Banana bread and brownies are both beloved comfort foods, but what happens when you combine the two? You get banana bread brownies – a perfect mix of rich, fudgy brownies with the soft, sweet banana bread texture. These brownies are incredibly easy to make and are the perfect treat for any occasion. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of making these irresistible banana bread brownies.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Banana Bread Brownies
If you’re a fan of banana bread and have a soft spot for brownies, this recipe is going to be your new favorite. Banana bread brownies bring together the best of both worlds – moist and flavorful banana bread with the rich, gooey texture of brownies. These treats make for a great breakfast snack, a satisfying dessert, or even a lunchbox filler. Best of all? They’re incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Bread Brownies
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely flavor)
Why Overripe Bananas Make a Difference
For the best banana flavor and moist texture, overripe bananas are key. Their natural sugars have developed, making them perfect for baking. You’ll want bananas that are fully yellow with brown spots, which will add sweetness and richness to your brownies. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, try speeding up the process by placing them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Achieving the Perfect Texture with Other Ingredients
While bananas are the star of this recipe, the other ingredients help balance the flavor and texture. The combination of granulated and brown sugar ensures your brownies are sweet and moist. Eggs help bind everything together, while the melted butter adds richness. The baking soda works its magic to give the brownies their soft and airy texture, while cinnamon (if used) provides a comforting warmth.
Equipment You’ll Need for Banana Bread Brownies
Making banana bread brownies doesn’t require fancy kitchen tools. You’ll need the following:
- A mixing bowl
- A whisk or hand mixer
- A spatula
- A baking pan (an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan works perfectly)
- Parchment paper (optional for easier cleanup)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Banana Bread Brownies
Ready to start baking? Here’s your step-by-step guide to making these delicious banana bread brownies.
Preheat the Oven for Perfect Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly moist.
Mixing Dry Ingredients for Consistency
In a medium-sized bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Whisk them together to ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is important to avoid clumps of baking soda in the batter and ensures your brownies rise evenly.
Mashing Bananas to the Perfect Consistency
In a separate bowl, peel your ripe bananas and mash them using a fork or potato masher. Aim for a smooth consistency with a few small chunks for added texture. You’ll need about 1 ½ to 2 cups of mashed bananas. If you’re a big fan of banana flavor, feel free to add more bananas to the mix.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients for Smooth Batter
Now it’s time to combine the wet ingredients (bananas, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract) in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well mixed. Once combined, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently stir the batter until it’s fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your brownies.
Bake the Brownies to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased or parchment-lined baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly soft in the middle for that perfect fudgy texture.
Tips for Making Your Banana Bread Brownies Extra Special
These banana bread brownies are great as is, but if you want to elevate them further, here are some tips:
Add Chocolate for Extra Decadence
Banana and chocolate are a classic pairing. Adding chocolate chips, chunks, or cocoa powder to the batter will take your banana bread brownies to the next level. Semi-sweet chocolate works best, but you can also experiment with milk or dark chocolate, depending on your preference. You can fold the chocolate into the batter or sprinkle it on top before baking for a lovely chocolate finish.
Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking
If you prefer your brownies less sweet, you can reduce the amount of granulated or brown sugar in the recipe. However, be cautious—bananas naturally add sweetness, so reducing the sugar too much could result in a bland flavor. Adjusting the sugar balance allows you to customize the taste of your brownies.
Storing and Serving Your Banana Bread Brownies
Once baked, these banana bread brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. They’ll stay fresh and moist, perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Can You Freeze Banana Bread Brownies?
Yes! Banana bread brownies freeze wonderfully, making them a great option for preparing in advance. Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy them later, just let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Why This Recipe Works: The Perfect Banana Bread and Brownie Combo
Banana bread brownies are the best of both worlds. The bananas provide moisture and flavor, while the baking soda ensures that the texture is soft and fluffy. The result is a rich, chewy treat that’s filled with banana goodness without being too heavy. It’s the ideal dessert for anyone who loves both banana bread and brownies.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Want to Make These Banana Bread Brownies
Banana bread brownies are the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a get-together with friends, or simply for yourself, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Grab some ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and start baking today!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version. However, it may make the brownies a bit denser than the original recipe.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make these brownies without eggs?
You can substitute eggs with flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce, but keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
How long will these brownies last?
Banana bread brownies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas the riper, the better!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, but adds a lovely flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven for Perfect Baking
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly moist.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients for Consistency
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Whisk them together to ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is important to avoid clumps of baking soda in the batter and ensures your brownies rise evenly.
- Mashing Bananas to the Perfect Consistency
- In a separate bowl, peel your ripe bananas and mash them using a fork or potato masher. Aim for a smooth consistency with a few small chunks for added texture. You’ll need about 1 ½ to 2 cups of mashed bananas. If you’re a big fan of banana flavor, feel free to add more bananas to the mix.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients for Smooth Batter
- Now it’s time to combine the wet ingredients (bananas, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract) in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well mixed. Once combined, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently stir the batter until it’s fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your brownies.
- Bake the Brownies to Perfection
- Pour the batter into your greased or parchment-lined baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly soft in the middle for that perfect fudgy texture.
