Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Banana bread brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, comforting flavors of banana bread. These moist and flavorful bars are topped with a creamy frosting, making them an irresistible treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 cup regular sour cream
• 1 stick 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
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray and line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until well blended.
3. Step 3: Add the mashed bananas and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in the chopped pecans and pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
8. Step 8: To make the frosting, brown ½ cup unsalted butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat until it turns light brown and smells nutty.
9. Step 9: Transfer the browned butter to a bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring after each addition to combine well.
10. Step 10: Stir in 3 tablespoons whole milk and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
11. Step 11: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled banana bread brownies. Cut into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use thawed frozen bananas if fresh ripe bananas aren’t available, and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
• Swap out pecans for your favorite nuts or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Try different frostings like chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting for a twist.

Storage

Store leftover banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; they will keep well for up to three months. Thaw before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Is it okay to use frozen bananas in this recipe?

You can use frozen bananas that have been thawed. Just be sure to drain any extra liquid before mashing to keep the batter from becoming too wet.

Can I leave out the pecans in the brownies?

Yes, pecans are optional. You can omit them or substitute with other nuts or chocolate chips based on your preference.

Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Creamy Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 97 reviews

These Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Creamy Frosting combine the sweet, comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies. Made with ripe bananas, chopped pecans, and topped with a smooth, buttery frosting, these moist and delicious treats are perfect for dessert or a snack.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread Brownies

• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 cup regular sour cream
• 1 stick unsalted butter (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

Creamy Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat 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 cream together the white sugar, sour cream, room temperature butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Bananas and Vanilla: Stir the mashed ripe bananas and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies moist and tender.
6. Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the batter.
7. Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. 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 let cool completely in the pan.
8. Brown the Butter: In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the ½ cup unsalted butter, cooking until it turns a light brown color and emits a nutty aroma, then transfer to a bowl and let it cool slightly.
9. Make Frosting: Gradually add powdered sugar to the browned butter, stirring after each addition until smooth. Add the 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract and whole milk, then beat with an electric mixer until creamy and fluffy.
10. Frost Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the creamy frosting evenly over the top.
11. Serve: Cut the frosted banana bread brownies into bars and enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute thawed frozen bananas, but be sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.
• Feel free to omit the pecans or replace them with other nuts or chocolate chips according to your preference.
• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
• These brownies freeze well for up to 3 months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
• Alternate frostings such as chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting can be used for variety.

Keywords: banana bread brownies, creamy frosting, dessert, baked brownies, pecan brownies, easy banana dessert, homemade brownies