If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that marries the moist, comforting feel of banana bread with the rich, fudgy delight of brownies, look no further. This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is a total game-changer, blending the best of both worlds into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re craving something to brighten your afternoon coffee break or a show-stopping dessert to impress your friends, these banana bread brownies deliver that perfect balance of banana sweetness and chocolatey goodness you never knew you needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each one plays a starring role in creating those gooey textures and lush flavors that make this dessert truly special.
- Ripe bananas: The riper, the sweeter. Their natural sugars provide moistness and depth of flavor.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the brownies.
- Sugar: Balances the natural banana sweetness for that perfect level of indulgence.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind all ingredients smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor complexity with a sweet aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the brownies just enough body without weighing them down.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings the chocolatey bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet bananas.
- Baking soda: Helps the brownies rise for a light, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
- Chocolate chips (optional): Provide pockets of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Chopped nuts (optional): Add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor dimension.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your brownies come out cleanly without losing any of that delicious chewy edge.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then stir in the melted butter until well combined. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing everything together until the mixture is silky and smooth. This wet base gives you that signature banana bread flavor infused right into your brownie batter.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures that the rising agent and chocolate are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture through every bite.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gently
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make brownies tough, so keep it light and easy. This helps keep your brownies tender and moist.
Step 5: Add Your Favorite Mix-Ins
If you want an extra layer of joy, now’s the time to fold in chocolate chips and/or chopped nuts. These little add-ins turn your banana bread brownies into a delightful textural experience with pockets of melty chocolate and crunchy surprises.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean, for that perfect fudgy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and marvel at how banana bread and brownie heaven came together so effortlessly.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate turns these banana bread brownies into an elegant dessert. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add a refreshing contrast, balancing the dense richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh fruit for a delightful pairing. The creamy coldness complements the warm, fudgy bite perfectly, making each mouthful something to savor.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, cut the brownies into small squares and skewer them with strawberries or marshmallows to create bite-sized treats. You can also layer them in a trifle with whipped cream and sliced bananas for a show-stopping, layered dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them moist and tender. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration can help, but bring them back to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy as if fresh-baked.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, microwave a brownie piece for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. If frozen, let them thaw first for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they’re sweeter and mash easily, making your banana bread brownies moist and flavorful.
Do I have to add chocolate chips and nuts?
Nope! Those are optional. The brownies are delicious on their own, but adding chocolate chips or nuts gives extra texture and bursts of flavor.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
You can try using whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, but note the texture might be denser. Gluten-free flour blends can also work but results may vary.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, they’re perfect—fudgy yet fully baked.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some substitutions like using flax eggs and dairy-free butter, you can make a vegan version, but it may alter texture slightly. Experiment and enjoy your own twist!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magic about combining banana bread and brownies, and this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe pulls it off with ease and delicious flair. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these brownies bring extra warmth and joy to any moment. Give them a try—you might just have found your new favorite go-to dessert!
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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the best of two classic treats into one decadent dessert. Moist mashed bananas add natural sweetness and a rich texture, while cocoa powder and optional chocolate chips create a deep chocolate flavor. With a tender crumb and hints of nuts for crunch, these brownies are perfect for an easy homemade treat that satisfies sweet cravings in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter until well mixed.
- Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla: Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and mix until smooth.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using, to add extra chocolate flavor and crunch.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out smoothly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix batter once dry ingredients are added to avoid dense brownies.
- You can reduce sugar slightly if your bananas are very ripe and sweet.
- Feel free to substitute nuts or omit them for a nut-free treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
