Banana Bread Brownies

Introduction

Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate mash-up of two beloved treats—banana bread and brownies. Imagine the moist, sweet goodness of banana bread combined with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies. It’s a match made in dessert heaven! These brownies are the perfect way to use up those ripe bananas that are just waiting to be transformed into something amazing. With each bite, you get the delicious banana flavor you love, a gooey, soft center, and a slight caramelized crust on top that adds an irresistible sweetness.

I can’t tell you how many times these Banana Bread Brownies have saved me when I had a few overripe bananas lying around. They’re super easy to make, and the smell of them baking in the oven is enough to make your mouth water. The best part? You can enjoy them any time of the day—whether it’s as a snack, a dessert after dinner, or even as a breakfast treat when you want something indulgent but not too heavy.

What I really love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter if you’re feeling adventurous. These Banana Bread Brownies always disappear quickly in my house, and I’m sure they’ll become a family favorite in yours too. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or enjoying them solo, this easy recipe will never disappoint!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Afternoon snack
• Dessert for gatherings
• Kids’ lunchbox treat
• Quick dessert when you’re craving banana bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Banana Bread Brownies will become your go-to dessert:

• Moist and Fudgy Texture: The brownies are soft and fudgy, thanks to the ripe bananas that give them a moist, tender crumb.
• Rich Banana Flavor: The ripe bananas add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor, making each bite a comforting taste of home.
• Quick and Easy: This one-bowl recipe is quick to prepare, requiring minimal effort while yielding delicious results.
• Perfect for Leftover Bananas: A great way to use up overripe bananas that are too soft for banana bread but still perfect for baking.
• Versatile: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them as a breakfast treat with your morning coffee.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour (including baking time)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 12 brownies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe, providing natural sweetness and moisture that keep the brownies soft.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the banana and cocoa.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies a chocolatey depth without overpowering the banana flavor.
• Butter: Butter ensures a rich, moist texture that gives the brownies a satisfying crumb.
• Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips (optional) will make the brownies extra decadent, with little pockets of melted chocolate throughout.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Banana Bread Brownies:

Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture if preferred.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until everything is evenly mixed.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the brownies stay soft and tender.

Add the Chocolate Chips (Optional):

6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the chocolate chips gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Brownies:

7. Transfer to the Baking Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
9. Cool: Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares once fully cooled.

How to Serve

Banana Bread Brownies are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
• With a Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
• For Breakfast: Enjoy a brownie as a breakfast treat with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• As a Snack: Perfect as an afternoon snack paired with a glass of milk or a smoothie.
• With Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit for a simple, elegant presentation.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips for perfecting your Banana Bread Brownies:

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the ingredients until just combined to keep the texture soft and fudgy.
• Let Them Cool: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting for cleaner, more even slices.
• Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking the brownies after 45 minutes. If the toothpick comes out clean, they are ready!

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Banana Bread Brownies:

• Peanut Butter Banana Bread Brownies: Swirl in peanut butter for a sweet and savory flavor combo.
• Banana Walnut Brownies: Add a handful of chopped walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch.
• Coconut Banana Bread Brownies: Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Banana Cinnamon Brownies: Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon for a spiced-up flavor.
• Caramel Banana Bread Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownies before baking for added sweetness.
• Maple Banana Bread Brownies: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique flavor profile.
• Banana Mocha Brownies: Add instant coffee granules to the batter for a rich, mocha flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Brownies: Use milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
• Banana and Oats Brownies: Mix in oats for added texture and fiber.
• Vegan Banana Bread Brownies: Replace the eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and coconut oil.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Banana Bread Brownies freeze well. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items that will help you make your Banana Bread Brownies:

• 8×8-inch Baking Pan: A square baking pan is perfect for brownies, ensuring they bake evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal and cleaning.
• Electric Mixer (Optional): While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer makes it easier to blend the ingredients quickly.
• Whisk: Use a whisk to combine the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the wet mixture.
• Rubber Spatula: A spatula is perfect for folding in the dry ingredients and spreading the batter evenly in the pan.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these brownies with whole wheat flour?
   Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but the texture may be slightly denser.
2. What should I do if I don’t have ripe bananas?
   If you don’t have ripe bananas, place them in a paper bag for a day or two, or bake them in the oven for 15 minutes at 300°F to speed up the ripening process.
3. Can I add nuts to the brownies?
   Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans would provide a nice crunchy contrast to the soft brownies.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
5. How can I make the brownies extra chocolaty?
   Add more cocoa powder to the batter or sprinkle some chocolate chips over the top before baking for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.

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Conclusion

Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate fusion of two beloved desserts, combining the moist, banana-packed goodness of banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a quick snack, a satisfying dessert, or a delicious way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. With their easy preparation and unbeatable flavor, these Banana Bread Brownies are sure to become a staple in your dessert lineup.

The best part about this recipe is its versatility—you can enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or have them with your morning coffee for the perfect pick-me-up. The banana flavor shines through while maintaining that irresistible brownie texture, making every bite a heavenly experience. Plus, they’re simple enough to make, yet indulgent enough to impress at any gathering.

I can’t wait to see how your Banana Bread Brownies turn out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your experience—I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own!