Banana Bread Brownies are a perfect fusion of two beloved treats: moist banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies. This dessert is the ultimate comfort food, combining the sweet, banana flavor with the irresistible texture of brownies. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to impress guests or just a simple way to use up overripe bananas, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Introduction

If you’re a fan of both banana bread and brownies, why not have the best of both worlds? These Banana Bread Brownies combine the soft, tender crumb of banana bread with the chewy, chocolatey goodness of brownies. It’s an easy, homemade dessert that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special treat to share with friends. The addition of brown butter in this recipe gives the brownies a rich, nutty flavor that makes them even more indulgent. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (browned)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

For the Frosting (optional):

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (browned)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

1. In a small saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns a golden brown color and gives off a nutty aroma. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the browned butter.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
3. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift them out of the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Frosting (Optional)

1. In the same small saucepan you used earlier, brown the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, browned butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary. The frosting should be thick but spreadable.
3. Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. After frosting, slice the banana bread brownies into squares and serve.

Cooking Note:

• Make sure to use ripe bananas, as they add both moisture and natural sweetness to the brownies.
• Browned butter adds a nutty flavor that enhances the taste of both the banana and chocolate, but you can substitute regular melted butter if you’re short on time.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Banana Bread Brownies as a standalone dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra treat. These brownies also pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a more decadent experience, drizzle them with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce before serving.

Tips:

• For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Adding chocolate chips is optional, but it gives the brownies a rich chocolate flavor that complements the bananas.
• Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25-30 minutes

Total Time:

• 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, without frosting):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 120mg

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (browned)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

For the Frosting (optional):

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (browned)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

1. In a small saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns a golden brown color and gives off a nutty aroma. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the browned butter.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
3. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift them out of the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Frosting (Optional)

1. In the same small saucepan you used earlier, brown the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, browned butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary. The frosting should be thick but spreadable.
3. Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. After frosting, slice the banana bread brownies into squares and serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Sodium: 120mg
• Protein: 3g