Banana Bread Brownies

Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect fusion of two beloved baked goods: the comforting richness of banana bread and the fudgy indulgence of brownies. This delightful treat is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also offers the perfect balance of moist, tender texture and natural sweetness from ripe bananas. Whether you’re craving a snack or a dessert, Banana Bread Brownies are a great way to use up overripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth with a twist on traditional banana bread. These brownies bring a fun spin to the classic recipe, giving you all the deliciousness of banana bread, but in a portable, shareable, and oh-so-satisfying brownie form.

With simple ingredients and a straightforward baking process, you can have these mouthwatering Banana Bread Brownies ready in under an hour. The combination of melted butter, sugar, and bananas creates a rich and moist base, while the baking soda and powder ensure that the brownies rise beautifully without being too cakey. Perfect for breakfast, a mid-day treat, or an after-dinner dessert, Banana Bread Brownies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. They’re also incredibly versatile – feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter to customize the flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Bread Brownies are loved for their incredible moistness, soft texture, and rich banana flavor. The sweetness of the bananas perfectly complements the buttery, slightly crisp edges of the brownies. Whether you’re a fan of banana bread or brownie lovers, this recipe is sure to hit all the right notes. It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and requires minimal effort – making it a go-to recipe for busy days when you want a homemade dessert without too much fuss. The versatility of this treat is also a big plus, as it can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast with a cup of coffee. Plus, these brownies are a great way to use up those extra bananas sitting on your counter.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, melted
• White sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ripe bananas, mashed

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips

For a richer, more indulgent treat, mix in a handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter. The gooey chocolate pairs perfectly with the banana flavor, making every bite extra decadent.

Add Nuts

If you enjoy a bit of crunch in your desserts, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. These nuts add a lovely texture contrast and a nutty flavor that complements the banana bread.

Make it Vegan

You can make this recipe vegan by swapping the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and using a plant-based butter substitute.

Add Cinnamon

For an extra layer of warmth, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the flour mixture. This adds a comforting spiced flavor that pairs wonderfully with the bananas.

Swirl in Peanut Butter

For a delicious twist, gently swirl in some peanut butter or almond butter before baking. This adds a creamy, nutty layer that makes the brownies even more satisfying.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Incorporate Mashed Bananas

Add the mashed ripe bananas into the batter and stir until the bananas are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Spread the Batter

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure it’s smooth on top.

Step 7: Bake the Brownies

Bake the Banana Bread Brownies for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should feel firm but slightly springy.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares and serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Brown spots on the skin are a sign of overripe bananas, which are perfect for this recipe.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in a denser texture.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool before slicing for the best texture and ease of cutting.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so check the brownies a few minutes before the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

How to Serve

Banana Bread Brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. For a breakfast or brunch treat, serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make an excellent snack, especially when paired with a glass of cold milk.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can refrigerate them, but make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Banana Bread Brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reheat individual brownies in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until warm. For a slightly crispier texture, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly. Just thaw them first and mash them before adding to the batter.

2. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute flax eggs or a store-bought egg replacer for the eggs to make the brownies vegan.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly denser.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Stir in chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.

5. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, brown sugar can be used for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor. It will also make the brownies a bit more moist.

6. Can I double the recipe?

You can double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Just be sure to check the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes.

7. Are Banana Bread Brownies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend if desired.

8. Can I make these brownies with a hand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer can be used for mixing the wet ingredients, but be careful not to overmix the dry ingredients into the batter.

9. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans are great additions and will add a lovely crunch to the brownies.

10. How do I know when the brownies are done?

Test the brownies by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Brownies are a perfect blend of two classic baked treats, delivering a moist, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious dessert. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to make the most of ripe bananas and create something special. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven, paired with a scoop of ice cream, or as a midday snack, these Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful and comforting treat for any occasion.

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