Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Introduction
Banana Bread Brownies combine the best of two beloved treats into one decadent dessert. These rich, fudgy brownies swirled with sweet, ripe banana batter create a perfect balance of chocolate and fruit. They’re easy to make and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (3¾oz/105g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (4oz/115g) butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups (12oz/340g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (2oz/57g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (3oz/85g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 large (10oz/284g) very ripe bananas, mashed
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then divide the batter evenly into two separate bowls.
- Step 5: In one bowl, sift in the cocoa powder and stir in the chopped bittersweet chocolate.
- Step 6: In the other bowl, fold in the mashed bananas.
- Step 7: Dollop the chocolate brownie batter into the prepared pan, then pour over the banana batter.
- Step 8: Use a butter knife to swirl the chocolate batter through the banana batter, creating a marbled effect without fully mixing.
- Step 9: Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter before swirling.
- Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Swap bittersweet chocolate for semisweet if you prefer a sweeter brownie.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the banana batter for a warm spice note.
Storage
Store banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for about a minute.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a runny batter.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
Butter adds flavor and richness, but you can substitute an equal amount of a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil if needed. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (8×8-inch pan, cut into 4x4 squares) 1x
Description
This Banana Bread Brownies recipe combines the rich, fudgy texture of classic chocolate brownies with the moist, sweet flavor of ripe bananas. Swirled together to create a beautiful marbled effect, these brownies offer the perfect balance of chocolate and fruit in every bite. Ideal for dessert or a special snack, they are easy to make and bake in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup (3¾oz/105g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients & Others
- ½ cup (4oz/115g) butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups (12oz/340g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (2oz/57g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (3oz/85g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 large (10oz/284g) very ripe bananas, mashed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Then, divide this batter evenly into two separate bowls for layering flavors.
- Make Chocolate Batter: Into one of the bowls, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and fold in the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate thoroughly to create the chocolate brownie mixture.
- Make Banana Batter: In the second bowl, stir in the mashed ripe bananas until evenly incorporated into the batter.
- Assemble Batters: Dollop the chocolate batter into the prepared baking pan first, then pour the banana batter evenly over it.
- Swirl Batters: Using a butter knife, gently swirl the chocolate batter into the banana batter to create an attractive marbled effect without fully blending them together.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares for serving.
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, defrost at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help ingredients blend smoothly.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender.
- Swirling the batters lightly preserves distinct chocolate and banana flavors.
- Make sure to check the brownies toward the end of baking to avoid overbaking and drying.
- Use good quality bittersweet chocolate for richer flavor in the chocolate batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread brownies, marbled brownies, chocolate banana brownies, baked dessert, easy brownie recipe
