Get ready to fall in love with a delightful twist on two classic favorites with this Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. Combining the moistness and sweet warmth of banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, topped off with a smooth vanilla glaze, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes. Each bite bursts with comfort and indulgence, making it perfect for anytime you want to impress friends or simply indulge yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to bring out the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. Every element plays its part, from the velvety butter to the fragrant vanilla, ensuring your brownies come out irresistibly moist, tender, and glazed to perfection.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich moisture and a buttery base that makes the brownies luscious.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create that lovely chewy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while providing structure and fluffiness.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas): Brings natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and flavor complexity throughout the batter and glaze.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy body that holds the brownies together.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the brownies rise lightly for a perfect crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enriches the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty depth if you like texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: For melting into the glaze, giving it a glossy, rich finish.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze while lending a smooth surface.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Lightens the glaze to a perfect pourable consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that classic vanilla warmth to the glaze for a perfect match.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper is key here, especially leaving a slight overhang; this makes lifting your brownies out a breeze once they’ve cooled. Proper preparation sets the stage for flawless baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until it’s smooth and glossy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly ensures the brownies will be rich, moist, and beautifully banana-forward.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in gently now for that perfect nutty crunch.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before glazing them; this step is crucial to prevent the glaze from melting into the brownies.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the brownies cool, melt the butter slowly over medium heat in a small saucepan. Take it off the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is silky, smooth, and pourable. This luscious vanilla glaze will add a sweet, velvety finish that perfectly complements the banana brownie base.
Step 6: Glaze the Brownies
Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled brownies, using a spatula to spread it smoothly across the top. Let the glaze set at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting time allows the glaze to firm up slightly, giving it a lovely sheen and just the right amount of softness when you bite into it.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan gently. Slice into 16 bars for perfect portions that everyone will adore. These Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Recipe bars are ready to be enjoyed as they are or dressed up with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top just after glazing for extra texture and nutty aroma. Alternatively, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few banana chips can enhance the banana flavor and add a lovely crunch to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also provide a beautiful contrast and brighten the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Banana Bread Brownies in a rustic wooden crate lined with parchment for a charming picnic vibe. Or stack them tiered on a dessert stand for parties to show off that inviting glaze and tempting banana aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful. Avoid stacking if you want to preserve the glaze’s look.
Freezing
You can freeze the brownies before glazing by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and apply the glaze fresh for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
If you like your brownies a little warm, gently microwave a piece for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens both the brownie and glaze, giving you that freshly baked sensation with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect because they are sweeter and softer, which enhances the banana flavor and moisture in the Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Recipe.
Is it necessary to add nuts to the batter?
Nuts are optional and add a lovely crunch, but the brownies are delicious without them. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a softer, classic texture.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour?
Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well here. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the brownies from crumbling.
How thick should the glaze be?
The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. It should coat the back of a spoon and spread easily over the brownies while still setting nicely at room temperature.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze a few hours ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Give it a quick whisk before pouring to regain its smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is truly a treasure you’ll want to keep coming back to. It’s a heartfelt blend of comfort and extravagance, perfect for any occasion where you want to share something special. Whip up a batch and watch as friends and family swoon over every bite—it’s a homemade treat that never gets old!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the rich, moist texture of banana bread with the fudgy, indulgent qualities of brownies. Enhanced with a smooth vanilla glaze and optional chopped nuts, they are perfect for a delicious dessert or snack. Baked to perfection, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweetness and banana flavor.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang to allow for easy removal of the brownies once baked.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing all ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Brownies: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the cooled brownies, spreading with a spatula to cover the surface uniformly. Allow the glaze to set at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
- Optional nuts add great texture but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before glazing for the best glaze texture.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
