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Moist Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting

Close-up of a rich, fudgy banana bread brownies square topped with thick, creamy white frosting.
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Bake these moist banana bread brownies that combine the richness of a brownie with the flavor of ripe bananas. This recipe includes a simple brown butter frosting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • For the Frosting: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and both sugars together until combined.
  3. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until smooth.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the optional walnuts and chocolate chips, if using.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  10. To make the frosting, melt the 1/2 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter foams, then brown bits form at the bottom and it smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 10 minutes).
  11. In a bowl, whisk the slightly cooled brown butter with the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too thick.
  12. Spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • Use bananas that are heavily spotted or mostly black for the best moisture and flavor in these bars.
  • For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake the brownies by about 3 minutes.
  • You can substitute cream cheese frosting for the brown butter frosting if preferred.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/banana-bread-brownies-recipe-moist/