Banana Bread Brownies: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss

banana bread brownies

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, have you ever tried the magical combination of banana bread and brownies? Let me tell you, it’s an absolute dream come true! When I first stumbled upon this banana bread brownies recipe, I was a little skeptical—but after one bite, I was hooked. Imagine biting into a fudgy brownie that has the moist, sweet goodness of ripe bananas baked right in. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! Perfect for dessert or even a cheeky snack, these little squares pack a punch of flavor that’s hard to resist. Trust me, you’re going to want to whip these up for your next gathering—or just for yourself, because who wouldn’t want to indulge in such deliciousness? So, are you ready to dive into this delightful recipe? Let’s get baking!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious banana bread brownies:

  • 2 ripe bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • 1/2 cup melted butter: Let it cool slightly before mixing it in to avoid cooking the eggs.
  • 1 cup sugar: This adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the cocoa.
  • 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little splash of vanilla makes everything taste better!
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: This gives the brownies their structure.
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the brownies rise a bit.
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional): Because who doesn’t love a little extra chocolate? Feel free to skip this if you want to keep it simple!

Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go before you start. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!

How to Prepare Banana Bread Brownies

Preheat the Oven

First things first, we need to get that oven nice and toasty! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your brownies bake evenly. While it warms up, you can gather everything else!

Prepare the Bananas

Now, grab those ripe bananas! You want them nice and squishy, so they mash easily. Just take a fork and start mashing them in a bowl until they’re smooth and creamy. Trust me, the more ripe they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. I usually go for bananas with lots of brown spots—those are the winners!

Mix Wet Ingredients

Next up, let’s mix our wet ingredients! To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. I like to use a whisk for this, but a fork works just fine too! Just make sure it’s all blended beautifully.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, we’re going to mix our dry ingredients. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Give it a good stir with a whisk or a spoon to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step is key to avoiding clumps and ensuring a smooth brownie texture!

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now for the fun part! Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I like to do this in batches, stirring gently as I go. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is combined. If you mix too much, your brownies might end up a bit tough instead of soft and fudgy!

Add Optional Chocolate Chips

If you’re feeling adventurous (and who wouldn’t want more chocolate?), fold in those chocolate chips now! They add an extra layer of gooey goodness that’s hard to resist. Just gently mix them in so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now it’s time to bake! Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Oops, I always get excited and start checking a little early—don’t worry if you do the same!

Cool and Serve

Once they’re out of the oven, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack (or just leave them in the pan if you’re feeling lazy like me!). Once they’re cool, cut them into squares and serve them up! These are perfect warm, but they also keep well for a few days—if they last that long!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to make these delightful banana bread brownies, here are some handy tips to help you get the best results!

  • Choose the right bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe—think lots of brown spots and softness! This will give your brownies that delicious banana flavor.
  • Don’t overmix: It’s super tempting to mix until everything is perfectly smooth, but overmixing can make your brownies tough. Just stir until the dry ingredients are just combined, and you’ll be golden!
  • Check for doneness: Every oven is a little different, so start checking your brownies around the 25-minute mark. If a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
  • Cool before cutting: I know it’s hard to resist the warm, gooey brownies, but let them cool for a bit before cutting. This helps them hold their shape and makes for cleaner squares.
  • Store properly: If you have leftovers (which is a big if!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for a few days—if they last that long!

With these tips in mind, you’re all set to create the most scrumptious banana bread brownies ever. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about what’s in these delicious banana bread brownies! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (that’s one square, by the way):

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sugar: 12g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each tasty square. So go ahead and indulge a little—you deserve it!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get a lot of questions about these banana bread brownies, so let’s tackle a few common ones to help you out!

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas can be even sweeter and more flavorful, so don’t hesitate to use them!

What can I substitute for the egg?

If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water—let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). Both work great in this recipe!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 baking ratio flour for the best results. You might not even notice the difference!

How should I store the brownies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months—just thaw before enjoying!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to throw in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruit for an extra twist. Just remember to adjust the quantity of chocolate chips if you’re adding other mix-ins to keep the balance right!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers!
  • Delicious flavor combination: The blend of sweet, ripe bananas and rich chocolate creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
  • Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a cozy treat at home, these brownies fit the bill!
  • Flexible recipe: Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or extra chocolate chips to make it your own.
  • Great snack or dessert: These banana bread brownies are perfect for an afternoon snack, a lunchbox treat, or a sweet ending to your dinner.
  • Leftovers (if any) are a win: They store well, so you can enjoy them for days, making them a fantastic make-ahead option!

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banana bread brownies

Banana Bread Brownies: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 squares 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious blend of banana bread and brownies, perfect for dessert or a snack.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
  3. Add melted butter to the mashed 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 wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  7. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
  8. Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  10. Let cool before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies soft.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: banana bread brownies, dessert recipe, simple baking

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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