Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting – Soft, Moist & Irresistibly Rich

These Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting combine everything you love about classic banana bread with the soft, dense texture of a dessert bar. They are incredibly moist, packed with real banana flavor, and finished with a thick layer of buttery frosting that melts slightly into the warm bars.

Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, these banana brownies are closer to an ultra-moist banana blondie. They have tender centers, lightly golden edges, and enough richness to feel like dessert while still delivering that familiar homemade banana-bread flavor.

The frosting is what takes them to another level. Browning the butter gives it a toasted, almost caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with ripe bananas, brown sugar, and vanilla. Spread it over the bars while they are slightly warm and it settles into the top, creating the creamy finish similar to the dessert shown in the image.

These bars are perfect for using overripe bananas, potlucks, holidays, family gatherings, bake sales, coffee breaks, lunchboxes, or anytime you want an easy dessert that can feed a crowd.


Recipe Overview

Recipe DetailsInformation
Recipe NameBanana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting
Focus KeywordBanana Bread Brownies
Prep Time20 minutes
Bake Time25–30 minutes
Cooling Time30–45 minutes
Total TimeAbout 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield20–24 bars
CourseDessert
CuisineAmerican
DifficultyEasy
Main FlavorBanana, Vanilla & Brown Sugar
TextureMoist, Dense, Soft & Chewy
Baking Pan9×13-inch
FrostingBrown Butter Vanilla Frosting
Make-Ahead FriendlyYes
Freezer FriendlyYes

Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Brownies

Banana bread is already one of the best ways to use ripe bananas, but turning that familiar flavor into brownies makes the recipe even easier to serve.

These bars bake in one pan.

There is no loaf to slice.

There are no cupcakes to decorate.

And once frosted, they can be cut into neat squares for serving or storage.

The texture is also different from regular banana bread.

Traditional banana bread is usually light and cake-like.

These Banana Bread Brownies are intentionally denser and more moist.

Brown sugar helps create that chewy texture, while mashed bananas keep the centers tender.

Then the brown butter frosting adds a rich finish that makes them feel much more special than ordinary banana bread.


What Do Banana Bread Brownies Taste Like?

Imagine the richest part of a slice of banana bread combined with the dense texture of a blondie.

That is essentially what these bars taste like.

The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture.

Brown sugar gives the batter warm caramel notes.

Vanilla makes the banana flavor more noticeable.

Butter gives the bars richness.

And the frosting adds a toasted, buttery sweetness that turns a simple banana dessert into something memorable.

If you add walnuts or pecans, you also get a little crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bar.


Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies

For the Banana Brownie Layer

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

For the Brown Butter Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3–5 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Ingredient Guide

IngredientWhy It Matters
Ripe BananasProvide flavor, moisture, and natural sweetness
ButterAdds richness and soft texture
Brown SugarHelps create a moist, slightly chewy bar
White SugarAdds sweetness and structure
EggsHold the bars together
Sour CreamMakes the crumb extra moist
VanillaEnhances banana and brown-sugar flavor
FlourGives the bars structure
Baking SodaProvides gentle lift
CinnamonAdds optional warm spice
Powdered SugarCreates smooth frosting
Browned ButterAdds toasted caramel-like flavor

Use Very Ripe Bananas

The bananas are the most important ingredient.

For the strongest flavor, use bananas covered with brown spots.

Bananas that are mostly yellow but still firm do not provide the same sweetness or aroma.

Very ripe bananas are softer, sweeter, and easier to mash.

Their natural sugars also help the brownies stay moist.

If your bananas are completely brown on the outside but still smell fresh and look normal inside, they are usually perfect for baking.


How Many Bananas Do You Need?

Three medium-to-large ripe bananas usually provide about 1 to 1¼ cups mashed banana.

That is a good amount for a 9×13-inch pan.

Too little banana and the flavor becomes weak.

Too much banana can make the bars overly wet and difficult to bake through.

For consistent results, aim for around 1 cup mashed banana.


Why Sour Cream Makes These Bars Better

Sour cream adds moisture without making the batter too thin.

It also contributes a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.

Plain full-fat Greek yogurt can be substituted if needed.

Either option gives the brownies a softer texture than milk alone.

It is one reason these bars remain moist even after a day or two.


Best Pan for Banana Bread Brownies

A 9×13-inch metal baking pan produces the most even baking.

Glass also works, but it holds heat differently and may require a slightly longer baking time.

