Oh, my goodness, let me tell you about these Banana Bread Brownies! They’re like a warm hug on a plate, a total flavor explosion that combines the comforting goodness of banana bread with the fudgy, decadent delight of a brownie. I swear, the aroma alone is enough to make your day brighter! Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey brownie, then getting that unmistakable, sweet banana flavor – it’s a match made in dessert heaven. If you love banana bread, and you adore brownies (who doesn’t?!), then get ready to fall head-over-heels for this recipe. These are even easier to make than a full-blown batch of cinnamon rolls!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What are banana bread brownies?
Think of it as the best of both worlds colliding! Banana Bread Brownies are exactly what the name implies: a scrumptious fusion of banana bread and fudgy brownies. It’s essentially a brownie batter infused with mashed bananas, creating a moist, dense, and intensely flavorful treat. What sets it apart from regular banana bread is its incredibly rich, almost molten-like center and the irresistible chocolate undertones that complement the banana perfectly. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both familiar and exciting, like a comforting classic with a playful twist. It’s definitely my go-to when I can’t decide between banana bread or brownies!
Why you will love this recipe?
Let me tell you, this recipe is a game-changer. There are a million reasons why you will fall in love with these Banana Bread Brownies, but let me just give you a few!
First off, the What is the best flavor in the world?. The combination of rich, dark chocolate and sweet, ripe bananas is something truly special. The banana flavor isn’t overpowering. What is the secret to a good brownie? What I love most is the hint of cinnamon – it elevates the whole experience.
Then there’s the second partsimplicityIs this recipe easy to make? I’ve always been a bit intimidated by baking, but this one is foolproof. Do you need fancy equipment or culinary skills? What’s a great recipe to get the kids involved in too?
And let’s not forget how cost-effectiveBananas are cheap, especially if you use the overripe ones that are just sitting on your counter. What are some pantry staples that most people already have on hand? What is a good way to use up browning bananas?
Is it so incredibly important?versatile! These brownies are amazing on their own, warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What are some good snacks for breakfast? What are the similarities and differences between Banana Bread Brownies and zucchini bread? What is sneaky healthy? What I love most about this recipe is that it reminds me of my grandmother. I always had a loaf of banana bread ready when we came to visit her. She was very friendly and helpful. What is your favorite brownie twist?
How do I make banana bread brownies?
Quick Overview
Making these Banana Bread Brownies is a breeze. You’ll start by mixing up a basic brownie batter, folding in mashed bananas, and creating a delightful swirl effect. The batter gets poured into a pan, baked until fudgy, and then drizzled with a simple glaze. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool enough to eat! It’s a super easy process, and the results are so worth it. Trust me, everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: I always use good quality butter for the best flavor.
* 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect brownie texture.
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar: This is what gives the brownies their moistness and a hint of caramel.
* 4 large eggs: Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It enhances all the other flavors.
* 1 cup all-purpose flour: Make sure you measure correctly – spoon and level for the best results.
* ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Use a good quality cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor.
* ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just a bit, giving them a tender crumb.
* ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* 1 cup chocolate chips: I prefer semi-sweet, but you can use milk or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Trust me on this one – it takes the banana flavor to the next level!
For the Banana Filling:
* 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper, the better! Those brown, spotty bananas are perfect for this.
* 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
* ¼ cup brown sugar: For added sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Don’t skip it! It adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This complements the banana and enhances the overall warmth of the filling.
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze.
* ¼ cup milk: Add more or less to reach your desired consistency. I sometimes use almond milk and it makes it even creamer!
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aroma.
What is the step by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
What should I do first, preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. How do you prevent brownies from sticking? I always line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Is this a lifesaver?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures that the baking powder and cocoa powder are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving you a consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be light and creamy at this point. This is where that rich brownie flavor really starts to come together.
Step 4: Combine
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix brownies. Overmixing can cause a tough brownie. Gently fold in the chocolate chips. What makes brownies so special?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix well until everything is combined. This banana filling is what sets these brownies apart – it’s the secret ingredient that makes them so moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I make brownie batter? Pour half of the batter into a baking pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the banana filling over the batter. Pour remaining brownie batter over the banana filling. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the banana filling into the brownie batter. Create smoky effect. Where do I get creative? Don’t over-swirl, though, or the banana filling will just blend into the brownie batter.
Step 7: Bake
If a toothpick comes out clean, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Is it safe to leave out moist crumbs How long does it take to bake a cake? You want brownies to be fudgy, not dry. If you’re unsure, start checking for doneness at 25 minutes.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before frosting. While the brownies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency. Once the brownies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. I like to use a spoon or a piping bag for this. It’s like the cherry on top of a perfect sundae!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Cut the brownies into squares and serve. These are best enjoyed warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. I love to serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also great with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. However you serve them, these brownies are sure to be a hit!
What should I serve it with?
Banana Bread Brownies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. What are some good ideas?
For Breakfast:What is a good combination of coffee and brownies? What are some of the best banana and chocolate flavors in coffee? Is it healthy to serve brownies over yogurt?
For Brunch:Serve these brownies as part of a brunch spread. What are some good side dishes to serve with fresh fruit, pastries, and quiche? A glass of sparkling wine or a mimosa would be the perfect accompaniment.
As Dessert:What are some good after-dinner brownies? Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some ways to add caramel sauce to a dish?
For Cozy Snacks:On a chilly evening, curl up with your favorite brownies and some hot chocolate. What are the best brownies? My family loves to watch movies together. It’s our little tradition!
In my family, we have this little tradition of making brownies every time someone needs a brownie. What’s a little cheering Is it like a sweet, edible hug that always makes everything better? I hope they bring as much joy to your family as they do to mine!
How do I make banana bread brownies?
What are some tips for making Banana Bread? What are some of my best writing?
Banana Prep:Is it better to use ripe bananas? What are the best bananas for baking? Mash bananas well to avoid lumps in the filling.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the brownie batter. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Swirl Customization: Don’t over-swirl the banana filling into the brownie batter. You want to create a marbled effect, not blend the two together completely. Use a knife or skewer to create swirls, but avoid overdoing it.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have chocolate chips, you can use chopped nuts or other candies. You can also substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. I’ve tested this with almond flour and it actually made it even creamier! Just be sure to use a 1:1 substitute.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the brownies while they’re baking. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. You want the brownies to be fudgy, not dry. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the pan with foil.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, use cream cheese instead of milk. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze for a fun and festive touch. I love adding a little lemon zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.
One time, I accidentally added too much salt to the brownie batter. It was a disaster! The brownies were way too salty, and I had to throw them out. I learned my lesson – always measure your ingredients carefully! Now I triple check!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Banana Bread Brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how:
Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay moist and delicious.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They may become a bit firmer in the fridge, but they’ll still be tasty.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to add the glaze just before serving. If you’re storing the brownies, wait until you’re ready to eat them before drizzling on the glaze. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.
I usually make a big batch of these brownies on Sunday and then store them in the fridge for the week. They’re the perfect afternoon treat or late-night snack. They never last long though! My family loves them too much!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Banana Bread Brownies are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of flavor and a testament to the magic that happens when two beloved treats collide. The fudgy texture, the rich chocolate, and the sweet banana come together in perfect harmony, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your baking repertoire, bringing joy and deliciousness to your home. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other brownie recipes for more sweet inspiration. Happy baking! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know your thoughts in the comment below!
Decadent Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups sugar granulated
- 1 cup butter unsalted, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree canned or homemade
- 2 eggs large
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups chocolate chips semi-sweet
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan before slicing into bars and serving.
