Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Banana Bread Brownies! They’re this incredible mash-up of rich, fudgy brownies and the moist, comforting goodness of banana bread. Just imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, chocolatey square, with hints of banana that make it feel like a hug from the inside! I whip these up whenever I have ripe bananas hanging around, and honestly, they never last long. My family goes wild for them! Plus, they’re so easy to make—it’s like baking two of my favorites into one. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again! They’re perfect for snacking, dessert, or even breakfast (no judgment here!).
Ingredients List
- 2 ripe bananas: Make sure they’re nice and spotty for maximum sweetness!
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: This adds richness and helps keep everything moist.
- 1 cup sugar: Just the right amount to balance the flavors and sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and add a bit of fluff.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that lovely, warm flavor.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This provides structure to our brownies.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolatey goodness!
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Just a pinch to help them rise perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Because who doesn’t love extra chocolate?
How to Prepare Banana Bread Brownies
Alright, let’s get those Banana Bread Brownies baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot so those brownies can rise and set perfectly. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and mash those ripe bananas until they’re smooth and creamy. I like to use a fork; it’s simple and gets the job done!
Next, add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and give it a good stir. This is where the magic begins! Then, mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is key—it keeps your dry ingredients well-mixed so there are no surprises later!
Now, gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Don’t rush this part; you want everything to blend nicely without overmixing. Finally, it’s time to add those chocolate chips—YUM! Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool for a bit before slicing into those delicious brownies. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth.
- Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing gently.
- Fold in the chocolate chips for that extra chocolatey goodness!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool in the dish before slicing into squares and enjoying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make—whip them up in just 35 minutes!
- Rich, chocolatey flavor that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- Moist, tender texture that combines the best of brownies and banana bread.
- Perfect for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast on the go.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Banana Bread Brownies turn out absolutely perfect, here are my go-to tips! First, use really ripe bananas—those brown, spotty ones are gold! They’ll add so much natural sweetness and moisture. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter; just mix until combined, and you’ll keep that fudgy texture. When it comes to checking for doneness, start checking a few minutes early! Stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Lastly, let them cool a bit before slicing. I know it’s hard to resist, but trust me, it makes all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for these delightful Banana Bread Brownies! Each brownie comes in at approximately 150 calories, with about 10 grams of sugar. They contain 7 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein, making them a rich treat. Of course, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients, but this should give you a good idea. Enjoy them in moderation, and savor every chocolatey bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Banana Bread Brownies fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze these beauties! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, or microwave for a few seconds for a warm, gooey treat that tastes just as good as fresh out of the oven!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas actually work great since they’re usually super ripe!
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for a vegan option or have an egg allergy, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken).
How can I make these gluten-free?
Swapping out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend should work perfectly! Just check the blend for added ingredients to ensure it suits your needs.
Could I add nuts?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can give these Banana Bread Brownies a lovely crunch. Just fold them in when you add the chocolate chips for an extra texture boost!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached—this means they’re perfectly fudgy!
Banana Bread Brownies That Will Make You Swoon Every Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious banana bread brownies that combine the richness of brownies with the moistness of banana bread.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas.
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing into brownies.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Add nuts for extra crunch, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Banana Bread Brownies