If using glass, watch the center carefully rather than relying only on the timer.

Lining the pan with parchment makes removal much easier.

Leave enough parchment hanging over the long sides so you can lift the entire slab out after cooling.


How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

For easy removal, line it with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment.


Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Place the ripe bananas in a bowl.

Mash until mostly smooth.

A few tiny banana pieces are fine.

Do not worry about making a perfectly smooth puree.

Small pieces create little pockets of banana flavor throughout the bars.


Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Beat for approximately 2–3 minutes.

The mixture should become lighter and creamier.

This step helps distribute the sugar and creates a better texture.


Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time.

Beat well after each addition.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl when necessary.


Step 5: Add Banana, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Mix in:

  • Mashed bananas
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla

The batter may look slightly separated at this stage.

That is normal.

Once the dry ingredients are added, everything comes together.


Step 6: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon, if using

Whisking ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed.


Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture.

Fold gently until just combined.

Stop mixing as soon as no large streaks of flour remain.

Overmixing can make the bars tougher and more cake-like.


Step 8: Add Nuts if Desired

Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.

You can also leave the batter plain.

If using nuts, toasted nuts provide the best flavor.


Step 9: Spread the Batter

Transfer the batter to the prepared 9×13-inch pan.

Spread it evenly.

Smooth the top gently with a spatula.


Bake the Banana Bread Brownies

Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes.

Begin checking around 24 minutes.

A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

It should not be coated in raw batter.

Do not wait until the toothpick is completely dry.

That can mean the bars are overbaked.


How to Know When They’re Perfectly Baked

Look for these signs:

The edges should be lightly golden.

The center should look set.

The surface should spring back gently when touched.

A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter.

The bars will continue setting as they cool.

Pulling them out at the right moment is one of the biggest secrets to keeping them soft.


Why You Should Not Overbake Them

Banana-based bars can go from perfectly moist to dry surprisingly quickly.

Remember that the pan remains hot after it leaves the oven.

Residual heat continues cooking the center.

If you wait until the bars look very dry inside the oven, they may become too firm after cooling.

For a soft brownie-like texture, slightly moist crumbs are exactly what you want.


How to Make Brown Butter Frosting

The frosting is what transforms these from simple banana bars into a bakery-style dessert.

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Place 1/2 cup butter in a light-colored saucepan.

Heat over medium heat.

The butter will melt, then begin foaming.

Continue cooking while gently swirling the pan.

After several minutes, you will notice golden-brown bits forming at the bottom.

The butter should smell nutty and toasted.

Remove from the heat immediately.

Do not let those brown bits turn black.


Step 2: Cool Slightly

Allow the browned butter to cool for about 5–10 minutes.

It can still be warm.

You simply do not want it boiling hot when the powdered sugar is added.


Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar

Transfer the browned butter to a mixing bowl.

Add the powdered sugar gradually.

Mix well.


Step 4: Add Vanilla and Salt

Add:

  • Vanilla extract
  • Small pinch of salt

The salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the browned-butter flavor.


Step 5: Add Milk

Add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time.

Beat until smooth and spreadable.

Start with less liquid.

It is always easier to add more than to fix frosting that becomes too thin.


Frost the Bars While Slightly Warm

For the soft frosting appearance shown in the image, let the brownies cool for about 15–20 minutes.

They should be warm rather than hot.

Spread the frosting gently across the surface.

The warmth softens the frosting slightly and allows it to settle into the top of the bars.

For a thicker, more defined frosting layer, wait until the bars are completely cool before frosting.

Both methods work.

It simply depends on the finish you prefer.


How to Make Thick Frosting

If the frosting looks too thin, add more powdered sugar a few tablespoons at a time.

If it looks too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time.

For bars similar to the image, you want the frosting thick enough to stay on top but soft enough to spread easily.

It should not run off the edges.


Brown Butter vs. Regular Butter Frosting

Regular butter frosting is sweet and creamy.

Brown butter frosting has much more depth.

Browning the butter creates toasted milk solids, which produce flavors often described as:

  • Nutty
  • Caramel-like
  • Toasted
  • Butterscotch-like

Those flavors pair naturally with banana and brown sugar.

It is a small additional step that makes the finished dessert taste significantly more special.


How to Cut Clean Banana Brownie Squares

Wait until the bars and frosting have set.

For the cleanest slices, chill the pan for about 20–30 minutes.

Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment handles.

Use a large sharp knife.

