Is there anything better than the comforting aroma of bananas and butter wafting through the house? If you’re a fan of banana bread and brownies, then you’re in for a real treat! These Banana Bread Brownies are the best of both worlds: soft, moist banana bread bars topped with the most luscious brown butter frosting you’ll ever taste. They’re perfect for dessert, an indulgent snack, or even a sweet breakfast (no judgment here!).
Let’s dive into the recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.
🛒 Ingredients
Banana Bread Bars:
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¾ cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 to 4 bananas)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional for a delightful crunch)
Brown Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
🥣 How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan to ensure your bars come out effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Banana Bread Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, blending until well combined.
Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix for about 1 minute until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. If you love some texture, stir in the chopped walnuts.
Step 3: Pour and Spread the Batter
Transfer the batter into the greased and floured pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring an even layer.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
Step 5: Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting
While the bars are baking, heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt and bubble, watching closely as it transforms into a golden-brown hue with a nutty aroma. (This step is key—don’t let it burn!)
Remove the butter from heat immediately. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and slightly thick but spreadable. If the frosting feels too runny, add a touch more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Step 6: Frost the Bars
Once the bars are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly but remain warm. Spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the bars. The frosting will glide on like a dream over the warm surface, soaking in just enough for an incredible flavor boost.
🌟 Helpful Tips
- Perfect Browning: Brown butter can quickly go from golden to burnt. Keep a close eye and remove from heat as soon as it turns a light amber color.
- Mashed Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
- Frosting Consistency: Add a splash more milk if the frosting is too thick. On the flip side, if the frosting is too runny, incorporate a bit more powdered sugar to balance it out.
🍌 Substitutions & Variations
- No Sour Cream Available? Don’t worry! Swap it with plain Greek yogurt for an equally creamy and tangy result.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the walnuts if you’re avoiding nuts, or substitute with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist!
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for an easy swap.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days when stored properly.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! Freeze the bars (unfrosted) in an airtight container. Add the frosting after thawing for best results.
Q: Can I use a different pan size?
A: Yes, but the baking time may vary. For thicker bars, try a 9×13-inch pan and increase the bake time by about 5-10 minutes.
🥡 Storage Instructions
- Keep Fresh at Room Temperature: Place the bars in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for Extended Freshness: For a longer shelf life, refrigerate the bars for up to a week. When ready to serve, allow them to return to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- Freeze for Future Treats: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly or place in a sealed container, and they’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
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Give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love with every bite of these rich, buttery, banana-packed bars. Your family and friends will be asking for the recipe before the plate is even empty. Enjoy!