Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting (Printable)
Fusion bars blending moist banana bread with rich brownie texture, topped with nutty brown butter frosting for an irresistible dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Brownie Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 4 large eggs
04 - 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium bananas)
05 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ Brown Butter Frosting
09 - ½ cup unsalted butter
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper and sides of the pan.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
04 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should remain thick and moist.
06 - Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 27–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
07 - Place the butter for the frosting in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter foams, turns golden brown, and develops a nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
08 - In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat with a mixer or whisk until smooth and spreadable. Add up to 1 additional tablespoon of milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
09 - Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The texture is absolutely dreamy, fudgy like a brownie but with that tender banana bread crumb that practically melts in your mouth
- Brown butter frosting elevates everything, turning a simple treat into something that feels like it came from a fancy bakery
02 -
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting—warm brownies will melt your beautiful frosting into a sad puddle
- The brown butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so stand right there and watch it like a hawk
03 -
- If your bananas aren't quite spotted enough, roast them in their peels at 400°F for 15 minutes—they'll become super sweet and mash like a dream
- Line your pan with parchment paper in both directions so you can lift the whole batch out and cut perfect squares