Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Deliciously moist and fudgy banana bread brownies topped with a creamy, buttery vanilla frosting. These brownies combine the rich flavors of ripe bananas and walnuts with a smooth, nutty frosting, making a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk (more if needed for spreading)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Banana Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution before gradually adding these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts if you choose to include them for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, cooking it until it turns a light golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid melting the frosting when mixed.
- Mix Frosting: Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add more milk if the consistency is too thick for spreading.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled banana brownies. Cut into squares or bars and serve.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optional: Toast walnuts before folding into batter for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust frosting thickness with additional milk depending on preference.
Keywords: banana bread brownies, banana brownies, walnut banana brownies, homemade brownies, banana dessert, chocolate-free brownies
