Imagine biting into a warm square of bliss that dances between the realms of banana bread and brownies. Each mouthful bursts with rich chocolatey goodness and the familiar sweetness of ripe bananas. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make even the most determined dieter reconsider their choices because who can resist that enticing scent?
As I stand in my kitchen, mixing ingredients for this heavenly creation, I can’t help but remember the time my friends devoured an entire batch before I could snap a picture. It was a sad moment for my Instagram feed but a glorious one for their taste buds. These banana bread brownies are perfect for cozy evenings or when you need to impress guests at brunch just be ready for them to ask for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make treat combines two beloved desserts into one decadent experience
- The gooey chocolate pairs beautifully with the comforting flavor of bananas
- They look gorgeous on any dessert table and can be enjoyed warm or chilled
- Perfect for using up overripe bananas!
I once made these for a road trip with friends and they were gone before we hit the highway!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Choose those that are freckled and soft; they add natural sweetness and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best here; it gives structure without being too dense.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder lends a rich chocolate flavor; opt for high-quality brands.
- Granulated Sugar: The sugar balances the flavors; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; use light brown sugar for a milder taste.
- Butter: Melted butter makes everything richer; don’t skimp on this ingredient—it’s worth it!
- Eggs: They bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors; choose pure vanilla extract if possible.
- Baking Powder: This helps your brownies rise slightly without making them cake-like.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips add pockets of melty goodness throughout.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when you finish mixing. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mash Those Bananas!: In a large bowl, mash 3-4 ripe bananas until smooth. Aim for a creamy consistency those lumps will only annoy you later when you bite into them.
Mix Wet Ingredients Together: Add melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined and slightly frothy.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined overmixing leads to dense brownies.
Toss in Chocolate Chips!: Gently fold in those glorious chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step is crucial nobody likes feeling cheated out of chocolate!
Bake It Up!: Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Once baked to perfection, let them cool in the pan before slicing into squares if you can resist that long!
These banana bread brownies capture hearts (and stomachs) around every corner imaginable! Each bite offers an explosion of flavor that perfectly melds the nostalgia of banana bread with brownie decadence a combination you didn’t know you needed until now! So why not whip up a batch today? Your taste buds will thank you later!
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mash the bananas. Prepare your baking dish before mixing ingredients for a smooth workflow.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. Swapping regular flour with whole wheat can enhance the nutritional value.
Storing & Reheating
Store banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds for a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect banana bread brownies, ensure your bananas are overripe; their sweetness enhances flavor
- Mixing dry and wet ingredients separately prevents clumping, ensuring a smooth batter
- Don’t rush the cooling process; letting them sit helps achieve ideal texture and flavor enhancement
Sometimes, I wonder if my friends come over just for these brownies! Their delighted faces always remind me why I love baking so much.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work perfectly; they should be very ripe.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Swap all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version.
What toppings pair well with banana bread brownies?
Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence.
Irresistible Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in these fudgy banana bread brownies, where rich chocolate meets the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 3–4 ripe bananas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Mix in melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow brownies to cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
