Irresistible Banana Bread Brownies With Brown Butter Frosting

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If you love the classic comfort of banana bread and the rich, fudgy taste of brownies, these Banana Bread Brownies give you the best of both worlds. They’re soft, moist, perfectly sweet, and topped with a luscious brown butter frosting that melts right into the warm bars. Whether you’re making a quick dessert for family gatherings or need a simple sweet treat, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Bars

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
• 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

1. Prep the Pan
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
2. Mix the Batter
   In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Bananas & Dry Ingredients
   Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, then blend for about 1 minute. Fold in walnuts if using.
4. Bake the Bars
   Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Prepare the Frosting
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook until it begins to turn golden brown, then remove from heat immediately.
   Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and slightly pourable.
6. Frost the Bars
   Spread the warm brown butter frosting over the bars while they’re still warm. Let cool slightly before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• For extra moisture, avoid overmixing once the flour is added.
• Frost the bars while still warm to help the frosting glide smoothly.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for extra warmth.

Why This Recipe Works

• Combines two beloved desserts into one easy treat.
• The brown butter frosting brings a rich, nutty flavor.
• Perfect texture: soft, moist, and slightly chewy.
• Ideal for parties, potlucks, school events, and quick desserts.

Substitutions & Variations

Substitutions

• Sour cream: swap with Greek yogurt.
• Butter: use margarine if needed.
• Walnuts: replace with pecans or omit entirely.

Variations

• Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
• Swirl in peanut butter before baking.
• Top with cream cheese frosting instead of brown butter frosting.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salted finish.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Make-Ahead: Bake up to 24 hours in advance; frost the same day.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
• Refrigerate: Store up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Serving Ideas

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
• Add fresh sliced bananas on top for garnish.
• Cut into smaller squares for dessert platters.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 260
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 27g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

(Values will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without frosting?

Yes! They’re delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely—thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.

Can I bake this in a 9×13 pan?

Yes, but the bars will be thicker. Add 3–5 minutes to baking time.

Are nuts required?

No, the recipe works perfectly without them.

Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate blend of flavor, texture, and simplicity. With their moist banana base and rich brown butter frosting, they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for weeknight treats, celebrations, or potlucks, this recipe never disappoints.

Moist Banana Bread Brownies With Brown Butter Frosting

Soft, moist Banana Bread Brownies topped with rich brown butter frosting. An easy, irresistible dessert perfect for gatherings and everyday treats.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 large bars

Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Banana Bread Bars

• 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Brown Butter Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cups vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp milk

Instructions

 

• Prep the Pan

  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
• Mix the Batte

  rIn a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
• Add Bananas & Dry Ingredients

  Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, then blend for about 1 minute. Fold in walnuts if using.
• Bake the Bars

  Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Prepare the Frosting

  In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook until it begins to turn golden brown, then remove from heat immediately.

  Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and slightly
• Frost the Bars

  Spread the warm brown butter frosting over the bars while they’re still warm. Let cool slightly before slicing into squares.

Notes

• Choose bananas with brown spots for peak flavor.
• Let the frosting melt slightly into the warm bars for the best texture.
• Great recipe for using up extra bananas.

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