Description
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moistness of banana bread with the rich indulgence of brownies, topped with a creamy, lightly caramelized butter frosting. Perfectly sweet and flavorful, they make a delightful dessert or snack that serves 16 and boasts a wonderfully tender crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies:
- 2 eggs
- 3 bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure the brownies do not stick.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the batter.
- Add the Bananas and Vanilla: Fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract gently to incorporate the natural sweetness and flavor without overmixing.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined, ensuring a uniform batter without overworking it.
- Add the Walnuts: Stir in the chopped walnuts if desired, adding a crunchy texture to the brownies.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies are baking, heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a medium brown color, giving a rich, nutty flavor to the frosting.
- Finish the Frosting: Remove the browned butter from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and milk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma and sweetness.
- Frost and Cool: Pour the warm frosting evenly over the freshly baked brownies and spread smoothly. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
- You can omit walnuts if you prefer nut-free brownies.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough brownies.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing to maintain clean cuts.
- The browned butter frosting adds a rich, caramel-like flavor, but can be substituted with a simple vanilla glaze if preferred.