Wipe the blade clean between cuts.

For large dessert bars, cut into 16 pieces.

For standard servings, cut into 20–24 pieces.

For potlucks and dessert trays, cut smaller squares.


How to Make Them Extra Moist

Several things help keep Banana Bread Brownies moist.

Use very ripe bananas.

Use brown sugar.

Include sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Measure flour carefully.

Do not overmix.

Most importantly, do not overbake.

These bars should feel soft and dense rather than light and dry.


How to Measure Flour Correctly

Too much flour is one of the easiest ways to ruin a moist banana dessert.

Do not scoop flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup.

Instead:

  1. Fluff the flour.
  2. Spoon it gently into the cup.
  3. Level the top with a knife.

If you have a kitchen scale, weighing flour gives even more consistent results.


Walnut Banana Bread Brownies

Walnuts are a classic addition to banana bread.

Fold about 3/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts into the batter.

You can also sprinkle a few walnuts over the frosting.

The crunch works beautifully against the soft banana base.


Pecan Banana Bread Brownies

Use chopped toasted pecans instead of walnuts.

Pecans have a sweeter, more buttery flavor.

They are particularly good with brown butter frosting.

For an especially rich variation, add pecans both inside the batter and over the top.


Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Brownies

Fold approximately 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter.

Chocolate and banana are a classic combination.

You can use milk chocolate for a sweeter dessert or dark chocolate for more contrast.

Mini chocolate chips also work very well because they distribute more evenly.


Banana Nut Chocolate Chip Brownies

For an extra-loaded version, add:

  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

This version has more texture while keeping the banana flavor noticeable.


Peanut Butter Banana Brownies

Banana and peanut butter work naturally together.

Swirl about 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter into the top of the batter before baking.

Or add peanut butter chips.

You can also make a peanut butter frosting instead of brown butter frosting.


Cinnamon Banana Bread Brownies

Increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon.

Add a small pinch of nutmeg.

This gives the brownies a warmer banana-bread flavor.

It is especially good during fall and winter.


Maple Banana Bread Brownies

Add 1 teaspoon maple extract to the batter or frosting.

You can also replace a small portion of the milk in the frosting with pure maple syrup.

Maple and banana pair beautifully with pecans.


Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Brownies

If you prefer a tangy frosting, replace the brown butter topping with cream cheese frosting.

Beat together:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Pinch of salt

Spread over completely cooled bars.

This version tastes almost like banana cake with cheesecake-style frosting.


Chocolate Frosted Banana Brownies

For chocolate lovers, top the bars with chocolate buttercream or chocolate ganache.

A simple ganache can be made from equal parts warm heavy cream and chopped chocolate.

Allow it to cool slightly before spreading.

Chocolate makes the dessert feel richer and more brownie-like.


Banana Bread Brownies Without Frosting

You can absolutely serve these plain.

Dust them lightly with powdered sugar.

Or sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top before baking.

Without frosting, they work especially well as a breakfast-style treat with coffee.


Add a Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Top

Before baking, combine:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Sprinkle over the batter.

The top develops a light crackly crust.

This works particularly well if you plan to skip the frosting.


How to Make Them More Like Blondies

For a denser blondie-style texture, reduce the sour cream slightly and increase the brown sugar flavor.

Use:

  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • Dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar

Bake only until the center is just set.

This gives the bars an even denser, slightly chewier center.


How to Make Them More Cake-Like

If you prefer a lighter banana cake texture, add another 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.

Beat the butter and sugar very well.

Bake until the center is fully set.

The result will be lighter and fluffier than the brownie-style version.


How to Make Jumbo Bakery-Style Banana Bars

Instead of cutting small squares, cut the cooled pan into 12 large rectangular pieces.

Add a generous layer of frosting.

Sprinkle each bar with:

  • Chopped pecans
  • Cinnamon
  • Chocolate chips
  • Banana chips

These larger portions look especially impressive for bake sales or dessert counters.


What to Serve with Banana Bread Brownies

Serving IdeaWhy It Works
Hot CoffeeBalances the sweetness
Cold MilkClassic pairing
Vanilla Ice CreamMakes an indulgent dessert
Caramel SauceComplements banana and brown butter
Fresh Banana SlicesAdds fresh banana flavor
Toasted PecansAdds crunch
Whipped CreamLight contrast
CinnamonAdds warmth
Chocolate SauceGreat for chocolate lovers

Warm banana brownies with vanilla ice cream are especially good.

