Banana Bread Brownies

Banana bread meets brownies in this irresistible fusion dessert! These Banana Bread Brownies offer the perfect blend of moist banana bread and rich chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re a banana bread enthusiast or a die-hard brownie lover, this recipe is sure to win you over with its heavenly flavors and indulgent texture. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will leave your taste buds craving for more!

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

For the topping:

1. Prepare Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the powdered sugar, milk, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook: Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Pour Topping: Pour the warm topping over the cooled brownies and spread it out evenly.
4. Let Set: Allow the topping to set before slicing the brownies into squares.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Texture Enhancement: For added texture, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or chocolate chips on top of the warm topping.
• Fruit Swirl: Swirl in a layer of your favorite fruit preserves or chocolate hazelnut spread into the batter before baking for a delicious twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour to make these brownies gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free substitutes for butter and sour cream to create a dairy-free version of these brownies.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use margarine instead of unsalted butter? A: While margarine can be substituted for butter, it may affect the taste and texture of the brownies.

Q: Can I freeze these brownies? A: Yes, these brownies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I omit the walnuts? A: Absolutely! Feel free to leave out the walnuts or substitute them with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips.

Q: Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream? A: Yes, plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

• Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour.
• Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of sugar.
• Replace the bananas with mashed avocado or pumpkin puree for a lower-carb option.
• For the topping, use a keto-friendly powdered sweetener and almond milk instead of milk.

Low-Carb Version:

• Reduce the amount of sugar or use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit sweetener.
• Incorporate almond flour or coconut flour into the batter for added fiber and fewer carbs.
• Replace the bananas with grated zucchini or apple sauce for a lower-carb alternative.

Banana Bread Brownies offer the best of both worlds: the comforting taste of banana bread combined with the indulgent richness of brownies. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a decadent dessert, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit. With their moist texture, subtle banana flavor, and irresistible topping, they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and delight your taste buds with this delectable treat!