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
Scale
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
