Print

Moist Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting

Close-up of a rich, dark square slice of banana bread brownies topped with thick, creamy frosting.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make these easy banana bread brownies that combine the moist texture of banana bread with the richness of fudgy brownies. Top them with a simple brown butter frosting for a comforting dessert mashup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • For the Brown Butter Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–3 tablespoons milk or cream

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 medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup butter for the frosting over medium heat. Cook, swirling often, until the butter foams, then brown bits form at the bottom and it smells nutty. Immediately remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl. Let it cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add the 1 cup of melted butter (for the batter) and mix until combined.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until just blended.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the 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. While the brownies cool completely, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, combine the slightly cooled brown butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly.
  10. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  11. Once the brownies are cool, spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use very ripe, spotty bananas for the best banana flavor in your dessert mashup.
  • For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake the brownies by about 2 minutes.
  • If you skip the brown butter frosting, a simple cream cheese frosting works well with these banana bread bars.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/banana-bread-brownies/