If you love the cozy warmth of banana bread and the rich decadence of brownies, then this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is here to become your new favorite treat. Combining the best of both worlds, these squares are moist, chocolatey, and bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling heavenly and your taste buds cheering for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the luscious ripe bananas that provide sweetness and moisture to the cocoa powder that adds deep chocolate flavor, every component is essential for that perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Ripe bananas (2 pieces, mashed): The riper, the sweeter—these create natural sweetness and tenderness.
- Melted butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a silky texture to the batter.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownies, though you can reduce it if your bananas are super ripe.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and provide structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base that gives the brownies their body and a light crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): For that glorious chocolate intensity without overpowering the banana.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the brownies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For those who want bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Chopped nuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch, especially walnuts or pecans.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, which makes it much easier to remove your brownies once baked. This simple prep step sets the stage for baking success!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas and melted butter until they blend into a smooth mixture. The bananas should be beautifully soft and sweet, infusing moistness into the batter right from the start.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla
Next, stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. The eggs help provide structure, while the vanilla adds that subtle depth that ties all the flavors together. Mix everything until the batter looks smooth and inviting.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a different bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed so your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe will have just the right lift and flavor balance.
Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Stir gently and just until combined—overmixing can make brownies tough, and we want them tender, chewy, and perfect!
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts If Desired
If you love an extra layer of texture and chocolate goodness, gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts. These optional additions elevate the brownies to a delightful new level.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it—avoid waiting for a completely clean toothpick for fudgy brownies!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares and prepare to enjoy some of the most scrumptious banana bread brownies you’ve ever tasted.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these Banana Bread Brownies Recipe feel extra special, try sprinkling a little powdered sugar on top or a drizzle of melted chocolate. For a fresh twist, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a beautifully indulgent dessert.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. Alternatively, pair with fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the richness with bright, juicy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into bite-sized pieces and dip them into melted chocolate for an elegant party treat. You could also layer them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and sliced bananas for an impressive showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Banana Bread Brownies Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, or you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week to maintain moistness.
Freezing
If you want these brownies to last longer, freeze them by wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and storing in a zip-top freezer bag. They will keep deliciously in the freezer for up to two months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
For the best experience, warm your brownies briefly in the microwave or oven. Just 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a 300°F oven will revive that fresh-baked warmth that makes these Banana Bread Brownies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! For a healthier twist, you can replace half the sugar with honey or maple syrup, or swap the butter for coconut oil. Just keep in mind these changes might slightly affect texture and flavor.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
The traditional Banana Bread Brownies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can use a gluten-free blend to make a delicious gluten-free version without sacrificing taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (one tablespoon flaxseed meal + three tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free butter alternative. This adjustment works well while keeping the brownies moist and tasty.
Why are my Banana Bread Brownies too dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, it might be due to overbaking or using bananas that aren’t ripe enough. Also, keep an eye on your oven because baking times can vary, and under-ripeness reduces moisture.
What’s the best way to tell when the brownies are done?
Check the brownies by inserting a toothpick in the center around the 25-minute mark. Take them out when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, ensuring fudgy and gooey brownies instead of cakey ones.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe perfectly blends two beloved treats into one delightful dessert that’s sure to wow your friends and family. With its rich chocolate flavor and luscious banana moisture, it’s an easy recipe to make and even easier to love. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover just how wonderfully comforting and delicious these brownies can be!
Print
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 rich, moist texture of banana bread with the chocolatey indulgence of brownies, making for a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare. With ripe bananas and cocoa powder as key ingredients, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor, ideal for dessert or a special snack.
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 of the brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas with the melted butter until smoothly blended.
- Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla: Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the banana-butter mixture until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, gently fold in chocolate chips and/or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 9×9-inch pan and smooth the top with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely, allowing for easier slicing.
- Serve: Once fully cooled, cut the brownies into squares and enjoy as a delicious snack or dessert.
Notes
- To increase sweetness, use very ripe bananas as they naturally add sugar to the recipe.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the brownies tender.
- Optional add-ins like nuts and chocolate chips can be omitted or substituted according to preference or dietary restrictions.
- Storing brownies in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
