recipes

Banana Bread Brownies – The Ultimate Moist & Fudgy Treat

If you love banana bread and brownies, then this Banana Bread Brownies recipe is the perfect combination of both! These soft, moist, and chocolatey brownies are packed with rich banana flavor and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack!

Ingredients

Advertisement

For the Banana Brownie Batter:

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (for extra moisture)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but enhances flavor)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)

For the Chocolate Swirl (Brownie Layer):

  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)

For the Brown Butter Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended!):

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls – Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients
Electric Hand Mixer – For a smooth batter texture
8×8-inch Baking Pan – The perfect size for thick, fudgy brownies
Spatula – For even spreading of batter
Whisk – For the brown butter glaze

Instructions

Advertisement

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

2. Make the Banana Brownie Batter:

  1. In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
  2. Add melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
  5. Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans if using.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Swirl:

  1. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
  2. Mix in cocoa powder and heavy cream until smooth.

4. Assemble & Swirl:

  1. Pour half of the banana brownie batter into the prepared pan.
  2. Spoon chocolate swirl mixture on top and gently swirl using a knife or skewer.
  3. Add the remaining banana batter and repeat swirling.

5. Bake to Perfection:

  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool completely before adding the glaze.

6. Make the Brown Butter Glaze:

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until golden brown and slightly nutty in aroma.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
  3. Drizzle over the cooled brownies for an extra indulgent touch!

Serving & Storage

Serving Tip: Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
❄️ Freezing Option: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Healthy & Customizable Variations

Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
🔥 Lower Sugar: Substitute maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener.
🌿 Vegan-Friendly: Replace butter with coconut oil, and use a flax egg.

💡 Want healthier baking alternatives?

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~180 kcal
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Sugar: 15g

💡 Want a lower-carb version? Try swapping all-purpose flour with almond flour and reducing the sugar!

FAQs & Expert Baking Tips

1. Can I add peanut butter?

Yes! Swirl in ¼ cup peanut butter with the chocolate for a delicious twist.

2. How do I make it extra fudgy?

Slightly underbake by 2 minutes and let them cool completely before slicing.

3. What’s the best way to melt chocolate?

Use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time.

Advertisement

Leave a Comment