Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

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If you love the comforting flavor of bananas combined with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, you are in for a real treat with this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe. This incredible dessert blends the moist, tender crumb of classic banana bread with the dense, chocolatey goodness of brownies, creating a delightful twist that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family or just craving a sweet indulgence, these banana bread brownies deliver flavor, texture, and nostalgia all in one decadent bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together perfectly to create a dessert that’s both hearty and luscious. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or texture, so gathering fresh and quality components will truly elevate your baking experience.

• 1 cup mashed bananas: Ripe bananas are best here for natural sweetness and moisture.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens and helps to create a tender crumb.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the brownies moist.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the batter together and contribute to structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the brownies their body.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the batter rise just enough for a tender texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with banana.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Brings a satisfying crunch and nutty depth when included.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your banana bread brownies won’t stick and will come out beautifully when baked.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Take ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly using a fork or potato masher until smooth with no large chunks. This step sets the stage for that signature moistness and sweetness you expect from the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Keep going until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This aeration is key for a tender crumb.

Step 4: Combine Bananas with Butter Mixture

Add your mashed bananas to the creamed butter and sugar. Stir until everything is blended nicely, ensuring every bite gets that lovely banana flavor.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack the eggs into a small bowl first to check for shells, then add them one by one along with the vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated for a smooth and even batter.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This dry mix carries the flavors and gives structure to your banana bread brownies.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently and just enough to combine everything without overmixing. Overworking the batter can make your brownies tough instead of delightfully tender.

Step 8: Fold in Walnuts (Optional)

If you love a little crunch, gently fold the chopped walnuts into the batter with a spatula. This step is optional but highly recommended for added texture and nutty flavor.

Step 9: Transfer Batter to Pan

Pour all of your brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Leveling the batter helps the brownies bake uniformly for consistent texture throughout.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To know when they are ready, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs stuck to it.

Step 11: Cool and Remove from Pan

Once baked, remove the banana bread brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This short rest allows the brownies to set up enough to be handled safely for transferring.

Step 12: Cool Completely on a Wire Rack

After the initial cooling, carefully transfer the brownies onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully before cutting helps maintain clean, attractive squares that hold together well.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy!

Now the most satisfying part—slice up your beautifully baked Banana Bread Brownies Recipe and enjoy every rich, banana-infused bite. These brownies are sure to bring smiles around any table.

How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

Topping your banana bread brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate instantly adds a touch of elegance. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or a pinch of cinnamon on top to highlight the warm spices baked inside.

Side Dishes

Pair these banana bread brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Fresh berries also work beautifully, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense brownies.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your banana bread brownies on a rustic wooden board alongside coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for parties or pack them individually wrapped as an easy, delicious snack on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover banana bread brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered well ensures they stay moist and fresh, perfect for snacking anytime.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will stay great frozen for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft and chewy texture, making them taste just like new.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Yes, you can use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil as a substitute for butter. However, butter adds richness and flavor that oil can’t quite replicate, so the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots and soft skin, which have the sweetest flavor and will contribute to both the sweetness and moistness of your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe.

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking is a fantastic way to boost the chocolate flavor and add little pockets of melty goodness to your brownies.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends to make a gluten-free version, but results may vary slightly in texture.

How can I tell when the brownies are done without a toothpick?

If you don’t have a toothpick, gently press the center of the brownies with your finger. They should feel set and spring back lightly without much jiggle, indicating they’re baked through but still moist inside.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Irresistibly rich, tender, and bursting with banana flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, from-scratch baking that brings joy bite after bite. I encourage you to grab your ingredients and dive into this baking adventure — once you try these brownies, they just might become your new favorite way to enjoy bananas and chocolate together!

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