Introduction
If you’re craving a delightful treat that brings together the moistness of banana bread and the rich decadence of brownies, look no further! These Banana Bread Brownies are a luscious fusion that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. With just the right amount of sweetness and a burst of chocolatey goodness, they make for the perfect snack or dessert. Plus, they are incredibly easy to whip up, so let’s dive into the ingredients and get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Mix until the mixture is well blended and creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the banana mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure a well-distributed dry mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Remember, it’s important not to overmix!
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if desired, for added crunch and flavor.
- Pour the luscious batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly, ensuring every corner is covered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, cut into squares and enjoy your delicious creations!
Notes or Tips
For a richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before baking. This enhances the sweetness and balances the chocolate beautifully. You can also switch up the nuts depending on what you have on hand or omit them entirely for a pure chocolate experience!
Cooking Techniques
When mashing the bananas, ensure they are ripe with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. This will enhance the flavor of your brownies significantly. Additionally, gently folding in the dry ingredients prevents your brownies from becoming tough, keeping them soft and chewy.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well for this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How should I store leftover brownies? Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for delicious results.
Conclusion
There you have it — a mouthwatering recipe for Banana Bread Brownies that’s bound to be a favorite among your friends and family. They’re so simple to make and even more delightful to eat. Perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Happy baking!