Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, rich texture of banana bread with the decadent appeal of brownies. Topped with a creamy frosting, these brownies are perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make Banana Bread Brownies step-by-step.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 cup regular sour cream
- 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups pecans (chopped)
Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the sour cream, room temperature butter, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Pecans:
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
- Pour Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
- Melt Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to turn a golden brown color. Remove from heat.
- Mix Frosting:
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Frost the Brownies
- Spread Frosting:
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Set:
- Allow the frosting to set before cutting the brownies into squares.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the banana bread brownies. Enjoy the delicious combination of banana bread and brownies with a creamy frosting!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid dense brownies.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Brownies
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the pecans for an extra chocolatey treat.
Walnut Banana Bread Brownies
- Use Walnuts:
- Substitute chopped walnuts for the pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Replace the butter frosting with cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist. Beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup softened butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Serving Suggestions
With Toppings
- With Fresh Fruit:
- Serve with slices of fresh banana or berries for added freshness.
- With Nuts:
- Sprinkle additional chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting.
With Beverages
- With Coffee:
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a perfect pairing.
- With Milk:
- Serve with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze these brownies? A: Yes, you can freeze the brownies (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Q: What if I don’t have sour cream? A: You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins? A: Yes, feel free to add other mix-ins such as shredded coconut, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips.
Banana Bread Brownies are a delicious and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their moist, banana-flavored base, crunchy pecans, and creamy frosting, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Banana Bread Brownies are easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful brownies with your family and friends!
