Beautiful Browned Butter Banana Bread Brownies

The Ultimate Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting

There’s something magical about the combination of banana bread’s comforting flavors and the chewy texture of a brownie. Enter Banana Bread Brownies—a dessert that merges the best of both worlds! These moist, banana-packed bars are topped with a rich brown butter frosting that adds an irresistible nutty depth. Whether you're looking for a treat to share or simply a way to use up ripe bananas, this recipe is your golden ticket. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to bake these dreamy brownies.

The Best Bananas to Use for these Banana Bread Brownies

The secret to incredible banana bread brownies lies in the bananas. Ripe bananas are essential for this recipe because they provide natural sweetness and moisture. Ideally, the bananas should have a deep yellow peel flecked with brown spots. The more brown spots, the better! Overripe bananas are softer, making them easier to mash and ensuring they blend seamlessly into the batter. If your bananas aren’t quite ready, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or warming them in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes.

What Is Browned Butter, and Why Use It?

Browned butter is the not-so-secret ingredient that takes this recipe to the next level. By melting butter over medium heat until the milk solids caramelize, you create a rich, nutty flavor that’s far more complex than plain melted butter. The golden hue and toasty aroma of brown butter add an elegant touch to the frosting, making these brownies irresistible. Just be sure to watch the butter closely while it’s browning—it can go from golden to burned in seconds!

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If you like these brownies try these Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins next!
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Ingredients Breakdown

For the Brownies:

• Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Provides the sweetness that balances the bananas and enhances the chewy texture.

• Buttermilk (3/4 cup): Adds a slight tang and helps keep the brownies soft and tender.

• Butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and flavor to the batter.

• Eggs (2): Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.

• Ripe Bananas (4, mashed): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moisture.

• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the bananas and adds warmth to the recipe.

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Forms the base of the batter and gives the brownies structure.

• Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the brownies rise slightly and keeps them light.

• Salt (3/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

• Chopped Walnuts (1/2 cup): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to complement the bananas.

For the Brown Butter Frosting:

• Butter (1/2 cup): Browned to perfection, providing a rich, nutty base for the frosting.

• Powdered Sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.

• Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the frosting.

• Milk (3 Tbsp): Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan to ensure the brownies don’t stick. A parchment paper lining is also a great option for easy removal.

2. Make the Brownie Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, buttermilk, butter, and eggs until creamy and well-combined.

• Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until the bananas are fully incorporated.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the banana mixture, blending just until smooth.

• Fold in the chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch in every bite.

3. Bake the Brownies:

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.

4. Brown the Butter:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove it from the heat immediately to prevent burning.

5. Make the Frosting:

• Stir the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk into the browned butter. Whisk until smooth, adjusting the milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.

6. Frost the Brownies:

Spread the brown butter frosting over the warm brownies using a spatula. The warmth helps the frosting spread more easily and gives it a beautiful finish.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the frosting to set slightly before slicing the brownies into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature for a deliciously cozy treat.

Closing Thoughts

Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate comfort dessert, combining the nostalgic flavors of banana bread with the decadence of rich frosting. The addition of brown butter elevates this treat to a whole new level, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to indulgent self-care moments. So grab those ripe bananas, fire up your oven, and treat yourself to these irresistibly moist, flavorful brownies—your taste buds will thank you!