Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Banana Bread Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for those who want a twist on classic brownies with a hint of banana flavor. Optional cinnamon topping adds a warm, spiced touch for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• For the topping (optional):
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until fully combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
4. Step 4: Stir in the milk and chocolate chips if using, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
6. Step 6: For the optional topping, mix the brown sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the batter. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
8. Step 8: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
• Swap milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• For extra fudginess, reduce the flour by 1/4 cup.
• If skipping the topping, dust the cooled brownies with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze.

Storage

Store your banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated brownies briefly in the microwave for a soft, warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This helps maintain the right batter consistency.

Are banana bread brownies gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. You can substitute with a gluten-free baking blend to make it gluten-free, but results may vary slightly.

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

Rich and fudgy banana bread brownies combine the moistness of ripe bananas with the deep chocolate flavor of cocoa and chocolate chips. This easy-to-make treat is topped with a cinnamon brown sugar topping that adds a delightful crunch and spice, perfect for a comforting dessert or snack.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Brownie Batter:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly butter it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; beat the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa before adding to the wet mixture.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies tough.
5. Add Milk & Chocolate Chips: Stir in the milk to loosen the batter and then fold in the chocolate chips if using, to add extra bursts of chocolate flavor.
6. Pour Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
7. Add Topping: Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Dot the top with small pieces of butter to create a caramelized topping as it bakes.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
9. Cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for better slicing and texture.
10. Serve: Once cool, slice into squares and serve as a delicious dessert or snack.

Notes

• For extra fudginess, avoid overbaking; remove brownies as soon as a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
• Substitute melted coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free option.
• Adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans can provide extra texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, increase cocoa powder to 3/4 cup.
• The topping is optional but adds a delightful cinnamon-sugar crust.

Keywords: banana bread brownies, chocolate banana brownies, easy banana dessert, fudgy brownies, cinnamon brown sugar topping