Banana Bread Brownies: A Delicious Recipe

If you’re someone who loves indulging in banana bread and finds solace in the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies, you’re in for a treat. Imagine combining both into one irresistible dessert—banana bread brownies. This recipe brings together the nostalgic flavors of banana bread with the decadence of brownies, creating a sweet, gooey delight that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re baking for yourself, a family gathering, or just need something to satisfy your sweet tooth, this banana bread brownie recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

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Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Brownies

If you’re wondering why this recipe should be next on your baking list, here are a few reasons:

• The Perfect Fusion: You no longer have to choose between banana bread or brownies—this recipe combines the best of both worlds into one irresistible treat.
• Super Easy: Even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, the steps are easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these at any gathering, and watch them disappear within minutes. The unique blend of flavors is sure to impress.
• Healthier Option: Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, so you can even cut down on sugar if you’re looking for a slightly healthier option.

This is more than just another dessert—it’s a comforting, indulgent experience wrapped in each bite. Now, let’s dive into the details of how you can make this dessert magic happen in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Bread Brownies

To get started, you’ll need a mix of banana bread staples and brownie ingredients. Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need:

Banana Bread Layer Ingredients

Brownie Layer Ingredients

These ingredients are the foundation of this mouthwatering dessert, with each one playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Banana Bread Brownies

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to walk through the process of making your banana bread brownies. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a perfect batch ready to enjoy in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Bread Batter

1. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the ripe bananas until they reach a smooth consistency. Bananas act as a natural sweetener and give the brownie its moist texture.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the banana mixture, and gently fold them in until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies dense rather than fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

1. Mix Cocoa and Butter: In another bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add Sugar and Egg: Stir in the sugar, followed by the egg, making sure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
3. Fold in Flour and Baking Powder: Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the mixture, and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and fudgy, perfect for the brownie layer.
4. Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolate goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Layering and Swirling

1. Layer the Batter: Grease a baking pan and pour in the banana bread batter as the base layer. Then, carefully spread the brownie batter on top.
2. Swirl for Effect: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together, creating a marbled pattern. This step isn’t just for aesthetics—it ensures each bite will have the perfect blend of banana and chocolate.
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure not to overbake, as you want to keep the brownies moist and fudgy.
4. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This ensures they hold their shape and give you clean, crisp edges.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

Making sure your banana bread brownies turn out perfectly isn’t just about following the recipe—it’s about paying attention to the little details. Here are some pro tips that will take your baking to the next level:

• Use Overripe Bananas: The darker and spottier the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, which adds more natural sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can cause your brownies to become dense and tough. Be sure to mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined.
• Line Your Baking Pan: For easy removal and clean-up, line your baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure your brownies come out in perfect squares.
• Add Texture: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or even more chocolate chips on top before baking. You’ll get a crunchy contrast to the soft and fudgy interior.

How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Brownies

Banana bread brownies are a delicious and decadent treat that combines the richness of brownies with the sweetness of banana bread. To keep them fresh and enjoy them over time, it’s essential to store and freeze them properly. Whether you’ve made a large batch or just want to preserve some leftovers, the right storage methods will help maintain their flavor, texture, and moisture.

How to Store Banana Bread Brownies at Room Temperature

If you plan to enjoy your banana bread brownies within a few days, storing them at room temperature is simple and effective.

1. Allow the brownies to cool completely: Before storing them, let the banana bread brownies cool to room temperature. Storing them while they’re still warm can lead to excess moisture inside the container, which could affect the texture.
2. Use an airtight container: Place the cooled brownies in an airtight container to prevent air from drying them out. A sealed container will also protect them from absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods in your kitchen.
3. Layer with parchment paper: If you’re stacking multiple layers of brownies in the container, be sure to place a layer of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
4. Store in a cool, dry place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat. Your kitchen counter, pantry, or a cupboard is typically ideal.

How long will they last?
Banana bread brownies will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you don’t plan to eat them all within that time frame, freezing is a better option.

How to Refrigerate Banana Bread Brownies

For longer storage, refrigerating your banana bread brownies is a great way to keep them fresh.

1. Cool the brownies completely: Before placing them in the fridge, ensure they have cooled to room temperature.
2. Wrap individually or in layers: You can wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap or foil, or you can place the whole batch in an airtight container. Wrapping helps preserve their moisture and texture, preventing them from becoming dry.
3. Seal in an airtight container: If you store the brownies in an airtight container, this will protect them from moisture loss and prevent the fridge’s cold air from drying them out.
4. Keep them in the fridge for up to a week: When stored in the fridge, banana bread brownies will stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to check for any signs of moisture or mold before eating them.

