Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Bread Brownies featuring ripe mashed bananas blended into a sweet batter and topped with a rich, creamy brown sugar frosting. This recipe offers the perfect balance of classic banana bread taste with a delightful brownie texture, making it an irresistible dessert or snack option.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth batter and stabilizes the mixture.
- Mix in Bananas and Vanilla: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and smooth, bringing moisture and flavor to the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout the batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies tough.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 2 minutes, constantly stirring to dissolve the sugar and develop a rich flavor.
- Add Milk and Boil: Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes to slightly thicken and cool the base for the frosting.
- Mix Frosting: Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, creating a creamy and sweet frosting perfect for topping the brownies.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled banana bread brownies. Let the frosting set to firm up before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Store the banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the brownies, which can extend their shelf life beyond 3 days.
