Why Make This Recipe
Have you ever found yourself with overripe bananas and no idea what to do with them? If so, you’re not alone! One of the best things you can do with those bananas is to make Banana Bread Brownies. This recipe combines the classic comfort of banana bread with the rich, indulgent taste of brownies, creating a delicious treat that everyone will love. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack, dessert, or even as a sweet breakfast option. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even beginner bakers can whip up a batch with confidence.
Banana Bread Brownies are moist, flavorful, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer them plain or topped with a delicious glaze, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, let’s dive into how to make this delightful treat!
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Making Banana Bread Brownies is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. Follow along closely, and you’ll have a batch ready in no time!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Directions
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the brownies bake evenly. While the oven is heating, prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s nice and smooth. This step is crucial because the sugars will dissolve better in warm melted butter, leading to a luscious texture.
Add eggs and bananas: Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After that, add the vanilla extract and the mashed bananas to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. The bananas not only bring flavor but also keep the brownies moist.
Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). Mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix at this point as it can lead to tough brownies. If you like nuts, fold in the walnuts or pecans.
Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Prepare the glaze (optional): If you want to add a sweet finishing touch, melt the reserve butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Cool and glaze the brownies: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, pour the glaze over the top while the brownies are still warm. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies can be served in various ways, depending on your preferences. You can enjoy them plain right out of the pan, and they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert. For a lovely breakfast treat, pair them with a cup of coffee or tea.
Feel free to add a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar as a decorative touch. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit, such as slices of banana or berries, for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Store Banana Bread Brownies
To store your Banana Bread Brownies, you should let them cool completely. Once they are cool, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they will last for about a week.
If you’d like to freeze your brownies, cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Choose ripe bananas: For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas. The more brown spots on the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the bananas will be.
Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined will help keep your brownies tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough texture.
Add mix-ins: Don’t hesitate to play around with your mix-ins! In addition to walnuts or pecans, consider adding chocolate chips, raisins, or other dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
Use quality butter: Since butter is a primary flavor in this recipe, using a high-quality unsalted butter will enhance the taste.
Test for doneness accurately: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your brownies during the last few minutes of baking. If you find that they are over-baking, it can lead to dry brownies.
Variation
While the classic Banana Bread Brownies are delicious as they are, here are a couple of variations you might enjoy:
Chocolate Banana Brownies: For chocolate lovers, try adding ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to create a chocolatey version. You could also fold in chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
Nut-Free Option: If you or someone attending your gathering has nut allergies, simply omit the nuts. The brownies will be just as tasty and enjoyable without them.
Fruity Twist: You can add some chopped strawberries or blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist. Just make sure to adjust the flour to compensate for the extra moisture from the fruits.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them completely before mashing and adding them to the batter. Frozen bananas can greatly enhance the moisture and flavor.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the brownies a day in advance. They actually tend to taste better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container after they have cooled.
What can I do if my brownies come out too dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking or using overly ripe bananas. Next time, keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time and consider reducing the baking time slightly. You could also try adding a bit more mashed banana to improve moisture.
Enjoy making and sharing your delicious Banana Bread Brownies!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist and flavorful Banana Bread Brownies that combine the classic taste of banana bread with the indulgence of brownies.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
- Mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
- Incorporate the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until just combined, then fold in the walnuts or pecans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Prepare the glaze by melting the reserve butter and whisking in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Cool the brownies in the pan, then pour the glaze over them and let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For best flavor, use very ripe bananas and avoid overmixing the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana bread, brownies, dessert, baking, easy recipes