If you adore the comforting flavors of banana bread but crave a fudgy, chocolatey twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of moist banana goodness melded with the rich texture of a brownie, all topped with a luscious vanilla frosting that ties every bite together perfectly. Trust me, this recipe transforms the ordinary into an extraordinary treat that feels both nostalgic and new, right from the very first forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully simple, but each plays a crucial role in making these brownies irresistibly moist, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. From the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the creamy vanilla frosting, every component contributes something unique to the final masterpiece.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the brownies just enough without overpowering the banana flavor.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb for the brownies.
- Mashed ripe bananas, 1 cup (about 2 large): The star ingredient that provides moisture and classic banana flavor.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the brownies.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Infuses warmth and depth into both the brownie batter and frosting.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: The foundation for the brownie’s texture and chewiness.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the brownies rise slightly without losing their dense texture.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- For the frosting: Unsalted butter (1/4 cup), powdered sugar (1/2 cup), milk (2 tablespoons), vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon), plus optional chopped walnuts (1/4 cup) for a delightful crunch.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease your 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly or line it with parchment paper, which makes it so much easier to lift out the brownies once baked. This simple preparation sets the stage for perfect baking results.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air, helping your brownies stay tender and nicely textured.
Step 3: Add Bananas, Eggs, and Vanilla
Mix in the mashed ripe bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract into your creamed butter and sugar. The bananas contribute natural sweetness and moisture, while the eggs and vanilla bind everything and layer in rich flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt carefully into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps your brownies delightfully moist and soft rather than tough.
Step 5: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell during baking is absolutely divine and sure to tempt anyone nearby.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Frosting
While the brownies bake, prepare the frosting by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This frosting is the ultimate sweet topper that brings everything together.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Spread the warm brownies with the vanilla frosting evenly, allowing it to melt slightly into the surface. If you love a bit of texture, sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Let everything cool completely before slicing so your brownies hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts or even toasted coconut flakes can elevate your banana bread brownies with vanilla frosting recipe, lending delightful texture and a touch of nutty flavor. For a pop of color and freshness, feel free to add a few fresh banana slices or a dusting of cinnamon on top.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine wonderfully on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns dessert time into a truly indulgent moment. A hot cup of coffee or cinnamon-spiced chai also complements their flavors in the most comforting way.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or get-togethers, cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares and serve on decorative trays garnished with edible flowers or fresh berries. You can also layer them between parchment paper and present as a gift box of deliciousness—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana bread brownies with vanilla frosting recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their moisture and prevents the frosting from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep these brownies longer, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat your brownies for about 15 seconds in the microwave or pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This warms the banana bread brownies with vanilla frosting recipe perfectly without melting the frosting entirely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great as long as they are fully thawed and well mashed to maintain the moist texture that makes these brownies so special.
Is it possible to substitute the butter in the recipe?
You can swap butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you want a dairy-free or vegan-friendly version, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even fully brown skins for maximum sweetness and banana flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Your brownies will still be deliciously moist.
What’s the secret to a smooth vanilla frosting?
Melting the butter gently and mixing it with powdered sugar and milk while warm ensures your frosting is silky and spreads easily without clumps.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the best of banana bread and brownies with an enchanting vanilla frosting on top, this Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s straightforward to make yet feels completely special—perfect for sharing with family, friends, or savoring all on your own!
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Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Bread Brownies, combining the best of banana bread and classic brownies in one easy-to-make dessert. Topped with a smooth vanilla frosting and optional walnuts, they are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Cream Sugar and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender texture.
- Add Bananas, Eggs, and Vanilla: Mix in the mashed ripe bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined, blending all flavors smoothly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture just until incorporated to avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies tough.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Garnish: Pour the warm frosting over the freshly baked brownies and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into 9 squares. This helps the frosting set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- For a richer, nuttier flavor, try browning the butter before mixing the frosting.
- These brownies are best served at room temperature to enjoy their moist texture fully.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
