Name: Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream); 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 3-4 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 4 tablespoons butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk

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I absolutely love sharing this Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe because it combines two of my favorite treats into one irresistible dessert. The rich, moist banana bread texture merged with the fudgy brownie vibe makes each bite feel like a cozy hug. And then topping it off with that nutty, caramel-like brown butter frosting? Pure magic. It’s my go-to recipe when I have ripe bananas staring at me and craving something sweet but special.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

What makes this recipe truly stand out for me is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The bananas keep the brownies moist and tender while adding a natural sweetness that feels homey and comforting. When I bite into one, the subtle tang from the Greek yogurt or sour cream adds depth, and then the glossy, brown butter frosting ties everything together with its nutty, rich flair. It’s like a symphony of flavors that satisfies your sweet tooth without overwhelming it.

Besides tasting incredible, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. The ingredients are simple and often already in my pantry, and the steps come together quickly without fuss. Plus, it’s fantastic for any occasion: casual family snacks, potlucks, even celebratory brunches. Every time I serve these Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting, they disappear fast, and I always get asked for the recipe. Honestly, it feels like a little slice of homemade happiness that anyone can create with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white mixing bowl, there are several layers of ingredients placed separately. On the left side, there is a grainy beige mixture, likely flour or oats. On top and slightly to the right of that mixture, two raw egg yolks sit close together with a smooth, thick white cream or yogurt next to them, occupying the upper right section. Below the eggs and cream is a pale yellow mashed mixture, possibly bananas. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s for the tender crumb of the brownies, the moistness from the bananas, or the luscious finish from the brown butter frosting. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get started:

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly and helps create a tender bite.
Plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream): Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Butter (softened): Provides richness and flavor to the base.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the structure.
Ripe bananas: The star ingredient that brings sweetness, moisture, and natural flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm aroma.
All-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their sturdy yet tender texture.
Baking soda: Ensures a good rise and a light crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Butter for frosting: Browned to bring a nutty, caramel flavor that’s absolutely addictive.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting texture.
Milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency to perfection.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan well using non-stick cooking spray to make sure the brownies don’t stick.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps give a nice tender crumb.

Step 3: Beat in the Greek yogurt or sour cream, followed by the eggs, mashed ripe bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix these just until combined to keep the batter moist and rich.

Step 4: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring gently until everything is just moistened. Avoid overmixing here; overworked batter can make the brownies tough.

Step 5: If you like, stir in chopped walnuts for a little crunch, but this step is optional!

Step 6: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 23 to 28 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 7: While the brownies are baking, prepare the brown butter frosting. Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Watch it carefully as it melts, simmering until it turns a delicate brown and releases a warm, nutty aroma. Once browned, remove it from the heat immediately to avoid burning.

Step 8: Whisk the browned butter into powdered sugar, adding vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed until smooth and pourable.

Step 9: When the brownies come out of the oven, pour the warm frosting evenly over them. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it out before it sets for the most luscious finish.

Servings and Timing

This Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe yields about 16 generous servings—perfect for sharing or keeping as a treat for yourself throughout the week. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, which means you can have everything mixed and in the oven quickly. Baking takes about 25 minutes, allowing for a total cook and prep time of about 35 minutes. Don’t forget to give the brownies a few minutes to cool so the frosting can set nicely, but I find they’re absolutely delicious when still warm!

How to Serve This Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

The image shows small square pieces of banana cake stacked on a white marbled surface. Each piece has two layers: a moist, light brown cake base with visible small banana bits and a thick layer of creamy white frosting on top. The pieces are neatly cut and stacked with one piece resting on top of two others, showing the texture inside. A few slices of banana are visible on the white marbled surface near the cake pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting, I love to keep things simple so the flavors shine. They’re incredible on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a little extra texture, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or chocolate chips on top of the frosting adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal.

For drinks, I find a cup of strong coffee or an earthy chai latte complements the warm, nutty flavors beautifully. If you want to serve these at a party, a glass of dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or a smooth bourbon cocktail also pairs exceptionally well. Serving these brownies at room temperature lets the frosting stay soft, but if you chill them, the frosting firms up, offering a slightly different yet just as delicious experience.

For portions, I usually slice into about 16 squares to make them manageable—and perfect for a cozy dessert plate or neighborhood gathering. Place them on a simple ceramic platter or a rustic wooden board for a cozy, inviting presentation. These brownies are great to bring out during family dinners, holidays, or even as an indulgent weekday snack. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to find any excuse to share them!

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m baking for. Gluten-free friends? Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking mix. It still turns out fantastic! For a vegan twist, you can use a plant-based yogurt, flax eggs in place of real eggs, and vegan butter. The banana flavor really shines through and the frosting is still decadently rich when using vegan butter.

To mix up the flavor, I sometimes add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm twist that feels perfect for fall. Adding chopped dark chocolate or even peanut butter chips into the batter gives another amazing layer of indulgence. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, I reduce the powdered sugar and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor.

If you want to play with cooking methods, I’ve even used this batter baked in muffin tins for banana bread brownie cupcakes, which are incredible for grab-and-go treats. Or try a bundt pan for a more dramatic presentation; just adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a batch, I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating is a safe bet to keep the brown butter frosting fresh—it’ll last about 4 to 5 days this way. I always keep the lid tight to prevent drying out or picking up any fridge odors since these brownies are so moist and delicate.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I slice the brownies before freezing and place parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag to keep them from sticking together. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 3 months. When I want to enjoy them, I just thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge, and they retain their incredible texture and flavor as if freshly baked.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, I recommend gently reheating individual brownie squares in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, just long enough for the frosting to soften and the interior to feel warm. Avoid overheating, as that can make the frosting grainy or cause the bananas to dry out. If you prefer the oven, wrap pieces in foil and warm at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, which keeps the texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend using very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots because they are sweeter and more flavorful, which enhances the moisture and overall taste of the brownies perfectly.

Is Greek yogurt necessary, or can I substitute something else?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a bit of tang, but if you don’t have it, sour cream works just as well. For a dairy-free or vegan option, plain plant-based yogurt is a good replacement without compromising moisture or taste.

What if I don’t want to make the brown butter frosting?

You can skip the frosting or replace it with a simple cream cheese glaze or even a chocolate ganache. However, the brown butter frosting is what really elevates the recipe, adding that distinctive richness and nutty depth.

Can I make this recipe into a loaf instead of bars?

Yes! You can bake the batter in a greased loaf pan instead of a 9×13 pan. Just increase the baking time to about 45-55 minutes and check doneness with a toothpick. It’s fantastic as a banana bread loaf with that irresistible frosting poured on top.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming grainy?

The key is to carefully brown the butter without burning it and to whisk the powdered sugar into the warm butter while it’s still smooth. Adding milk gradually to achieve the right consistency helps keep it glossy and spreadable without graininess.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe enough—it’s such a joyful way to use ripe bananas and turn them into an indulgent, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these brownies bring that perfect balance of comfort and elegance to any table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!