Oh, let me tell you about the joy of baking banana bread brownies! Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe bananas mingling with rich chocolate—it’s absolutely heavenly! I remember the first time I tried this delightful treat; I was experimenting in my kitchen, and what started as a simple banana bread turned into these scrumptious brownies. The moment I took a bite, I knew I’d stumbled upon something special. They’re soft, fudgy, and oh-so-comforting, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a gathering with friends. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up! You don’t need to be a master baker to impress anyone with these. Trust me, once you try these banana bread brownies, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!). Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious treats in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious banana bread brownies:

• 2 ripe bananas: Make sure they’re nice and spotty for maximum sweetness.
• 1/2 cup melted butter: This adds richness; you can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• 1 cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best, but feel free to substitute with a sugar alternative if needed.
• 1 egg: This helps bind everything together. You can use a flax egg for a vegan choice.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: It enhances the flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This gives structure to your brownies.
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich chocolatey goodness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: This helps them rise slightly.
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, but feel free to omit them if you prefer.

How to Prepare Banana Bread Brownies

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheating is super important because it helps your banana bread brownies bake evenly. So, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it do its thing while you prepare the batter. This way, when you pop the brownies in, they’ll start cooking right away, giving you that lovely, fudgy texture we all adore.

Mash the Bananas

Next, grab those ripe bananas—this is where the magic begins! Peel them and put them in a mixing bowl. Now, using a fork or a potato masher, mash them up until they’re nice and smooth. You want that creamy consistency to help blend everything together later, plus it makes for the sweetest flavor. Trust me, the riper the bananas, the better your brownies will taste!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, let’s add the wet ingredients! Pour the melted butter into the bowl with your mashed bananas and mix them together until they’re well combined. Then, add in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. You want that glossy, inviting mixture that says, “I’m going to be delicious!” Make sure there are no lumps left—this is crucial for smooth, decadent brownies.

Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, it’s time to mix your dry ingredients. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Stir them together until they’re well mixed. This step ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps the brownies rise just right. It’s a little detail that makes a big difference, so don’t skip it!

Mix and Pour Batter

Now comes the fun part! Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in thirds, gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing, as that can make your brownies a bit tough. If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to fold those in too! Once everything is nicely mixed, pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Bake the Brownies

Pop your pan into the preheated oven and set a timer for 20-25 minutes. You might want to check them at around 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool in the pan for a bit. This is super important—resist the urge to cut them right away, as they’ll firm up a little more as they cool. Cutting them too soon can lead to a gooey mess, and we definitely want to avoid that!

Tips for Success

To ensure your banana bread brownies turn out absolutely scrumptious, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use ripe bananas—they’re sweeter and more flavorful, which makes all the difference. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. Another tip is to measure your flour correctly; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This avoids adding too much flour, which can make the brownies dense.

Also, don’t skip the cooling time! Allowing the brownies to cool in the pan helps them set properly, making cutting easier and cleaner. And if you want to take it up a notch, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before baking for that sweet-and-salty contrast that’s just divine. Finally, remember that every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your brownies as they bake, especially the first time you make them!

Variations

One of the best things about banana bread brownies is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. For a nutty twist, try adding walnuts or pecans for that extra crunch. If you’re a chocolate lover, toss in some chocolate chips—dark, milk, or even white chocolate will make these brownies even more decadent!

Feeling adventurous? Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas. You could even mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical touch. And if you want a fruity kick, consider folding in some chopped strawberries or blueberries; they add a lovely burst of flavor and color. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your banana bread brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or pop one in the microwave for a quick 10-15 seconds to warm it up. Yum!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each delicious brownie, so you can enjoy these banana bread brownies with a little more awareness! Each serving, which is one brownie, contains approximately:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 50mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw your frozen bananas and mash them up just like you would with fresh ones. They might be a bit softer, but they’ll still add that wonderful flavor and moisture.

What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
No problem! You can skip the cocoa powder and make plain banana bread instead. Just increase the flour to 2/3 cup, and you’ll still have a delicious treat!

How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check them around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven!

Can I add chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chocolate chips are a fantastic addition that makes these brownies even more indulgent. Just fold in about a half cup when mixing your batter.

How should I store leftover brownies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness. Enjoy them at room temperature or warmed up!

Banana Bread Brownies: 5 Comforting Steps to Bake Bliss

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicious banana bread brownies that combine the flavors of banana bread and brownies into a delightful treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Add melted butter to the bananas and mix well.
4. Stir in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
7. If you like, fold in chopped nuts.
8. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let cool before cutting into squares.

Notes

• Use ripe bananas for better sweetness.
• Substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Replace sugar with a sugar substitute if needed.
• Omit nuts if allergies are a concern.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: banana bread brownies, dessert recipe, easy baking