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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

4.7 from 125 reviews

These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, tender texture of banana bread with the rich, buttery indulgence of blondies. Made with ripe bananas, sour cream for extra moisture, and optionally topped with a luscious brown butter frosting, this dessert is perfect for potlucks, coffee breaks, or anytime you want a delightful sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownies:

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Frosting:

  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk, more if needed for spreading

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
  2. Make the Banana Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently and mixing just until combined to avoid developing gluten which can make the brownies tough.
  5. Add Optional Mix-ins: If desired, fold in chopped walnuts or other add-ins like mini chocolate chips at this stage for texture and flavor enhancement.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
  7. Cool the Brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  8. Prepare the Frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook it until it turns a light golden brown and emits a nutty aroma (about 4 to 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
  9. Frost and Serve: Spread the prepared brown butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Cut into squares or bars and serve to enjoy this indulgent treat.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with many brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep brownies tender.
  • If using salted butter, reduce added salt slightly.
  • You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
  • These brownies can be frozen tightly wrapped for up to 3 months and thawed overnight before serving.
  • Adding sour cream helps keep the brownies moist.
  • Optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips can be added for texture and flavor variations.
  • For a variation, swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking.

Keywords: banana bread brownies, banana brownies, brown butter frosting, moist banana dessert, easy banana dessert, walnut banana brownies, banana blondies