Banana bread brownies. Just saying it feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy brownie, only to discover the delightful surprise of banana flavor cascading over your taste buds. The luscious aroma wafts through the air, making it impossible to resist.
Picture this: a rainy afternoon, you’re cozied up with a blanket, and your baking adventure leads you to whip up these banana bread brownies. It’s like having your cake and eating it too—if cake were a soft, gooey brownie infused with the essence of sweet bananas. Trust me, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, be it a casual brunch or an impromptu dessert for friends who drop by unannounced.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These banana bread brownies are surprisingly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- The flavor balance between chocolatey and fruity makes them irresistible
- Visually, they are stunning with their rich brown color topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar
- Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or as an afternoon snack!
Baking these banana bread brownies has always brought smiles to my family’s faces; they just can’t resist that chocolatey goodness.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are speckled brown for maximum sweetness; they’ll blend seamlessly into the batter.
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Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar works best here, but feel free to experiment with alternatives if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Don’t skimp on quality; use Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper chocolate flavor.
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All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
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Baking Powder: This little magic ingredient helps our brownies rise perfectly; don’t leave it out!
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Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those wonderful flavors; trust me, salt is a baker’s secret weapon!
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Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
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Melted Butter: Adds richness and moisture; I prefer unsalted butter to control sweetness.
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Vanilla Extract: Go for pure vanilla extract; it makes all the difference in flavor depth.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey.
Mash Those Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You want them creamy with no chunks—think banana puree perfection!
Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in melted butter and granulated sugar into the mashed bananas until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well blended. This step avoids clumps and ensures an even bake.
Fold It All Together: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix! You want those luscious brownie layers intact.
Bake Your Brownies: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs attached—it should not be completely clean!
Enjoy these delightful banana bread brownies warm from the oven or let them cool before slicing them into squares for serving. Either way, prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor that will have you reaching for seconds—and maybe thirds!
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mashing ripe bananas before mixing in the wet ingredients, then fold in dry ingredients gently. This sequence ensures a perfectly blended batter without overmixing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chocolate chips for nuts or add spices like cinnamon for a flavor twist. Experimenting with different add-ins can make your banana bread brownies uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped to maintain freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect banana bread brownies, always use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness
- Avoid overmixing to keep them fluffy and fudgy
- Remember, they taste even better the next day as flavors meld beautifully
I remember the first time I made these banana bread brownies; my friends devoured them before I could even take a picture. Their smiles were worth every second in the kitchen!
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread brownies?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well and add great moisture.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for perfect texture.
Can I substitute gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free flour blends can be used without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Banana Bread Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies combine the best of both worlds—moist banana bread and fudgy brownies—creating a deliciously indulgent treat. Perfect for utilizing overripe bananas, these brownies are easy to make and will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Ideal for brunches, snacks, or unexpected guests, this recipe guarantees smiles all around!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
- Mix in melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (40g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
