Banana Bread Brownies
The Aroma of Banana Happiness
Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the sweet and rich aroma of fresh-baked brownies, but wait, there’s a twist—these are loaded with the delightful flavors of banana bread! Yes, you’ve hit the jackpot with these Banana Bread Brownies. They’re everything you love about a homemade dessert, but in brownie form, combining the moistness of bananas and the decadence of chocolate.
What makes this recipe a star? It’s quick, simple, and comes together in one bowl. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute gathering, you won’t need to break a sweat to whip these up!
Why Make This Recipe
Here’s the deal: If you’re looking for something that satisfies your sweet tooth without demanding hours in the kitchen, these brownies are your answer.
- One bowl cleanup: You only need one bowl for mixing, meaning you can enjoy your dessert and quickly get back to binge-watching your latest obsessions.
- Family-friendly fun: Kids (and adults) will love helping mash the bananas—who doesn’t love a little kitchen chaos?
- Affordable ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry, so say goodbye to the expensive store-bought options.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the milk and chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra decadent.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle that over the batter, and dot with butter pieces.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies (Overview)
Ready to bake? Here’s the lowdown: Begin by preheating your oven, and then start mashing those bananas—it’s almost like therapy! Mix all your wet ingredients, then dry ingredients, and combine like you mean it. After that, spread the batter and sprinkle your cinnamon goodness on top for that extra zing before baking. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible—trust me on this!
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the butter on top. It gives those brownies an extra rich flavor that you won’t want to miss!
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Think of serving these as an afternoon snack with coffee, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert! The soft, fudgy texture contrasts beautifully with the light crunch of the chocolate chips. Feel free to drizzle with melted chocolate or even a splash of caramel sauce for an indulgent touch. Oh, the temptation!
How to Store Banana Bread Brownies
These brownies can hold up like champs! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, toss them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for a delightful treat that lasts for months. When you’re ready, just pop them in the microwave for a quick reheating!
Tips to Make Banana Bread Brownies
- Use very ripe bananas: The sweeter the bananas, the better the brownies.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try nuts or other types of chocolate for new flavor profiles.
- Check for doneness: Remember, a toothpick should come out with just a few crumbs, not clean—otherwise, you’ll miss out on that gooey goodness!
- Cool before slicing: This gives you clean edges and helps the brownies set up nicely.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? You can make these brownies vegan by replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water), and use a plant-based milk. You can also ditch the cocoa powder for a vanilla version—just add a bit more sugar to balance things out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Just thaw and mash them—frozen bananas are often sweeter!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Just bake and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for days.
What if I want to make them gluten-free?
Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and you’re good to go!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the milk and chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra decadent.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle that over the batter, and dot with butter pieces.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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