Banana Bread Brownies: A Cozy Treat for Any Day
There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm scent of banana bread wafting through your home, wrapping you in a hug of familiarity. As the seasons transition to the cooler months, I find myself yearning for cozy treats that remind me of home—baked goods that come straight from the heart. Enter the deliciously indulgent Banana Bread Brownies, a sumptuous hybrid that marries the best of both worlds. Whether you’re enjoying these as a midnight snack or sharing them at a gathering, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: The combination of ripe bananas and melted butter creates a tender, moist texture that’s utterly satisfying.
- Quick to Make: This recipe comes together in no time, making it an easy weeknight treat to whip up.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With both banana and chocolate, these brownies are a hit, even among those who don’t love bananas!
- Perfectly Portionable: Cut these brownies into squares for easy sharing—great for party platters and bake sales.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this fun twist on classic banana bread, making it a perfect snack for the whole family.
- Delightfully Customizable: Feel free to toss in your favorite nuts or flavors for a personalized touch!
What You’ll Need
- 2 medium-sized ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter to the mashed bananas. Mix well until everything is combined.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, filling the bowl with the sweet aroma of vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, creating a rich, chocolatey blend.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined; don’t overmix.
If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring every bite is blissfully indulgent.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly, capturing that great balance between banana and chocolate.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Remember, a few moist crumbs are okay!
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the brownies.
- Fruity Twist: Stir in some shredded coconut or even diced strawberries for a fresh, fruity flavor that brightens the rich chocolate.
- Spiced Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm, inviting flavor perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter onto the batter before baking and swirl it for a decadent, nutty finish.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: These Banana Bread Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days. They actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re low on eggs, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce—perfect for a healthier version!
- Slicing Tricks: For clean cuts, make sure the brownies are completely cooled before slicing. If you lightly grease your knife, it helps the squares release easily.
- Storage Suggestions: You can also freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight for a quick treat!
Calories & Nutrition Details
Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 190
Carbohydrates: 27g
Sugar: 14g
Fat: 8g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 60mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! These brownies store well and can even be made a day in advance for a gathering.Can I use different ingredients?
Yes, feel free to substitute ingredients like using whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or swapping in dairy-free butter if needed.How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.How long does it last?
These brownies can last up to 3 months in the freezer—perfect for when you need a sweet treat!
Wrapping It Up
These Banana Bread Brownies truly capture the cozy essence of home-baked goodness, blending familiar flavors into a delightful new treat. With their rich chocolatey exterior and moist banana interior, they’re sure to be a new favorite in your recipe collection. Be sure to save this recipe to your cozy dessert board on Pinterest so you can return to it whenever you need that comforting embrace of home!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously indulgent hybrid that marries banana bread and brownies, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix until combined.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
- If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days and taste even better the next day. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana bread, brownies, dessert, baking, comfort food