Introduction
Banana bread and brownies are both beloved treats, but what if you could combine the two into a single indulgent dessert? These Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect blend of moist banana bread and rich, chocolatey brownies. Topped with a luscious frosting, they are a delightful treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Brownies:
2 eggs
3 bananas, mashed (approximately 450g)
300g sugar
240g sour cream
115g butter, softened
2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
250g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
3/4 teaspoon (4g) salt
60g walnuts, chopped
For the Frosting:
115g butter
360g powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5ml) vanilla extract
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 servings
Cooking these delightful Banana Bread Brownies not only fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma, but it encompasses the warmth of home baking. This is a wonderful recipe to share with friends and family or to enjoy as a personal treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees a scrumptious outcome. Enjoy these sweet squares at any time of day!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your brownies come out easily.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the 2 eggs. Add the 3 mashed bananas—approximately 450g—along with the 300g of sugar, 240g of sour cream, 115g of softened butter, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, inviting the fragrant notes of banana and vanilla to fill the air.
Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 250g of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are fully integrated.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix, as this can affect the brownies’ texture.
Fold in Walnuts
Gently fold in 60g of chopped walnuts. This adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor, perfect alongside the moist banana base.
Pour into Baking Pan
Pour the thick, aromatic batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread the mixture evenly to ensure uniform baking, creating an enticingly rich layer.
Bake the Brownies
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs, indicating the brownies are ready.
Prepare the Frosting
While the brownies are baking, melt 115g of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and gradually stir in 360g of powdered sugar along with 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is silky and smooth, reminiscent of a rich glaze.
Frost the Brownies
When the brownies are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, spread the warm frosting evenly over the top. The warmth of the brownies helps the frosting melt slightly, creating a luscious, glossy finish.
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into squares and serve. The delightful combination of flavors and textures will be irresistible.
Notes
Storage Tips
These Banana Bread Brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Frosting Alternatives
Consider adding cocoa powder to the frosting if you desire a chocolatey twist. Simply replace a portion of the powdered sugar with unsweetened cocoa.
Nut-Free Option
If you’re looking to make the brownies nut-free, simply omit the walnuts without compromising the overall flavor and texture.
Banana Ripeness
For the best results, use very ripe bananas. Their sweetness will enhance the flavor profile of your brownies, giving them that classic banana bread taste.
Cook techniques
Properly Mashing Bananas
To achieve the ideal texture for banana bread brownies, ensure the bananas are well mashed. Use a fork or potato masher to create a smooth consistency, removing any large chunks.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. This helps keep the brownies tender and fluffy.
Doneness Check
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. Be cautious not to overbake, as brownies can become dry.
Cooling the Brownies
Allow the brownies to cool slightly in the pan before frosting. This helps the frosting adhere better to the warm surface.
Making the Frosting
Melt the butter over medium heat for the frosting. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Cutting Brownies
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife, and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts. This prevents the brownies from sticking to the knife.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be good substitutes for sour cream in this recipe.
How do I store leftover brownies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with chocolate chips or another nut according to your preference.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make gluten-free banana bread brownies.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful treat that successfully combines the rich flavors of banana bread and brownies. With their moist texture and creamy frosting, they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack, these brownies prove that two beloved desserts can harmoniously coexist in one delicious recipe.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Brownies
Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
Nutella Swirl Brownies
Introduce swirls of Nutella throughout the batter before baking for a delightful hazelnut twist.
Coconut Banana Bread Brownies
Mix shredded coconut into the batter and top with coconut flakes in the frosting for a tropical flavor.
Pecan Banana Bread Brownies
Replace walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor and crunch in your brownies.
Peanut Butter Frosting
Switch out the frosting for a creamy peanut butter frosting that complements the flavors of the banana brownies.
Caramel Drizzle
Add a luscious caramel drizzle on top of the frosting to elevate the sweetness and add richness.
Banana Macadamia Nut Brownies
Incorporate macadamia nuts for a tasty twist, enhancing both flavor and texture.
