Why Make This Recipe
Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful blend of two beloved treats: the classic banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the flavor of ripe bananas and wants to enjoy a chewy dessert with a twist. Using simple ingredients, you can whip up these brownies in no time, making them a wonderful choice for snack time, dessert, or even breakfast when you’re craving something sweet. Plus, they’re an excellent way to use up overripe bananas, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Making Banana Bread Brownies is straightforward and requires minimal effort. With just a few mixing bowls and a whisk, you can create a delicious dessert that your family and friends will love. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and lightly browned
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter, and if you like, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Next, whisk in the large egg and the pure vanilla extract. Make sure everything is combined well.
Incorporate Bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until they are nicely mixed into the batter.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. It’s important not to overmix at this stage—just ensure everything is combined and looks creamy.
Optional – Add Chocolate Chips or Walnuts: If you’re in the mood for a little extra texture, fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped walnuts.
Pour and Smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so it bakes evenly.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You want the edges to be set and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with moist crumbs.
Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and slice them into bars.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies are delicious on their own, but there are many ways to enjoy them even more! Serve them warm or at room temperature. You can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a little chocolate for extra indulgence. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a fantastic dessert. They also make a great snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Store Banana Bread Brownies
Storing Banana Bread Brownies is easy! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them for a longer time, you can refrigerate them. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. For the best flavor, let them come to room temperature before serving. If you want to enjoy them later, slice and freeze individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before eating.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor. The more brown spots on the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough brownies.
Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds a delicious nutty flavor. Just be careful not to burn it!
Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. You can swap out the chocolate chips for other types of chocolate or nuts, or even add dried fruit for extra flavor.
Check Doneness: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Check for doneness a few minutes before the minimum time to avoid overbaking.
Variation
If you want to change things up, consider these variations:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Before baking, swirl in some creamy peanut butter for a delicious flavor combination.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top of the batter before baking for a sweet and salty treat.
- Different Nuts: Instead of walnuts, try using pecans or macadamia nuts for a different texture and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen bananas; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing.
2. Do I have to use brown sugar, or can I use white sugar instead?
While brown sugar adds moisture and flavor, you can substitute white sugar if that’s all you have. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be different.
3. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
4. How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If the toothpick is clean, they might be overbaked.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger pan (like a 9×13-inch pan). Just remember to adjust the baking time as needed.
Enjoy baking your wonderful Banana Bread Brownies, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends! Happy baking!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies, perfect for dessert or breakfast.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and lightly browned
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- Incorporate the mashed ripe bananas into the batter.
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon, folding gently.
- Optional – add chocolate chips or walnuts if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
For best flavor, use ripe bananas and don’t overmix. Customize with your favorite add-ins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana, brownies, dessert, banana bread, easy recipe