Banana Bread Brownies: The Perfect Blend of Flavors for Your Next Dessert

Banana bread brownies are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine the moist, rich texture of banana bread combined with the fudgy decadence of brownies—it’s a match made in dessert heaven! This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also makes use of those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, turning them into something extraordinary. Historically, banana bread has been a staple in many households, often passed down through generations, while brownies have their own rich legacy in American baking. People love banana bread brownies for their unique flavor profile, which balances the sweetness of bananas with the deep, chocolatey goodness of brownies. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make, perfect for a quick snack or a delightful dessert. Join me as we dive into this scrumptious recipe that brings together the best of both worlds!

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preparing the Batter

Let’s get started on our delicious banana bread brownies! First, I like to preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the brownies will bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, I gather all my ingredients and get my baking pan ready. I usually use an 8×8 inch square pan for this recipe, but you can also use a 9×9 inch pan if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember that the baking time may vary slightly.

1. In a large mixing bowl, I start by mashing the ripe bananas with a fork. I make sure they are well mashed, as this will help to create a moist texture in the brownies. If you have a potato masher, that works great too!

2. Once the bananas are mashed, I add the melted butter to the bowl. I like to let the butter cool slightly before adding it to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.

3. Next, I mix in the granulated sugar. I find that using a whisk helps to combine everything smoothly. It’s important to mix well so that the sugar dissolves properly.

4. After that, I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, I pour in the vanilla extract. The aroma of vanilla always makes me feel like I’m baking something special!

5. Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients. I sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Sifting helps to break up any lumps and ensures that the cocoa powder is evenly distributed.

6. Gradually, I fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. I do this gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies tough. I stop mixing as soon as I see no more flour streaks.

7. If I’m feeling a little indulgent, I’ll fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts at this stage. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the brownies!

Cooking Process

Now that our batter is ready, it’s time to bake these delicious banana bread brownies!

8. I pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. I like to give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles that may have formed.

9. I place the pan in the preheated oven and set a timer for 25-30 minutes. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so I recommend checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. I do this by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!

10. Once they’re done baking, I remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time helps the brownies set up a bit more, making them easier to cut.

Assembling and Serving

After the brownies have cooled slightly, it’s time to cut them and enjoy!

11. I use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares. I usually aim for 16 squares, but you can cut them smaller or larger depending on your preference.

12. If I want to make them extra special, I like to dust the top with a little powdered sugar or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm brownies and cold ice cream is simply heavenly!

13. Finally, I plate the brownies and serve them to my family or friends. They always love the rich chocolate flavor combined with the sweetness of the bananas. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

Conclusion:

In summary, these banana bread brownies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a deliciously unique dessert that combines the best of both worlds. The rich, fudgy texture of brownies meets the comforting flavors of banana bread, creating a treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip them up in no time for any occasion! For serving suggestions, I love to enjoy these brownies warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor profile even further. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the delightful combination of flavors for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious banana bread brownies. Let’s spread the joy of baking together! Remember, these banana bread brownies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors that you won’t want to miss out on. Happy baking!

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Banana Bread Brownies: The Perfect Blend of Flavors for Your Next Dessert

Print Recipe

Enjoy the delightful fusion of banana bread and brownies with these moist, fudgy Banana Bread Brownies. Made with ripe bananas and rich cocoa, they offer a perfect treat for chocolate lovers, enhanced by optional chocolate chips and nuts for added texture and flavor.

• Author: Dottie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas, ensuring it has cooled slightly.
4. Mix in the granulated sugar using a whisk until well combined.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
7. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing gently until no flour streaks remain.
8. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick at the 25-minute mark.
11. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
12. Cut the brownies into squares (aim for 16) using a sharp knife.
13. For an extra special touch, dust with powdered sugar or serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Ensure the bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and moisture.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven; check for doneness early to avoid overbaking.
• Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or additional chocolate.