Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy that is banana bread brownies! Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread blended with the rich, fudgy decadence of chocolate brownies. It’s like a hug in dessert form! You get that delicious banana flavor dancing with the sweetness of chocolate, and trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven. I love whipping these up when I have a couple of ripe bananas hanging around, just begging to be used. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or just indulging in at home on a cozy afternoon. Honestly, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Ingredients List
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed until smooth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar, to sweeten the mix
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature for best blending
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for that lovely aroma
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, to give it structure
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened for rich chocolate flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to enhance all the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, for a little lift
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, because more chocolate is always better!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important so your brownies bake evenly!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a bowl and mash those ripe bananas until they’re nice and smooth. The riper, the better!
- Next, pour in the melted butter and mix it in with the bananas. It should be a lovely, creamy blend.
- Now, add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until everything is combined and oh-so-luscious.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps ensure that the dry ingredients are well mixed!
- Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix—just stir until everything is combined. A few lumps are totally okay!
- Now, it’s time for the best part: fold in those chocolate chips. Yum!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. I love using a 9×9-inch pan for just the right thickness.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares. Patience is key here, but I promise it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—whip these up in just about 10 minutes!
- Combines the best of both worlds—banana bread and brownies in one delicious treat.
- Rich chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth cravings.
- Perfect for using up those overly ripe bananas you might have sitting around.
- Great for gatherings or as a snack—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your banana bread brownies turn out absolutely fabulous! Here are my top tips to ensure success:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They should have lots of brown spots for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t skip the cooling time: It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the brownies cool completely will help them set and make cutting easier.
- Mix gently: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. A few lumps are totally fine!
- Chocolate chip swap: Feel free to mix things up! Try using dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a fun twist.
- Baking pan matters: If you want thicker brownies, use an 8×8-inch pan instead of a 9×9-inch one. Just keep an eye on your baking time as they may need a few extra minutes.
- Store them right: Keep your leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their moisture. You want them to stay delicious and chewy!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the most delightful banana bread brownies that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your banana bread brownies! Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and a rustic touch. You could even try hazelnuts for something a little different!
- Change the chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips—milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate can bring a unique twist to the flavor.
- Use dark cocoa powder: For a deeper, richer chocolate flavor, swap out the regular cocoa powder for dark cocoa powder. It’s like a chocolate lover’s dream!
- Incorporate peanut butter: Swirl in some creamy peanut butter for a deliciously nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas and chocolate. You can even melt it slightly for easier mixing!
- Try other spreads: Get creative with other nut butters like almond or cashew butter, or even a drizzle of Nutella for an extra chocolatey treat!
These variations not only keep things interesting but also let you customize your banana bread brownies to fit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Enjoy experimenting and, of course, happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious banana bread brownies fresh and ready for your next sweet craving! First off, you’ll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them nice and moist, so they stay chewy and delightful. If you have a lot left over (which is unlikely, but hey, it can happen!), you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
If you want to keep them for a longer time, these brownies freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop them in the freezer. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight, or if you’re in a hurry, you can warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a gooey mess! A nice warm brownie with a scoop of ice cream on top? Yes, please!
Nutritional Information Section
Alright, let’s break down the estimated nutritional information for your delicious banana bread brownies! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a pretty good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
With these brownies, you get a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without going overboard. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation—though let’s be real, it’s tough to stop at just one!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They’ll add that same delicious banana flavor while keeping everything nice and moist!
How do I know when they are done baking?
You’ll know your banana bread brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Don’t worry if they seem a little soft—they’ll firm up as they cool!
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just ensure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free if you want to keep it completely dairy-free!
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
If you find yourself without cocoa powder, you can use carob powder as a substitute. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still give you that chocolatey vibe! Just remember that the flavor will be a bit different.
Can I add other fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or even diced apples or pears for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that adding more moisture can change the texture, so stick to small amounts for best results!
Banana Bread Brownies: 7 Irresistible Ways to Indulge
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious banana bread brownies blend the flavors of banana bread with rich chocolate brownies.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mash the bananas.
- Add melted butter to the bananas and mix well.
- Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These brownies can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana bread brownies, chocolate brownies, banana dessert