Why Make This Recipe
If you love the combination of bananas and brownies, then Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect treat for you. This recipe captures the moist, rich flavors of banana bread while bringing in the fudgy, dense goodness of brownies. These brownies are not just delicious; they are also incredibly easy to make! You can whip them up with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Banana Bread Brownies are a fantastic way to use ripe bananas, and they make for a perfect dessert or snack. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own, serving them at a gathering, or packing them for lunch, these brownies are sure to please everyone.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Making Banana Bread Brownies is a straightforward process. With just a few steps, you will have a delicious batch of brownies ready to enjoy. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
- ½ cup 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)
![image_2]
Directions
Prepare the Oven and Pan: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps prevent the brownies from sticking and makes for easier slicing later on.
Mix the Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step ensures that your brownies are sweet and rich.
Add Eggs and Bananas: Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in the mashed bananas until everything is combined. The bananas not only add flavor but also give moisture to the brownies.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
Add Nuts If Desired: If you like a little crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. They add a lovely texture to the brownies.
Bake the Brownies: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Make the Glaze: While the brownies are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Glaze the Brownies: Pour the warm glaze over the brownies while they are still slightly warm. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies are wonderfully versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Plain: Enjoy them straight out of the pan for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat.
- Drizzled with Caramel: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the dessert further.
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside slices of fresh banana or berries to add a refreshing element.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these brownies are sure to impress!
How to Store Banana Bread Brownies
To keep your Banana Bread Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for about a week. For even longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. These can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Brownies
- Ripe Bananas: Using very ripe bananas will give your brownies the best flavor and sweetness. Look for bananas with brown spots or even fully brown skins.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough.
- Add Extras: Feel free to customize your brownies by adding chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or your favorite nuts.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Variation
While the base recipe is delicious on its own, you can get creative with variations. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Banana Bread Brownies: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to make a chocolate version.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of peanut butter to the batter before baking and swirl it in for a nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mashing and adding them to the batter.
2. How can I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; they are done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs or clean. If it comes out wet with batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
3. Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, feel free to leave them out. The brownies will still be delicious.
4. How can I make the glaze thicker?
If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture of the brownies.
With this simple and delightful recipe for Banana Bread Brownies, you are all set to create a delicious dessert that everyone will love! Enjoy the baking experience and the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist brownies that combine the flavors of banana bread and fudgy brownies, perfect for dessert or snacks.
Ingredients
- ½ cup 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 oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract, then stir in mashed bananas until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Fold into the banana mixture until just combined.
- If desired, fold in chopped nuts.
- Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes; check for doneness with a toothpick.
- For the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour glaze over brownies while warm. Let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for about a week. Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg