Banana Bread Brownies recipe

If you’ve been searching for a way to use those ripe bananas sitting on your counter, look no further than these irresistible Banana Bread Brownies. Combining the beloved flavors of classic banana bread with the fudgy goodness of brownies, this recipe creates a thick and moist treat that’s hard to resist. With a layer of rich, finger-licking brown butter frosting, these brownies are sure to become your new favorite dessert or snack.

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The Banana Bread Brownies have a delicate crumb that’s moist and dense, thanks to the mashed ripe bananas and the addition of Greek yogurt. The batter comes together quickly, making this a perfect recipe for an impromptu sweet craving or a last-minute bake sale. Each bite is a delicious balance of banana flavor with a hint of vanilla, topped off by a warm, nutty frosting that adds a touch of caramelized goodness.

Whether enjoyed with a morning coffee, shared at a gathering, or savored as an evening snack, these Banana Bread Brownies will disappear quickly! Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this delicious treat so special.

The Magic of Ingredients in Banana Bread Brownies

• Ripe Bananas – The star of the show, ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor depth, making the brownies tender and flavorful.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, cake-like texture.
• Plain Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream) – Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the brownies tender and rich.
• Butter – Adds richness and flavor. Used both in the batter and the frosting for that extra buttery touch.
• Eggs – Provide structure and help bind the ingredients, creating a soft, chewy brownie.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile with a sweet and aromatic undertone.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the batter, giving the brownies their structure.
• Baking Soda – Helps the brownies rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Powdered Sugar – Used in the frosting, adds smoothness and sweetness.
• Milk – Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency, while adding a touch of creaminess.

How to Create the Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and preparing a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the Greek yogurt, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light.
4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 23-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. While the brownies bake, make the brown butter frosting. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat until it turns a delicate brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
6. Pour the warm frosting over the hot brownies and spread gently with the back of a spoon. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Best Banana Bread Brownies

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to avoid a tough texture.
• Watch the Butter for the Frosting: Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye on it.
• Add a Personal Touch: Mix in chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.

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Creative Variations for Your Banana Bread Brownies

Feel free to experiment with this recipe to suit your taste! Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture or sprinkle in some chocolate chips for a double dose of sweetness. If you’re not a fan of brown butter frosting, try a smooth cream cheese frosting instead. For a healthier twist, reduce the sugar and use a smaller amount of butter for the glaze.

Storing Your Banana Bread Brownies

To keep your Banana Bread Brownies fresh and moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to make them ahead, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. These brownies also freeze beautifully; simply let them cool completely, cover well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw completely before serving.

Dive into these scrumptious Banana Bread Brownies today and delight in every flavorful bite!

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

These Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful way to make use of ripe bananas. Moist, thick, and topped with a decadent brown butter frosting, they’re the perfect sweet treat to enjoy as a dessert or snack.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 16

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Bars:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 3-4 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Incorporate the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and eggs, mixing well. Fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until the dry ingredients are moistened. If desired, stir in chopped walnuts.
• Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 23-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. While the bars bake, prepare the frosting.
• For the brown butter frosting, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Let it simmer until it reaches a delicate brown color and a nutty fragrance. Remove from the heat immediately.
• Whisk the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk into the browned butter until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk if needed. Pour the warm frosting over the warm bars and spread it gently using the back of a spoon.

Notes

Recipe Variations:

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
• Add chocolate chips: Mix mini milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter.
• Change the frosting: Substitute the brown butter frosting with a cream cheese frosting for a different flavor.
• Healthier option: Reduce the sugar by half and use 3-4 tablespoons of butter for the frosting.

Make Ahead Instructions: Prepare and frost the brownies 1-2 days in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions: Allow the brownies to cool completely. Freeze frosted or unfrosted in the pan, tightly covered with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly before serving.