Why Make This Recipe
Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect treat for those who love both banana bread and brownies. They combine the moistness of banana bread with the fudginess of brownies to create a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they are simple to make and can be whipped up in no time. If you have overripe bananas lying around, this recipe is a great way to use them. The sweet flavors and delightful texture make these brownies a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night at home.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make it easy to lift out the brownies later.
Mix the Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is the base for your brownies, and getting this step right is important for the sweetness and moisture.
Add Eggs and Bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla extract. Mix until fully blended. Then stir in the mashed bananas. The bananas not only add flavor but also keep your brownies moist.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon if you’re using it. It’s essential to combine these dry ingredients separately to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
Fold in the Dry Mixture: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as everything is just combined. This will ensure that your brownies have a nice, fudgy texture.
Add Nuts (Optional): If you like, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. This step is optional, but nuts add a lovely contrast to the soft brownies.
Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Smooth out the top with a spatula for uniform baking.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready!
Prepare the Glaze: While the brownies are baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Glaze the Brownies: Once the brownies are out of the oven, pour the glaze over the warm brownies. Let it soak for a few moments for an extra moist treat. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your Banana Bread Brownies with a glass of milk or coffee!
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies are versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. They can be served as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack during the day. For a fun presentation, consider dusting them with powdered sugar before serving or topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are excellent on their own or paired with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Store Banana Bread Brownies
Storing Banana Bread Brownies is simple! Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about three to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or let them sit at room temperature.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Brownies
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even starting to turn black.
- Don’t Overmix: To keep your brownies moist and fudgy, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your brownies towards the end of the baking time. Checking with a toothpick will help you avoid overbaking.
- Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative with add-ins! Chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruit can all enhance your brownies. Just keep the total volume similar to the nuts.
- Glaze Options: The glaze adds a perfect finishing touch, but you can also enjoy the brownies plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Variation
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, here are a few variations of Banana Bread Brownies you might enjoy:
- Chocolate Banana Brownies: Replace ¼ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Before baking, dollop some peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl it in with a knife for a nutty flavor.
- Lightened Up Version: Substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce and reduce the sugars slightly. This will make for a lower-calorie treat.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Frozen bananas work great. Just thaw and mash them before adding them to the mixture.
Q2: How can I tell when the brownies are done?
A2: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.
Q3: Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
A3: Yes, you can use a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy milk for the glaze to make this recipe dairy-free.
Q4: How can I prevent my brownies from sticking to the pan?
A4: Make sure to grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make removing the brownies easier.
By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy the delightful combination of banana bread and brownies. Whether for a dessert or a snack, these Banana Bread Brownies are sure to be a hit!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dessert combining the moistness of banana bread with the fudginess of brownies, perfect for using up overripe bananas.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, add vanilla extract, and stir in the mashed bananas.
- In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
- If desired, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Prepare the glaze by melting butter, then whisking in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over warm brownies and allow to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, use overripe bananas. You can also vary the recipe by adding chocolate chips or using peanut butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana bread, brownies, dessert, easy baking, overripe bananas