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Ultra-Moist Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting

Close-up of a rich, dark chocolate banana bread brownies slice topped with creamy peanut butter frosting.
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This recipe merges the moist, tender texture of banana bread with the rich, fudgy quality of brownies. You create a decadent dessert bar using overripe bananas and top it with a nutty brown butter frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
  • 1/2 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 baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • For the Brown Butter Frosting: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 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 on two sides for easy removal.
  2. Melt the 1 cup of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter foams and brown bits form at the bottom, giving off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the slightly cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas and chocolate chips, if using.
  8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  10. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  11. Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting: Melt the 1/2 cup of butter in a small saucepan until it browns, similar to step 2. Pour the browned butter (including the bits) into a heatproof bowl.
  12. Whisk the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the browned butter. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  13. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost black for the best moisture and sweetness in your banana bread brownies.
  • For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake the brownies by about 2-3 minutes.
  • If you prefer a chocolate swirl, reserve 1/4 cup of the batter and mix it with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder before swirling it on top of the main batter layer before baking.

Nutrition

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