Banana Bread Brownies

If you’re a fan of both banana bread and brownies, you’re in for a treat with this delightful Banana Bread Brownies recipe. Marrying the comforting flavors of banana bread with the fudgy texture of brownies, this dessert offers a unique and indulgent experience for all. Perfect for gatherings, snack time, or even as a breakfast option, these Banana Bread Brownies are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

To make this mouth-watering Banana Bread Brownies recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Banana Bread Brownies:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

For the Brown Butter Frosting (optional but highly recommended):

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Step 2: Bake the Banana Bread Brownies

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Brown Butter Frosting (Optional)

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Once the brownies have cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your Banana Bread Brownies into squares, serve, and watch them disappear!

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

• Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for a natural sweetness and a more pronounced banana flavor.
• Brown Butter Frosting: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty taste to the frosting. However, if you’re short on time, a classic cream cheese or vanilla frosting also pairs wonderfully with these brownies.
• Add-ins: Customize your Banana Bread Brownies with chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

Serving and Storage Tips for Banana Bread Brownies

Serving Tips:

• Temperature: These Banana Bread Brownies taste best slightly warm or at room temperature. Try warming individual portions for a few seconds in the microwave for a gooey, fresh-baked feel.
• Toppings: Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate their sweetness and texture. Fresh banana slices on top also add an extra touch!
• Presentation: For a fun presentation, dust the brownies with powdered sugar, or sprinkle extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top just before serving.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their soft and fudgy texture.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the brownies in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days and can be enjoyed chilled or microwaved for a few seconds to regain their warmth and softness.
• Freezing: To keep them even longer, freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter before serving, or microwave briefly to enjoy warm.

Enjoy your Banana Bread Brownies anytime with these simple serving and storage tips!

1. Can I make these Banana Bread Brownies without frosting?
Yes! The brownies are delicious on their own, with a natural sweetness from the bananas. The frosting adds an extra layer of richness, but they’re just as tasty without it.

2. Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can use oil instead of butter in the brownie batter. Substitute an equal amount of vegetable or canola oil for the butter, which will make the brownies extra moist. However, keep in mind that you’ll miss the buttery flavor that complements the banana.

3. How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This swap should yield similar results without compromising the texture or taste.

4. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding them to the batter. Using frozen bananas often results in an even stronger banana flavor, which enhances the taste of the brownies.

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