How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

There’s something comforting about baking with bananas, and when combined into delightful brownies, the result is pure bliss! These Banana Bread Brownies are not just a sweet treat; they’re a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas while indulging in a chocolatey dessert. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a cozy after-dinner treat, this recipe is sure to please.

Why make this recipe

Banana Bread Brownies are quick to prepare and require minimal ingredients. They offer a unique twist on traditional banana bread with an added chocolatey goodness that everyone loves. Plus, they are soft, moist, and can be topped with frosting for an even sweeter finish.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• Optional: frosting (brown sugar or cream cheese)

How to make it

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
3. Add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before topping with frosting if desired.

How to serve it

These brownies are perfect on their own or can be enhanced with a layer of frosting. Serve them warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

How to store it

Store your Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To preserve freshness, they can also be refrigerated for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to 3 months.

Helpful tips

• Ensure that your bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness and flavor.
• For extra chocolate flavor, mix in some chocolate chips into the batter.
• Always let the brownies cool completely before cutting to achieve cleaner slices.

Optional variations

• You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Incorporate a swirl of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a unique flavor profile.
• Experiment with various frostings such as chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting for a different taste.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use thawed frozen bananas. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture before mashing.

What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses to achieve a similar flavor and color, or use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.

Is it necessary to add frosting?
It’s not necessary! The brownies are delicious on their own, but frosting can add an extra layer of sweetness if you like.

Banana Bread Brownies

Delightful brownies made with ripe bananas, offering a unique twist on traditional banana bread with a chocolatey touch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 pieces

Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas 2 ripe bananas Ensure they are very ripe for optimal sweetness.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar Can substitute with white sugar mixed with molasses.
• 2 large 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• Optional: frosting (brown sugar or cream cheese) Enhances the brownies for an extra layer of sweetness.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8 inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
• Add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
• Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.

Baking

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cool completely before topping with frosting if desired.

Notes

These brownies are perfect on their own or can be served warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for about a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword Baking with Bananas, Banana Bread Brownies, Banana Desserts, Chocolate Brownies, Easy Brownies