Savor the delightful blend of ripe bananas, sour cream, and walnuts in our moist Banana Bread Brownies, topped with a lusciously smooth vanilla frosting.
My journey with Banana Bread Brownies started during a particularly snowy winter when the cozy urge to bake something warm and comforting was irresistible. Rummaging through my pantry and finding overripe bananas led to a kitchen experiment combining my love for banana bread and brownies. After several trials, adding sour cream for moisture, walnuts for a nutty crunch, and creating a buttery, sweet frosting, the perfect recipe emerged. These brownies now hold a special place in my family's gatherings, bringing smiles and warmth even on the coldest days.
Why You'll Love Banana Bread Brownies
The unique allure of these Banana Bread Brownies lies in their perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The use of sour cream enhances the moisture content, making each bite delightfully tender. Chopped walnuts provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts the softness of the brownies, while the homemade frosting offers a creamy finish that complements the natural sweetness of the bananas.
These brownies are not only a creative twist on traditional desserts but also a crowd-pleaser at any event.
Ingredients Notes:
The Banana Bread Brownies recipe calls for a delightful mix of common and comforting ingredients that blend beautifully to create a luscious treat. Here's a breakdown of key ingredients and their roles:
- Sugar and Sour Cream: These ingredients work together to give the brownies their moist texture and subtly complex flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter in both the brownie batter and the frosting allows for controlled seasoning and contributes to the rich, creamy texture.
- Bananas: The star of the recipe, ripe mashed bananas infuse the brownies with natural sweetness and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances both the brownie base and the frosting.
- Flour, Baking Soda, and Salt: These dry ingredients provide the structural backbone for the brownies, ensuring they rise properly and have a tender, but stable, crumb.
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts offer a delightful crunch, punctuating the soft texture of the brownies with nutty bites.
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How To Make Banana Bread Brownies
Baking the perfect batch of Banana Bread Brownies is an enjoyable and rewarding process. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:
- Step 1: Prep Work: Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking pan. This ensures a smooth release of the brownies after baking and an even cooking temperature from the start.
- Step 2: Mixing Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, blend the sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy. This step is crucial for dissolving the sugar and incorporating air into the batter, which helps achieve a light texture.
- Step 3: Adding Flavor: Introduce the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the mixture. The bananas should be well-ripened for maximum flavor and sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the brownies.
- Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to mix these ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the brownies tough.
- Step 5: Adding Extras: Fold in the chopped walnuts for a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the moist, soft brownies.
- Step 6: Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake. Check for doneness with a toothpick— it should come out clean when the brownies are ready.
- Step 7: Making the Frosting: While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting by melting butter, then gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla, finishing with milk for a smooth consistency.
- Step 8: Finishing Touches: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. This final layer adds a sweet, creamy finish that perfectly complements the moist brownies.
Storage Options
Banana Bread Brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored to extend their delightful taste. At room temperature, they can be kept for up to three days when covered in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, ensuring they are tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. Alternatively, freeze them for up to three months; simply wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a just-baked taste.
Variations and Substitutions
While the original Banana Bread Brownies recipe is a delight, you can easily modify it to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to those with gluten sensitivities.
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a similar crunch without the allergens.
- Vegan Adjustments: Use plant-based sour cream and butter, and replace eggs with an alternative like mashed avocado to maintain moisture.
- Different Nuts: Experiment with pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a double chocolate version, enhancing the indulgent brownie experience.
Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts finely chopped
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the brownies release easily after baking.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs. Utilize an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. Following this, incorporate the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients are fully integrated into the batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until the dry ingredients are fully combined and no streaks of flour remain. Fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Upon completion of baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool slightly in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, begin preparing the frosting. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter until it reaches a medium brown color, which will impart a rich, nutty flavor to the frosting. Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually stir in the powdered sugar, adding it one cup at a time and mixing thoroughly after each addition. Finally, incorporate the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until the frosting is smooth and well-blended.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled slightly, pour the frosting over the top, spreading it evenly across the surface. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, ensuring the frosting sets properly. Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and serve.
