Banana Brownies with Frosting

By Christie

You may want to make a double batch of these sweet banana brownies so you can try both frosting options! Brown Butter? Vanilla Bean? Why not both!

Ingredients

• BANANA BREAD BARS:
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (Optional)
• BROWN BUTTER FROSTING:
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk
• OR
• VANILLA BEAN FROSTING:
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar

Preparation

Step 1

BANANA BREAD BARS:
Preheat oven to 375°F.

Grease and flour 15 by 10 inch jelly roll pan.

In a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy.

Blend in bananas and vanilla extract.

Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and blend for 1 minute. Stir in walnuts. if desired.

Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

BROWN BUTTER FROSTING:
Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until boiling.

Let the butter turn a delicate brown and remove from heat immediately. (It turns quickly, so pay attention.)

Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk. Whisk together until smooth (it should be thicker than a glaze but thinner than frosting).

Using a spatula, spread the brown butter frosting over the warm bars.

OR

VANILLA BEAN FROSTING:
Mix butter and cream until smooth.

Mix in vanilla.

Beat in confectioner's sugar until frosting is of spreading consistency.

Spread on cooled brownies.