Indulge your taste buds with a delightful treat – our ‘Browned Butter Banana Bread Brownies with Irresistible Brown Butter Frosting.’ A harmonious blend of ripe bananas, rich sour cream, and the nutty warmth of browned butter, these bars are a heavenly fusion of banana bread and brownies. Baked to golden perfection, they are then generously topped with a luscious brown butter frosting, creating a sweet symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion or an everyday indulgence, these bars are sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
Cooking time:
baking the Banana Bread Brownies for 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). It’s important to keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time and perform the toothpick test to ensure they are fully cooked. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), then the brownies are done. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so adjust accordingly.
Ingredients:
For the bars:
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 eggs
- 1-3/4 (3 or 4) ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Directions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Heat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan.
- Prepare Bars:
- In a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs until creamy.
- Blend in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, baking soda, salt, and blend for 1 minute.
- Stir in chopped walnuts if using.
- Bake Bars:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare Brown Butter Frosting:
- Meanwhile, for the frosting, heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until boiling.
- Let the butter turn a delicate brown and remove from heat immediately.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
- Whisk together until smooth; the frosting should be thicker than a glaze but thinner than regular frosting.
- Frost the Bars:
- Using a spatula, spread the brown butter frosting over the warm bars. The frosting will be easier to spread while the bars are still warm.
- Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool with the frosting, and then cut them into squares or bars.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Irresistible Fusion: Experience the perfect marriage of banana bread and brownies, creating a unique and delicious dessert that satisfies both cravings.
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas, sour cream, and browned butter ensures a moist and flavorful texture that will leave you coming back for more.
- Nutty Crunch: Optional chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch, providing a delightful contrast to the soft and tender bars.
- Decadent Brown Butter Frosting: Elevate the experience with a heavenly brown butter frosting, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and rich, nutty undertones.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to both novice and experienced bakers, making it a go-to treat for any occasion.
- Versatile Delight: Whether for a special celebration or a casual indulgence, these bars are versatile and sure to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.
How to store it :
Storage Instructions:
- Room Temperature:
- If you plan to consume the Banana Bread Brownies within a day or two, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Be sure the container is sealed well to prevent them from drying out.
- Refrigeration:
- For longer storage, especially if you have frosted the bars, it’s advisable to refrigerate them. Place the brownies in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap. The cold environment will help preserve freshness.
- Freezing:
- These brownies are also freezer-friendly. To freeze, wrap individual bars or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
- Frosting Considerations:
- If you’ve frosted the bars, it’s essential to allow the frosting to set completely before stacking or wrapping them. You can place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving:
- If you refrigerate or freeze the brownies, bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Advanced Tips and Variations:
- Brown Butter Enhancement:
- Take the brown butter to the next level by infusing it with additional flavors. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few crushed cardamom pods to the butter as it browns. Strain before incorporating into the frosting for an elevated aromatic twist.
- Caramelized Banana Layer:
- Enhance the banana flavor by adding a layer of caramelized bananas on top of the brownie batter before baking. Simply sauté banana slices in a bit of butter and brown sugar until golden and arrange them over the batter.
- Chocolate Swirls:
- Introduce a chocolate element by swirling melted chocolate into the brownie batter before baking. Use a toothpick or skewer to create beautiful chocolate patterns for a visually appealing and decadent touch.
- Nut Medley:
- Experiment with a mix of nuts for added texture and complexity. Try a combination of chopped pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts to complement the banana and brown butter flavors.
- Spiced Frosting:
- Infuse the brown butter frosting with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of cayenne for a sophisticated and spicy kick.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- Drizzle the finished bars with a homemade salted caramel sauce just before serving. The sweet and salty contrast will elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Boozy Soak:
- For an adult twist, soak the chopped walnuts in a bit of bourbon or rum before folding them into the batter. This adds a subtle boozy note to the brownies.
- Fruit Infusion:
- Add dried fruits like chopped dried apricots, figs, or cranberries to the batter for a burst of sweetness and chewiness.
- Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Create a cream cheese swirl by dropping spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese onto the brownie batter and gently swirling it with a knife before baking. This adds a creamy and tangy element.
- Garnish with Sea Salt:
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the brown butter frosting to enhance the overall sweetness and provide a delightful contrast.
Popular Questions and Answers:
- Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
- A: Absolutely! These brownies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. They actually tend to develop even richer flavors over time. If you frost them, it’s a good idea to wait until closer to serving time for the frosting to stay fresh.
- Q: Can I substitute the walnuts with a different nut or omit them altogether?
- A: Certainly! Walnuts can be replaced with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts, or you can omit them if you prefer a nut-free version. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
- Q: How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
- A: Use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they are done. Be cautious not to overbake, as it can result in dry brownies.
- Q: Can I freeze these brownies with the frosting?
- A: Yes, you can freeze these brownies with the frosting. Ensure they are fully cooled and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
- Q: Can I use a different type of flour, like whole wheat flour?
- A: While all-purpose flour is commonly used in this recipe, you can experiment with different flours. Whole wheat flour can be used, but keep in mind it might result in a denser texture. You can also try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Q: How long will the brown butter frosting stay fresh?
-
A: The brown butter frosting tends to set after a few hours. If you plan to make it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, bring it to room temperature and give it a good stir to restore its creamy consistency.
