Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Get the Oven Going: Heat it up to 375°F (190°C). For even baking, preheat properly.
Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease and flour a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan. Or line the pan with parchment paper to lift out easily.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Cream the Base Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl combine:
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
½ cup softened butter
2 eggs
Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Add in Bananas and Vanilla:
Add 4 mashed ripe bananas and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the mixture. Next blend everything until combined well.
Add Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in stages. Mix until combined (about 1 minute), taking care not to overmix.
Stir in Walnuts:
Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts. For variations, replace with chocolate chips or leave out the nuts entirely.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter fluffy way in to the prepared jelly roll pan and smooth it out even with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven, and let the brownies bake for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they develop a deliciously golden-brown and near-impossible-to-resist crust.
It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few damp crumbs.
Cool Slightly:
Take the brownies out of the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before frosting.
Stage 4: Make the Brown Butter Frosting
Brown the Butter:
Melt ½ cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Stir constantly as butter turns toasty brown and smells nutty. Be careful and keep an eye on it so as not to burn.
Make the Frosting:
Lift the browned butter off the heat and whisk in:
4 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
Mix until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach a pourable, but thick, frosting consistency.
Step 5: Frost the Brownies
Spread the Frosting:
While the brownies are still warm, drizzle the frosting on top. Smooth it out evenly using a spatula.
Cool Completely:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. That enables the frosting to firm up and makes it easier to slice into.
Slice and Serve:
Allow brownie to cool for 30 minutes, then cut into squares. They are rich flavored, hearty bites — great as dessert or snack.
Serving Suggestions:
Classic Dessert: Pair with cold glass of milk or hot cup of coffee. Comfort.
Indulgent Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an over-the-top dessert.
Snack-Size Portions: Cut them into smaller squares for the ideal grab-and-go snack or lunchbox treat.
Brunch Add On: These brownies are a sweet addition to an brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and coffee.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigeration
Brownies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
Store them in the refrigerator for long storage for up to 5 days. For best flavor and texture, bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Frost-free brownies will freeze for up to 3 months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and stored in a freezer-safe bag.
Unglazed brownies can also be frozen but may take longer to defrost.
Make-Ahead Option
Make the batter ahead and refrigerate for as long as 24 hours before baking.
Frosting can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Slightly warm before spreading
Variations:
Brownies, Chocolate Banana Bread
Truth: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for the chocolate lovers.
Nut-Free Brownies
You can leave out the walnuts or use crushed coconut or dried cranberries for a nut-free version.
Peanut Butter Swirl
Or drop spoonfuls of peanut butter across the surface of the batter before baking and swirl it with a knife, for a banana-peanut butter spin.
Cinnamon-Spiced Brownies
Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor in the batter that pairs nicely with the bananas.
Gluten-Free Version
To make these brownies gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour.
Conclusion:
These banana bread brownies are much more than simply a dessert—they’re a mash-up of comfy-and-indulge that’ll beg everyone for a second round. These treats are unforgettable, thanks to the moist, flavorful base and the nutty brown butter frosting.
Of all occasions, this recipe is one you’ll want to save and make on repeat. Need more banana recipes? For other ways to enjoy the popular fruit, try our Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins or Banana Cream Pie Bars. Happy baking!
