Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried my banana bread brownies recipe yet, you’re in for a treat! Imagine the warm, comforting taste of banana bread wrapped up in the decadent, fudgy goodness of brownies. It’s like the best of both worlds in every single bite! I first stumbled upon this magical combination when I had some overripe bananas sitting on my counter, begging to be used. I thought, why not blend them into something completely new? The result was pure bliss! The moistness from the bananas paired with rich cocoa creates an irresistible flavor explosion that had my friends coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, you won’t just enjoy these—your whole family will be asking for the recipe! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a perfect solution for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests. So grab those bananas, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed until smooth)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Make sure those bananas are nice and ripe—the more spots, the better! They add that perfect sweetness and moisture to our brownies. And don’t skimp on the cocoa powder; it’s what gives these brownies their rich, chocolatey flavor. I love using fresh ingredients, so grab the best you can find and let’s get started!
How to Prepare Banana Bread Brownies
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and whip up these delicious banana bread brownies! It’s a simple process that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time. Ready? Let’s go!
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey.
- Mash the bananas: In a mixing bowl, take those ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. You want them to blend seamlessly into your brownie batter, so get in there with enthusiasm!
- Add wet ingredients: Next, into the bowl with the mashed bananas, add the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. I usually use a whisk for this part—it helps everything blend beautifully!
- Prepare the dry mix: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it allows the baking powder to distribute evenly throughout the flour, which helps your brownies rise perfectly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet banana mix. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! It’s okay if a few flour streaks remain; we want the brownies to be fudgy, not tough.
- Pour into baking dish: Grease a baking dish (around 8×8 inches works great) and pour the batter into it. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it reaches the corners. You want every bite to be delicious!
- Bake: Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll want to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—no gooey batter!
- Cool before slicing: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This is the hardest part—waiting! But trust me, it’ll be worth it. After cooling, slice into squares and serve!
And there you have it! Your banana bread brownies are ready to be devoured. Just imagine the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen as your loved ones gather around, eagerly waiting for a taste. Enjoy every chocolatey, banana-y bite!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- It’s a delightful mash-up of banana bread and brownies—what’s not to love?
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight baking or last-minute cravings.
- Uses overripe bananas, so you can rescue those sad bananas sitting on your counter!
- Rich, fudgy texture that’s incredibly satisfying to bite into.
- Super versatile—add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost!
- Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!).
- They stay fresh for days in an airtight container, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Trust me, once you taste these banana bread brownies, you’ll be coming back for more, and your kitchen will become the go-to spot for sweet cravings!
Tips for Success with Banana Bread Brownies
Alright, let’s make sure your banana bread brownies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that’ll elevate your baking game.
- Use super ripe bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots. They’ll add natural sweetness and moisture, making your brownies extra delicious.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we definitely want them fudgy and tender!
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to toss in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a tasty twist. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you add a lot of extras.
- Check for doneness: Bake until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you see wet batter, give it a few more minutes, but be careful not to overbake!
- Let them cool: I know it’s hard to resist, but allowing your brownies to cool before cutting will help them hold their shape. This is key for those perfect squares!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a batch of banana bread brownies that’ll impress everyone. Happy baking!
Variations on the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Ready to get creative with your banana bread brownies? There are so many fun ways to customize this recipe and make it your own! Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Nuts Galore: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the fudgy texture beautifully.
- Chocolate Lovers Unite: Stir in some chocolate chips—either milk chocolate or dark chocolate—as you mix the batter. You can even sprinkle some on top before baking for an extra chocolatey finish!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of creamy or crunchy peanut butter into the batter and use a knife to swirl it in. It adds a delicious nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas!
- Spiced Up: Want to warm things up? Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy, spiced flavor that’s just perfect for fall.
- Fruit Fusion: Toss in some chopped dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a sweet and tart surprise in every bite!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your dream banana bread brownies. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Nutritional Information for Banana Bread Brownies
Let’s take a quick look at the nutritional goodness packed into these delightful banana bread brownies! Each square is approximately 150 calories, which makes them a satisfying treat without going overboard. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 1g, Unsaturated Fat: 5g)
- Carbohydrates: 22g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 10g)
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But overall, these brownies are a delicious way to indulge while still keeping things balanced. Enjoy them as a sweet snack or dessert, and feel good about treating yourself!
FAQ About Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Got questions about my banana bread brownies recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that pop up, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are often even sweeter and work perfectly in this recipe.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store your banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge or freezer! Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying.
Can I substitute the oil for something healthier? Yes! You can use applesauce or melted coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. This can add a different flavor and still keep your brownies moist.
How do I know when they’re done? Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s gooey, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. They’ll still be just as delicious!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Banana Bread Brownies
Now that your banana bread brownies are ready to enjoy, let’s talk about how to serve them for maximum delight! One of my favorite ways is to warm them up just a bit and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of the warm, fudgy brownie and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply heavenly!
If you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel over the brownies before serving. It adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the banana flavor beautifully. And don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream for that finishing touch!
For a cozy afternoon treat, pair these brownies with a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate. Trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven! Whatever you choose, these brownies are sure to shine on your dessert table.
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Banana Bread Brownies
Storing your banana bread brownies is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about a week or even freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious brownies again, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it—no one wants a rubbery brownie! Enjoy every last bite!
PrintBanana Bread Brownies Recipe: 8 Comforting Bites of Joy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious blend of banana bread and brownies.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas.
- Add cocoa powder, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For added flavor, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: banana bread brownies recipe