoid it thinning out too much.

Additional Tips or Variations

• For a chocolate twist, add chocolate chips to the batter.
• Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth and spice.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and other nutritional information will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, thaw them before mashing.

How do I store banana bread brownies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze these? Yes, they freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

I hope you give these Banana Bread Brownies a try! They’re a delightful treat that blends the best of banana bread and brownies. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these squares are sure to please. Let me know how they turn out for you and feel free to share your own twists on this recipe!