Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect mix of banana bread and brownies, giving you the best of both worlds. The moistness from the ripe bananas keeps the brownies soft and chewy, while the chocolate chips and optional walnuts add a delicious crunch. With a simple glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch, these brownies are a deliciously rich yet balanced treat. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a snack later, you’ll love every bite!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
-
Make the Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the walnuts (if using) and chocolate chips.
-
Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Let the brownies cool slightly before drizzling them with the glaze.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 9-12 brownies (depending on how large you cut them).
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Nuts: Add other nuts like pecans or almonds if you don’t have walnuts or want a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy butter and milk.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Reheating: To reheat, place brownies in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them out before mashing to ensure they blend well into the batter.
2. Can I leave out the glaze?
Absolutely! The brownies are already sweet and moist, so the glaze is optional if you prefer a less sugary treat.
3. How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
4. Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil.
5. Can I make this recipe without chocolate chips?
Of course! If you prefer a more traditional banana bread flavor, you can skip the chocolate chips and still have a delicious treat.
6. How can I make these more banana-flavored?
For a stronger banana flavor, use overripe bananas. They are sweeter and have a more intense banana taste.
7. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
8. Are these brownies cakey or fudgy?
These brownies have a soft, moist texture, but they’re more on the fudgy side due to the combination of bananas and butter.
9. How do I prevent my brownies from drying out?
Make sure not to overbake them. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time and remove them from the oven as soon as the toothpick comes out clean.
10. Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Yes! You can add ingredients like dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even swirl in peanut butter for an extra twist.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Brownies are a perfect fusion of two beloved treats, offering the soft, moist goodness of banana bread with the rich chocolatey indulgence of brownies. They are easy to make and incredibly delicious, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them warm with a drizzle of glaze or at room temperature, these brownies will satisfy your cravings for something sweet, fruity, and rich.
Banana Bread Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect combination of moist, soft banana bread and rich, chocolatey brownies. With a sweet glaze to top it off, these decadent treats are an irresistible snack or dessert. Whether you’re craving a breakfast indulgence or a comforting dessert, Banana Bread Brownies are guaranteed to hit the spot. Make them for any occasion, and watch them become a new family favorite
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 brownies (depending on size)
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
For the Glaze:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
-
Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the walnuts (if using) and chocolate chips.
-
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Finish & Serve: Let the brownies cool slightly before drizzling them with the glaze. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Optional mix-ins: pecans, almonds, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or peanut butter.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- For a vegan version, swap the egg with a flax egg and use non-dairy butter and milk.