When it comes to comforting desserts, banana bread is a timeless favorite. Its warm, sweet aroma evokes feelings of home and nostalgia.
But what if we took that beloved recipe and transformed it into something even more decadent? Enter Banana Bread Brownies—a mouthwatering fusion that combines the moistness of banana bread with the richness of brownies.
These treats are not just any ordinary brownies; they are incredibly moist, tender, and bursting with flavor.
With the addition of sour cream, chopped walnuts, and mashed bananas, these brownies are elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness.
To top it all off, a creamy frosting made from butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract brings everything together beautifully.
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with your coffee, a delicious dessert for a gathering, or just a way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter, these Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect solution.
They come together quickly, requiring only 30 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking. With a total time of 40 minutes, you can whip up a batch and indulge in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the steps, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this scrumptious treat.
For the Banana Bread Brownies:
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 3 bananas, mashed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
The first step in creating these delightful brownies is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and generously grease it with non-stick cooking spray.
This will ensure that your brownies come out easily without sticking to the pan, making for a clean presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until they are well combined.
The mixture should be smooth and creamy. After that, add in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is incorporated.
The mashed bananas will add moisture and flavor, making your brownies irresistibly tender.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the batter.
Mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tougher brownies. Once the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
The walnuts not only enhance the taste but also provide a delightful crunch against the soft brownie texture.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the banana batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes.
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready!
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool slightly before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While your brownies are cooling, it’s the perfect time to whip up the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter.
Keep an eye on it, as you want it to develop a medium brown color, which adds a rich flavor to your frosting. Once the butter has reached the desired color, turn off the heat and begin adding the powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
Stir vigorously until each cup is fully combined before adding the next.
After all the powdered sugar is mixed in, add the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until the frosting is smooth and creamy. The consistency should be spreadable but not too runny; you may adjust with a bit more powdered sugar or milk if needed.
Step 6: Frost and Serve the Brownies
Now that your brownies have cooled slightly, pour the frosting over them while they are still in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
Allow the Banana Bread Brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. The frosting will set slightly, creating a beautiful finish.
Enjoy Your Delicious Treat!
Once you have cut the brownies, it’s time to serve! These Banana Bread Brownies are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Each bite offers a wonderful combination of moist banana bread flavors with the rich sweetness of the frosting. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a dessert after dinner, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies
To make your experience even better, here are a few tips to ensure your Banana Bread Brownies turn out perfectly every time:
- Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs and butter are at room temperature will help them incorporate better, leading to a smoother batter.
- Don’t over-bake: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so it’s best to check for doneness a little early.
- Add extras: Feel free to customize your brownies by adding chocolate chips, peanut butter, or other nuts if you want to experiment with flavors!
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds—the comfort of banana bread and the decadence of brownies.
With their tender texture, delicious frosting, and the added crunch of walnuts, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this sweet treat.
You’ll be glad you did! Enjoy every bite!