Description
Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies. This easy and quick recipe yields a perfect blend of banana bread and chocolate, making a delicious treat ideal for any occasion. With optional cinnamon-brown sugar topping and chocolate chips, these brownies offer a delightful twist on traditional banana bread.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
- 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 it is well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Milk & Chocolate Chips: Stir in the milk to loosen the batter. If using, fold in the chocolate chips to add extra chocolatey goodness to the brownies.
- Pour Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter to create a sweet, caramelized topping.
- 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 attached. Do not overbake to keep the brownies tender and moist.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy your delicious banana bread brownies!
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure the brownies remain tender and fudgy.
- For added texture and flavor, try folding in chopped walnuts or swirling in peanut butter before baking.
- Store brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for 3–4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.