If you’re looking for a dessert that brings the best of two beloved treats together, this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is a game changer. Imagine the moist, rich texture of banana bread combined with the deep, chocolaty goodness of brownies, all baked into one delightful square. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for any time you crave a sweet treat that feels homemade and heartwarming. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are impressively simple but essential to achieving that perfect balance of moistness, chocolate intensity, and flavor in your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe. Each component plays a special role, from ripe bananas lending natural sweetness and softness to cocoa powder providing that unmistakable brownie richness.
- 2 ripe bananas: The riper, the better for sweetness and moisture in your batter.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens evenly while enhancing the texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together for that fudgy consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 ½ cups flour: Provides structure to hold your brownies just right.
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder: Infuses deep chocolate flavor without overpowering the banana.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the batter rise lightly for a soft but firm texture.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate depth.
- Optional add-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips, ½ cup walnuts, or 2 tbsp peanut butter for swirling add extra texture and flavor pops.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly. This step ensures your brownies will release easily after baking and get those lovely, crisp edges we all adore.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Next, grab a bowl and mash your ripe bananas until completely smooth. This will create the base of your batter, giving it that natural sweetness and incredible moist texture that makes these brownies so special.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. Then, gently stir in your mashed bananas, letting them infuse the mixture with flavor and a wonderful softness that’s almost irresistible.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the baking soda and cocoa, which will give you beautifully uniform brownies with just the right amount of rise and chocolate kick.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Now slowly fold the dry ingredients into your wet banana mixture. Don’t over mix—just blend until the flour disappears and you have a smooth, chocolatey batter filled with banana goodness.
Step 6: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma during baking alone will have you hooked and ready to dig in.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe cool for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps the brownies set perfectly so they hold their shape when sliced and makes the flavor pop even more. Serve warm or at room temperature for ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of crushed walnuts on top add a delightful crunch and attractive presentation. Feeling extra indulgent? A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce turns these brownies into a show-stopping dessert.
Side Dishes
Pair your Banana Bread Brownies with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to cut through the richness and add a burst of freshness. A warm cup of coffee or creamy latte is the perfect beverage companion to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or pack them in cute boxes for gifts. You can swirl melted peanut butter on the batter before baking to create beautiful marbled patterns that taste as incredible as they look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Banana Bread Brownies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. For longer keeping, refrigeration can extend freshness up to a week without drying them out, just bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Want to enjoy them later? Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying the same moist, chocolate-banana delight.
Reheating
Warm your brownies gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes to revive that soft, gooey texture. This little trick makes it taste freshly baked anytime!
FAQs
Can I use unripe bananas for this recipe?
It’s best to use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots because they are sweeter and mash more easily, contributing to the moistness and flavor that define this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is key to that signature brownie flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, consider using melted chocolate for part of the butter amount, but note it will change the texture slightly.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can replace melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil to keep the brownies moist, but butter adds a richer flavor that complements the banana and cocoa beautifully.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Banana Bread Brownies are perfectly baked. Overbaking can dry them out, so watch closely near the end.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding walnuts, chocolate chips, or even swirling peanut butter enhances texture and flavor, making every bite exciting. Just fold them in gently before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is a true celebration of comfort and indulgence wrapped into one. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these brownies offer that perfect blend of banana sweetness and chocolate decadence. Give this recipe a go and experience how effortless it is to make a dessert that feels so special and satisfying. You’re going to love every bite!
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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moistness and natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, chocolatey flavor of cocoa powder to create a decadent, fudgy treat. Perfect for banana lovers and brownie enthusiasts alike, this recipe incorporates simple pantry staples and optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or peanut butter swirls for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (for swirling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure the brownies don’t stick after baking.
- Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until they reach a smooth, lump-free consistency, providing natural sweetness and moisture to the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Then stir in the mashed bananas, blending everything evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and producing tough brownies. At this point, fold in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts if desired, or swirl in peanut butter before baking.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are ready.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps them set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to keep the brownies tender.
- If adding peanut butter swirls, dollop the peanut butter on top of the batter and use a knife to swirl it gently before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast walnuts lightly before adding.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on the sweetness of bananas and personal preference.
