There’s something undeniably comforting about baked goods wafting their sweet fragrances through my home, taking me back to childhood kitchens that buzzed with warmth and laughter. One memory that stands out is of my grandmother’s banana bread: an easy, therapeutic process involving overripe bananas, a well-worn mixing bowl, and a simple recipe passed down through generations. I loved watching her mash those bananas with a fork until they resembled a creamy potion of goodness, ready to be transformed into something delightful.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve decided to take that nostalgia one step further. Enter my Irresistible Banana Bread Brownies: a perfect fusion of my beloved banana bread and brownie greatness. With every bite, you’re met with that familiar banana flavor surrounded by rich, chocolaty goodness. Trust me; they’re as easy to whip up as they are to devour!
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 25 minutes
- Total Duration: 35 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves about 9 squares
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 200
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fats: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Banana Bread Brownies
Why settle for ordinary banana bread when you can have fudgy brownies that showcase the banana’s incredible versatility? The sweet aroma of bananas mingling with rich chocolate will fill your kitchen and should have you smiling as you bake. Each brownie is moist and chewy, a delightful combination of textures that melt in your mouth. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert and are the ideal treat for any occasion. Plus, they require just a handful of pantry staples!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Our journey begins with simple ingredients and ends in delicious, moist brownie squares, ready for sharing (or not, no judgment here). Let’s dive into the magical world of banana bread brownies.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Method:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. Greasing the pan ensures that your brownies come out effortlessly, leading to less fuss when it’s time to indulge!
Step 2: Mashed Banana Decadence
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the better your flavor will be—so don’t shy away from those brown spots!
Step 3: Melty Goodness
Stir in the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Let that buttery goodness blend in completely for an oh-so-rich flavor.
Step 4: Sweeten the Deal
Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined, and feel free to take a taste—just to make sure it’s sweet enough (I won’t tell!).
Step 5: The Power of Baking Soda
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. This step is crucial for giving our brownies that lovely rise and a beautifully balanced flavor.
Step 6: Flour Power
Stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine—it’s what makes the brownies chewy.
Step 7: Chocolate Chip Surprise
If using, fold in the chocolate chips. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little extra chocolate in their life?
Step 8: Batter Time
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. This is where anticipation starts to build!
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your whole house will smell heavenly—try to resist peeking too often!
Step 10: Cool & Serve
Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving. The hardest part is waiting while they cool, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These banana bread brownies shine on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Serve warm, drizzled with a bit of melted chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle some sea salt on top before serving. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Leftover brownies? Yes, please! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to keep them for longer, freeze them in individual squares—just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and they can last for up to 3 months!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter the brownies. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep that fudgy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different; check at the 20-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
- Boozy Banana: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the batter for a fun twist.
- Alternate Sweeteners: Swap out sugar for honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative.
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. -
What if I don’t like chocolate?
Simply omit the chocolate chips or add in some nuts or dried fruits instead! -
Can ripe bananas be frozen for later use?
Absolutely! Just peel them and place them in a ziplock bag. They’re perfect for baking later. -
How do I know if they are done baking?
Stick a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re set! -
Can I add in other flavors?
Definitely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract would be delightful!
Wrapping Up
So there you have it—your ticket to deliciousness wrapped in a delightful brownie form. These Irresistible Banana Bread Brownies are sure to become a treasured recipe in your kitchen, just like they are in mine. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, they promise to bring joy with every bite. Get ready for a baking adventure that’s both easy and wonderfully fulfilling. Happy baking, everyone! Enjoy your kitchen escapade! 🍌🍫
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Irresistible Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion of classic banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
- Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in.
- Stir in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
Serve warm with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
