Banana Bread Brownies with Frosting

If you’ve ever wished banana bread had the fudgy texture of a brownie, you’re in for a treat. These Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting are the best of both worlds: moist, chewy, full of deep banana flavor, and crowned with an irresistibly nutty brown butter frosting.

This recipe is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas, transforming them into a decadent dessert bar with comforting, homemade charm. It’s the kind of treat you’ll want to bake again and again — especially since it’s made with pantry staples and takes under an hour from start to finish.

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🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Banana Bread Brownies

• 1 cup raw walnut halves (or chocolate chips)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
• ⅔ cup honey
• ⅓ cup light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup white whole wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Brown Butter Frosting

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

1. Toast the Walnuts

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes. Chop coarsely once cooled.

2. Brown the Butter

In a light-colored saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 3–5 minutes). Immediately pour over mashed bananas in a mixing bowl.

3. Make the Batter

Whisk in honey, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla to the banana-butter mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together both flours, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Fold in chopped walnuts.

4. Bake

Pour batter into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Smooth the top and bake for 22–25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

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🧈 Brown Butter Frosting Instructions

1. In the same saucepan, brown another 6 tablespoons of butter until golden.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough cream or milk for a smooth, spreadable texture.
3. Frost brownies once completely cooled.

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📌 Tips for the Best Banana Bread Brownies

• Use overripe bananas — the spottier, the better
• Let browned butter cool slightly before mixing with eggs
• Cool bars fully before frosting to prevent melting
• Don’t overmix once dry ingredients are added — it keeps the texture fudgy
• For neater cuts, chill before slicing and wipe your knife clean between cuts

✨ Final Thoughts

These Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting are a nostalgic dessert with a gourmet upgrade. From the sweet banana base to the indulgent frosting, every bite delivers rich flavor and comforting texture. They’re easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for guests — and yes, everyone will ask for the recipe.