The frosting softens slightly and mixes with the melting ice cream.


Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert?

These bars are definitely sweet enough for dessert, especially with frosting.

Without frosting, they are closer to banana bread and can work as a breakfast treat with coffee.

For brunch, cut them into smaller pieces and serve alongside fruit, coffee, and other baked goods.

For dessert, keep the thick frosting and serve larger squares.


Make-Ahead Instructions

These bars are excellent for making ahead.

Bake them one day before serving.

Allow them to cool.

Frost.

Cover the pan tightly.

Store in the refrigerator if using a dairy-heavy frosting.

Bring them toward room temperature before serving for the softest texture.

The banana flavor often becomes even more noticeable the following day.


How to Store Banana Bread Brownies

Place completely cooled bars in an airtight container.

If using the brown butter powdered-sugar frosting, they can generally stay at cool room temperature for about 1–2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate.

They keep well in the refrigerator for approximately 4–5 days.

For the softest texture, let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before eating.


Can You Freeze Banana Bread Brownies?

Yes.

These bars freeze extremely well.

For best results, freeze them before frosting if you know you are preparing them far ahead.

Allow the brownies to cool completely.

Cut into portions.

Wrap individually.

Place in a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

Add fresh frosting after thawing if desired.


Can You Freeze Frosted Banana Brownies?

Yes.

Place the frosted bars in a single layer in the freezer until the frosting becomes firm.

Then wrap or transfer to a freezer-safe container.

Place parchment between layers.

Thaw in the refrigerator.

The frosting texture may soften slightly, but it will still taste delicious.


How to Reheat Banana Bread Brownies

For an unfrosted bar, microwave for approximately 10–15 seconds.

For frosted bars, use only a few seconds if you want the frosting to remain mostly intact.

You can also serve them at room temperature.

Many people actually prefer the flavor and texture once the bars have had time to sit.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

MistakeWhat HappensBetter Method
Using underripe bananasWeak banana flavorUse heavily spotted bananas
Adding too much bananaWet, gummy centersUse about 1 cup mashed
Overmixing the batterTough textureMix just until combined
Too much flourDry barsSpoon and level flour
OverbakingDry, cakey browniesRemove with moist crumbs
Frosting while piping hotFrosting melts completelyLet bars cool 15–20 minutes
Burning brown butterBitter frostingRemove once golden and nutty
Adding too much milk to frostingRunny toppingAdd liquid gradually
Cutting too earlyMessy slicesAllow frosting to set

Troubleshooting Guide

My Banana Brownies Are Dry

The most likely causes are overbaking or too much flour.

Measure flour carefully and begin checking early.

My Bars Are Gummy in the Center

You may have added too much banana or removed them too early.

Make sure the center is set before taking the pan from the oven.

My Brownies Taste Bland

The bananas may not have been ripe enough.

Very ripe bananas provide significantly more flavor.

A little vanilla, cinnamon, and salt also helps.

My Frosting Is Too Thin

Add powdered sugar gradually until it reaches the desired consistency.

My Frosting Is Too Thick

Add milk one teaspoon at a time.

My Brown Butter Has Black Bits

The butter cooked too long.

Proper browned butter has golden-to-deep-brown milk solids, not burned black particles.

My Bars Fall Apart When Cut

They probably need additional cooling time.

Let them set completely before slicing.


Nutrition Estimate

Approximate nutrition per bar when cut into 24 pieces:

NutritionApproximate Amount
Calories280–340
Protein3–4 g
Carbohydrates42–48 g
Fat12–16 g
Saturated Fat7–9 g
Fiber1–2 g
Sugar29–35 g
Serving Size1 bar

Nutrition will vary depending on frosting thickness, nuts, and portion size.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are Banana Bread Brownies?

Banana Bread Brownies are dense, moist banana dessert bars that combine the flavor of banana bread with a brownie or blondie-style texture.

Do they contain chocolate?

Not necessarily. The word brownie describes the bar-style texture and presentation. Chocolate chips can be added if desired.

Are Banana Bread Brownies the same as banana cake?

No. They are usually denser and more moist than traditional banana cake.

What bananas are best?

Very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots.

Can bananas be too ripe for baking?

Extremely ripe bananas are usually excellent as long as they have not spoiled.

How many bananas do I need?

Approximately three medium-to-large bananas.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes.

