Now, this isn’t your typical brownie or banana bread. It’s a delightful fusion of both, with the dense, moist texture of banana bread paired with a rich brownie vibe. And let’s talk about the brown butter frosting—oh my! It’s like a warm hug in dessert form. There’s something magical about brown butter; it adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the sweet banana base. Every time I make these, the whole family lights up, and the kitchen becomes a mini bakery bustling with joy and laughter.
The first time I tried this recipe, I was a bit skeptical. Would combining banana bread and brownies work? Would it be too sweet or too dense? But as soon as I took that first bite, I was sold. The banana flavor isn’t overpowering; it’s just enough to give you that classic comfort food feel while still enjoying the decadence of a brownie. The walnuts add a lovely crunch, making every bite an adventure.
It’s become sort of a tradition now—whenever we have overripe bananas, the kids cheer for Banana Bread Brownies. It’s a simple recipe that brings so much happiness, and I promise it’ll be a hit in your household too. So, next time you find those speckled bananas on your counter, don’t toss them away. Instead, whip up a batch of these scrumptious delights and watch them disappear in no time. Let’s dive into how you can make these right at home!
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
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Ingredients:
Brownies:
- 2 eggs
- 3 bananas (mashed)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Blend for about a minute, then gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Evenly spread the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown.
- Allow the brownies to cool slightly until they’re warm but not hot, then prepare the frosting.
- For the frosting, melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan, carefully watching until it reaches a medium brown color.
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar, adding milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the frosting over the warm brownies and smooth it out using a spatula or butter knife.
- Let the frosted brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving.
Ingredient Tweaks for Your Pantry
If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that will still keep your brownies moist and tender. For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or replace them with chocolate chips for an extra treat. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist without altering the texture too much.
Best Ways to Store Banana Bread Brownies Leftover
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For extended storage, wrap them individually and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Perfect Pairings for Banana Bread Brownies
Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent dessert experience. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the flavor. Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread Brownies
Make sure your bananas are very ripe; the riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. When browning the butter for the frosting, keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. A good non-stick pan and proper greasing will ensure easy removal and clean edges.
Adapting this Recipe with Fresh, Seasonal Flavors
In the summer, add fresh blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist. In the fall, toss in some pumpkin spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the warmth of the brownies. During winter, cranberries can add a festive touch, while spring calls for a hint of lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them. Frozen bananas tend to be sweeter, which is perfect for enhancing the flavor of your brownies. Plus, they maintain the moistness that is essential for this delightful dessert.
What if I don’t have a 13 x 9-inch pan?
If you don’t have a 13 x 9-inch pan, you can use a couple of smaller pans or a square 9 x 9-inch pan, although the baking time might vary slightly. Keep an eye on them and perform a toothpick test to ensure they are cooked through. Adjust baking time as needed, and enjoy the same delicious results.
Is it necessary to use walnuts?
No, using walnuts is entirely optional. If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer your brownies without nuts, feel free to leave them out. Alternatively, you can substitute with other mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds, which can add a different texture and flavor profile to your brownies.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
Absolutely! To make these brownies vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream, and swap the butter for a vegan alternative. Also, ensure your sugar and other ingredients are vegan-friendly. These substitutions will still yield deliciously moist brownies.
How do I ensure the frosting is smooth?
For a smooth frosting, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the browned butter. Gradually incorporate the sugar into the butter, mixing continuously to prevent lumps. If you notice any lumps forming, a quick whisk or a few seconds in the microwave can help smooth things out. A hand mixer can also assist in achieving a creamy consistency.
What’s the best way to cut these brownies?
To achieve clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between each cut to avoid frosting build-up. You can also chill the brownies briefly to firm up the frosting before slicing. For uniform pieces, measure and lightly score the top with a ruler before cutting. This method ensures neat and even portions for serving.
Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 2 large eggs
- 3 bananas mashed
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a 13 x 9 inch baking pan by greasing it.
For Brownies:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the mashed bananas and vanilla extract into the mixture.
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt, then mix for about a minute. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the brownies to cool slightly (they should be warm but not hot) before applying the frosting.
For Frosting:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and keep a close eye on it. Once it reaches a medium brown hue, remove it from the heat.
- Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, adding milk as necessary to achieve a smooth consistency. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Immediately pour the warm frosting over the brownies and smooth it out with a spatula or knife.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares.
