Banana Bread Brownies: The Perfect Fusion of Two Classics
Banana bread brownies are the ultimate fusion of two beloved desserts: the moist, tender crumb of banana bread and the rich, fudgy decadence of brownies. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful treats combine natural sweetness from ripe bananas with the indulgent flavor of chocolate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, needing a midweek pick-me-up, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, banana bread brownies are a must-try recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dry Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- Drizzle of melted chocolate
- Sliced bananas for garnish
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter. - Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. - Make the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender texture. - Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. - Cool and Decorate
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before drizzling with melted chocolate and garnishing with banana slices. - Serve
Slice into squares and serve as a decadent dessert or snack.
Baking Pro Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- To prevent overbaking, check your brownies a few minutes before the minimum bake time.
- For extra richness, substitute brown sugar for half of the granulated sugar.
- Add a handful of walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Banana bread brownies are the perfect dessert to satisfy any craving. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and bring together the best of both worlds. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving a batch for later, these brownies are sure to become a household favorite. Happy baking!