Thaw them completely and drain excessive liquid before measuring.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes. Plain Greek yogurt works very well.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

You can, but you will lose some of the buttery flavor.

Can I add walnuts?

Absolutely.

Can I add pecans?

Yes.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes. About 3/4 to 1 cup works well.

Can I add peanut butter?

Yes.

Can I leave out the cinnamon?

Absolutely.

Do I have to make brown butter frosting?

No.

You can use cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, chocolate frosting, or serve the bars plain.

What does brown butter taste like?

Brown butter has a toasted, nutty, caramel-like flavor.

Why is my brown butter frosting speckled?

Those tiny brown bits are toasted milk solids and contain much of the brown-butter flavor.

Should the brownies be warm when frosted?

Slightly warm bars create a softer frosting layer. Completely cool bars create a thicker frosting layer.

Can I make these the day before?

Yes. They are an excellent make-ahead dessert.

How long do they keep?

Approximately 4–5 days refrigerated for best quality.

Can they be frozen?

Yes, for about 2–3 months.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use two 9×13-inch pans rather than one extremely deep pan.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes. Halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan.

How do I know when they’re done?

The center should be set and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs rather than raw batter.

Why are they called brownies if they are not chocolate?

The name refers more to the dense bar format and brownie-like texture. They are also sometimes called banana blondies or banana bread bars.


How to Make a Smaller 8×8-Inch Batch

Use half the ingredients.

Bake in an 8×8-inch pan.

Begin checking around 22–25 minutes.

Because pan materials and ovens vary, use the toothpick test rather than relying only on time.

This smaller version is excellent when you only have one or two ripe bananas available.


How to Double the Recipe

Double every ingredient.

Divide the batter between two 9×13-inch pans.

Do not pour a double batch into one pan because the center may not bake properly.

Bake both pans at the same temperature.

Rotate them halfway through baking if your oven heats unevenly.


Banana Bread Brownies for Bake Sales

These bars are excellent for bake sales because they are easy to portion and package.

Allow them to cool and set completely.

Cut into large rectangular pieces.

Place each piece in a paper liner or food-safe bag.

For a more attractive presentation, top each one with:

  • A pecan half
  • A walnut piece
  • A few mini chocolate chips
  • Light cinnamon dusting

Large frosted banana bars can look much more impressive than an ordinary banana bread slice.


Banana Bread Brownies for Holiday Baking

These bars fit especially well into fall and winter dessert spreads.

For Thanksgiving, add pecans and cinnamon.

For Christmas, add walnuts and a light vanilla glaze.

For Easter or spring gatherings, use cream cheese frosting.

For summer, serve chilled with fresh berries.

The basic recipe is versatile enough to work year-round.


How to Package Them as Gifts

Cool the brownies completely.

Allow the frosting to set.

Place parchment between layers.

Pack them in:

  • Bakery boxes
  • Cookie tins
  • Food-safe containers

If using soft frosting, keeping the bars in a single layer gives the best appearance.

They make an inexpensive homemade food gift that still feels generous.


Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Overripe Bananas

Many people automatically make banana bread when bananas become too ripe.

This recipe gives you another option.

Instead of a loaf, you get a full tray of soft dessert bars.

They are easier to portion.

They are easier to transport.

They freeze beautifully.

And the frosting makes them feel more like a special dessert.

So the next time you see three brown bananas on the counter, you do not have to make another loaf of banana bread.

Make Banana Bread Brownies instead.


Final Thoughts

These Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting take the familiar flavor of homemade banana bread and turn it into a rich, soft, bakery-style dessert bar.

The banana layer is moist and tender.

Brown sugar gives it a warm caramel flavor.

Sour cream keeps the crumb soft.

Vanilla and optional cinnamon make the bananas taste even better.

Then everything is covered with creamy brown butter frosting filled with toasted, nutty flavor.

The result is simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for holidays, parties, potlucks, bake sales, and family gatherings.

The most important tips are easy to remember.

Use very ripe bananas.

Measure the flour carefully.

Do not overmix.

Do not overbake.

Brown the butter until golden rather than burned.

And give the bars enough time to set before slicing.

From there, you can customize them almost endlessly.

Add walnuts or pecans.

Mix in chocolate chips.

Swirl in peanut butter.

Add cinnamon.

Use cream cheese frosting.

Turn them into maple banana bars.

Or keep them simple and let the banana and brown butter flavors shine.

If you have ripe bananas waiting on the counter, this is exactly the kind of recipe worth saving.