Description
Delicious and moist Banana Bread Brownies that combine the rich flavors of classic banana bread with the fudgy texture of brownies. Perfect for a sweet treat or snack, these brownies are easy to make and include optional walnuts for added crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mash Bananas: In a medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth and free of large chunks for a consistent texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed, cream the softened butter with sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Combine Bananas and Butter Mixture: Add the mashed bananas to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly until well combined to infuse flavor throughout the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack eggs into a small bowl, then add them along with vanilla extract to the banana mixture; mix until fully incorporated for proper binding.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to toughness.
- Add Walnuts (Optional): Gently fold in chopped walnuts with a spatula if using, for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating doneness.
- Cool in Pan: Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up before removing.
- Transfer to Rack and Cool: After initial cooling, transfer brownies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly for slicing.
- Serve: Once fully cooled, cut into squares and serve your delicious banana bread brownies. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- For extra moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat individual squares slightly in the microwave for a warm, soft treat.
