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)

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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.