Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Introduction
If you love the moist sweetness of banana bread and the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect treat for you. This easy-to-make dessert combines the best of both worlds into a delightful hybrid that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- For the topping (optional):
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this mix to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Step 4: Stir in the milk and chocolate chips if using, making sure the batter is thick and smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Step 6: For the optional topping, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the batter and dot with small pieces of butter.
- Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Step 8: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and serve.
Tips & Variations
- Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest, most flavorful brownies.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the brownies tender and moist.
- Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or swirl in peanut butter for extra texture and flavor.
- Try variations like a cheesecake swirl, coffee-flavored batter, or topping with chocolate mousse once cooled.
Storage
Store leftover banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but expect a slightly denser texture.
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist sweetness of banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies for the ultimate indulgent treat. This easy-to-make dessert balances the soft, flavorful goodness of ripe bananas with chocolatey richness, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert occasions. With optional chocolate chips and a cinnamon brown sugar topping, these brownies are customizable and ideal for using up overripe bananas.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then beat thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add the Milk and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the milk to create a smooth batter. Fold in the chocolate chips if using, which adds extra richness and texture to the brownies.
- Pour the Batter into the Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly for uniform baking.
- Prepare the Topping (Optional): Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, sprinkle evenly over the batter’s surface, and dot with small pieces of butter for a sweet, crumbly topping.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe or overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender and fudgy brownie texture.
- For variation, add chopped walnuts, pecans, or swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking.
- Store baked brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- These brownies freeze well; wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread brownies, banana brownies, banana dessert, chocolate brownies, easy banana recipe, banana dessert recipe, chocolate chip brownies, baked brownies, homemade brownies
