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Published by: Priscilla Michele

Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting

Soft and moist banana bread brownies made with very ripe bananas and optional chocolate chips, then topped with a simple nutty brown butter frosting. A quick homemade treat that's perfect for snacks, lunch boxes, or satisfying a banana craving.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Banana Bread Brownies
  • 1 cup very ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 bananas)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips, optional
  • Brown Butter Frosting
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Rubber spatula or Mixing Spoon
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan.
  2. Mash the very ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract
  4. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Stir gently until the ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely.
  10. To make the brown butter frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  11. Continue cooking until the butter develops a golden-brown color and nutty aroma, watching carefully so it does not burn.
  12. Remove the butter from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  13. Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt.
  14. Stir until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add a small amount of additional milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
  15. Spread the brown butter frosting over the completely cooled banana bars.
  16. Allow the frosting to set slightly before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best banana flavor and sweetness.
  • Measure the mashed bananas after mashing to ensure you have approximately 1 cup.
  • Chocolate chips are optional and can be left out.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
  • Avoid overbaking the bars to keep them soft and moist.
  • Allow the banana bars to cool completely before frosting.
  • Watch the butter closely while browning because it can quickly go from golden brown to burned.
  • Allow the brown butter to cool slightly before making the frosting.
  • Adjust the frosting consistency with a small amount of additional milk or confectioners' sugar as needed.
  • Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • For lunchboxes, allow the frosting to set before packing the bars.