Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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