Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: the rich, fudgy texture of brownies and the moist, flavorful goodness of banana bread. Topped with a luscious brown butter frosting, these brownies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to create these delicious Banana Bread Brownies step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1-3/4 (3 or 4) ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownies
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs. Beat until creamy and well blended.
- Add Bananas and Vanilla: Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add Walnuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Frosting Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Frost Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled, spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the top.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice and Serve: Cut the frosted brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy these rich and flavorful treats!
Cooking Notes
- Bananas: Use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Brown Butter: Watch the butter closely as it browns to prevent burning. The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the frosting.
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the brownies a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container and frost them just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze these brownies? A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of these Banana Bread Brownies, follow these modifications:
- Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Sugar: Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
- Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream for the frosting.
Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the best of banana bread and brownies into one delicious dessert. With their moist, flavorful texture and rich brown butter frosting, these brownies are sure to be a favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a sweet, indulgent treat!
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