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Ultimate Moist Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting

Close-up of a rich, dark slice of banana bread brownies topped with thick cream cheese frosting.
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You will love this dessert mashup that combines the moist texture of banana bread with the rich flavor of fudgy brownies, topped with a silky brown butter frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for frosting
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • For the Brown Butter Frosting: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. Melt 1 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter foams, then browns, and nutty brown bits form at the bottom. Immediately remove from heat and pour into a large bowl. Let cool slightly.
  3. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the slightly cooled melted butter. Whisk until combined.
  4. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until just mixed. Do not overmix.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter, for a fudgy texture.
  9. While the brownies cool, prepare the brown butter frosting. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan until browned, similar to step 2. Pour into a small bowl and let cool slightly.
  10. Whisk the cooled brown butter with the powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Add the remaining milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  11. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For the best banana flavor, use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost black.
  • To achieve a chewier edge, slightly reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
  • If you prefer a cream cheese frosting instead of brown butter, substitute 4 ounces of softened cream cheese for the brown butter in the frosting recipe, beating it until smooth before adding powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/banana-bread-brownies/