If you’re a fan of banana bread and brownies, this recipe for Banana Bread Brownies is the ultimate combination that will satisfy both cravings. Soft, moist banana bread bars are topped with a rich brown butter glaze, creating a dessert that’s cozy, comforting, and deliciously unique. Whether it’s for a casual afternoon treat or a family gathering, these bars will be a crowd-pleaser and bring warmth to any occasion. Here’s everything you need to make this delightful dessert at home.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Bars

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Brown Butter Glaze

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Banana Bread Bars

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 10×15-inch baking sheet. This size is perfect for creating a thin, even layer that bakes up soft and chewy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, sour cream, softened butter, and eggs. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The addition of sour cream brings a slight tanginess and helps make the bars incredibly moist.

Next, add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The ripe bananas are key here, providing natural sweetness and that classic banana flavor we all know and love.

Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser texture. Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool slightly.

2. Make the Brown Butter Glaze

While the banana bars are cooling, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter until it turns a golden brown color and gives off a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. This browned butter is the secret to a deeply flavorful glaze with a hint of caramel-like richness.

Remove the browned butter from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. If the glaze feels too thick, add a bit more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency. The glaze should be smooth and creamy.

Pour the glaze over the warm banana bars, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Let the glaze set before cutting the bars into squares. The brown butter glaze adds a melt-in-your-mouth richness that pairs beautifully with the moist banana base.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

1. Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor, use bananas that are very ripe, with lots of brown spots. They’ll be sweeter and add more depth to the banana flavor.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the flour, fold it in gently. Overmixing can make the bars tough rather than soft and tender.

3. Brown the Butter Carefully: Browning butter adds incredible flavor, but it can burn quickly. Watch it closely and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown and smells nutty.

4. Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired texture. For a thicker glaze that holds up well, let it cool slightly before pouring it over the bars.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Bread Brownies are a step up from traditional banana bread, with a soft texture similar to brownies but with a lighter, airier bite. The brown butter glaze adds a luxurious sweetness that balances perfectly with the moist banana flavor. They’re easy to make, and each bite melts in your mouth, offering layers of warm, nutty sweetness.

These bars make a fantastic addition to any dessert table and are just as perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also versatile; serve them warm for a comforting dessert, or chilled for a firmer, more dense treat.

Storage Options for Banana Bread Brownies

To keep your Banana Bread Brownies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

1. Room Temperature:
For short-term storage, place the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. This method keeps the bars moist and soft but is best if your room isn’t too warm.

2. Refrigeration:
If you’d like to store them for up to a week, refrigerate the brownies in an airtight container. This helps preserve freshness, especially if your kitchen is warm. The glaze may firm up slightly, so allow the brownies to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

3. Freezing:
For longer storage, Banana Bread Brownies freeze beautifully. Once the glaze is set, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or wrap individually with plastic wrap and place in a resealable bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

These storage options ensure your brownies retain their moist, soft texture and that delectable brown butter glaze, so you can enjoy them at their best whenever you’re ready!

Variations and Substitutions for Banana Bread Brownies

Here are some creative variations and substitutions to personalize your Banana Bread Brownies:

1. Add Mix-Ins:

• Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a richer, chocolatey twist.

• Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delicious crunch. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the batter or sprinkle on top of the glaze for added texture.

• Dried Fruits: For a fruity touch, mix in 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates.

2. Make It Gluten-Free:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, especially the baking soda and powdered sugar.

3. Dairy-Free Option:

• Butter Substitute: Use a plant-based butter for both the bars and the glaze.

• Sour Cream Substitute: Replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream for similar texture and moisture.

4. Lower Sugar:

• Reduce Sugar in Bars: Cut the granulated sugar to 1 cup and consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a less sweet version.

• Alternative Sweetener in Glaze: Use maple syrup or honey in place of powdered sugar in the glaze. Adjust the milk quantity to reach the desired consistency.

5. Spice it Up:
For a warm flavor boost, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You could also sprinkle a dash of cinnamon into the glaze for extra depth.

6. Frosting Alternatives:
If brown butter glaze isn’t your favorite, try a cream cheese frosting or a simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the bars.

FAQs for Banana Bread Brownies

1. Can I make these Banana Bread Brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. This will maintain the same texture and flavor while making the recipe gluten-free.

2. How should I store Banana Bread Brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the brownies for up to 2-3 months.

3. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Let frozen bananas thaw completely before mashing and adding to the batter. They may release extra moisture, so you may want to reduce other liquids slightly if the batter seems too thin.

4. Can I make these brownies without the glaze?
Yes, the banana bread bars are delicious on their own! The glaze adds sweetness and richness, but you can omit it for a simpler, less sweet version.

5. What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or plain yogurt. Both will add the same moisture and slight tang to the recipe.

6. How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. They should be lightly golden on top.

7. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit make great additions. Stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite mix-ins for added texture and flavor.

8. Can I substitute the powdered sugar in the glaze?
For a less sweet alternative, you can use a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Adjust the milk in the glaze to get the right consistency if using these substitutes.

9. Why is my brown butter glaze too thick?
If the glaze is too thick, simply add a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency.

10. Are these brownies suitable for vegans?
You can make vegan substitutions by using plant-based butter, dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream instead of sour cream, and a flax egg in place of eggs. The taste and texture will vary slightly, but it can work well!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to switch up your baking routine, these Banana Bread Brownies are an indulgent treat that brings together two classic favorites. The moist banana bread base and the rich brown butter glaze make these bars a true standout, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Enjoy the cozy flavors of banana and brown butter in a treat that’s easy to make and hard to resist!