Tip: You can slightly warm them up in the microwave or oven for a few seconds before eating to restore their soft, gooey texture.

How to Freeze Banana Bread Brownies

If you’ve made a large batch or want to save some banana bread brownies for later, freezing them is the best option to maintain their freshness. Freezing locks in their flavor and moisture, allowing you to enjoy them for months.

1. Let them cool completely: Allow your banana bread brownies to cool completely to room temperature to avoid condensation, which can lead to freezer burn.
2. Cut into individual portions: If you want to freeze individual brownies for easy access later, cut them into portions. This allows you to thaw only what you need rather than defrosting the whole batch.
3. Wrap each brownie: Wrap each individual brownie in plastic wrap or foil. This will help preserve their freshness and prevent freezer burn. You can also wrap the whole batch as a block if you prefer.
4. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container: After wrapping, place the brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air from the bag to prevent freezer burn.
5. Label with the date: Label the bag or container with the date you froze the brownies, so you can keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer.
6. Freeze for up to 3 months: Banana bread brownies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. While they’re safe to eat after this time, they may begin to lose their flavor and texture.

How to Thaw Frozen Banana Bread Brownies

To enjoy your frozen banana bread brownies, it’s simple to thaw them.

1. Thaw at room temperature: For the best texture, remove the brownies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. This will allow them to soften and regain their original consistency.
2. Microwave for a quick thaw: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave a single brownie for about 10-20 seconds to thaw it quickly. Just make sure not to overheat it.
3. Reheat in the oven: For a freshly-baked taste, you can place the thawed brownies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will restore their soft, warm texture.

Pro Tip for Freezing:

To maintain the best flavor and texture when freezing banana bread brownies, it’s crucial to take extra care in the freezing process. Here’s a helpful tip: Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and double-wrap them for extra protection. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the brownies from absorbing any unwanted odors from the freezer. After wrapping, place the brownies in a freezer-safe, resealable plastic bag or an airtight container to further seal them off from moisture and air.

For convenience, you can also freeze brownies in individual portions, so you can easily grab a single serving whenever you crave a sweet treat. Lastly, label the packaging with the date, so you can track how long they’ve been stored and enjoy them within the ideal 3-month window for the best taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread Brownies

You might still have a few questions about making banana bread brownies, so let’s address some of the most common ones:

Conclusion: Treat Yourself to These Decadent Banana Bread Brownies

Whether you’re a banana bread fan, a brownie lover, or someone who enjoys a rich, gooey dessert, these banana bread brownies are the best of both worlds. You can whip up a batch quickly with easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients. This recipe is sure to please everyone, perfect for family gatherings, a quick weeknight dessert, or an afternoon snack.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get baking—your new favorite dessert is just a few steps away!

Call to Action: If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, or leave a comment below telling us how your banana bread brownies turned out! Happy baking!

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

These Banana Bread Brownies combine the best of both worlds – the moist, fruity goodness of banana bread and the rich, fudgy texture of brownies. Topped with caramelized banana slices, they’re a decadent treat that's perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 1 9×9 inch square baking pan
• 1 Parchment paper (optional)
• 1 Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Spatula
• 1 Measuring cups and spoons
• 1 Knife and cutting board (for slicing bananas)
• 1 Wire rack (for cooling)
• 1 Kitchen torch (optional for caramelizing banana slices)

Ingredients

  

For the Brownies:

• 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 medium ripe banana mashed
• 1/4 cup 60ml milk
• 1 cup 125g all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup 30g cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup 90g chocolate chips

For Topping:

• 1 banana sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar for caramelizing

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan.
• Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, mashed banana, and milk. Mix until combined.
• Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
• Combine and stir: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. Avoid over-mixing. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
• Add banana slices: Lay thin slices of banana on top of the batter. Sprinkle a little brown sugar on each banana slice for caramelization.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The brownies should have a fudgy center and a slightly firm top.
• Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.
• Caramelize (Optional): For extra caramelization, use a kitchen torch to gently brown the banana slices on top after baking.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving) :

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 24g
• Fiber: 2g

• Make sure the bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness.
• These brownies are best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce.

Keyword banana bread brownies, Banana bread with frosting, Brown butter banana brownies