Banana Bread Brownies Recipe – A Perfect Fusion of Banana Bread and Brownies

If you are a fan of both banana bread and brownies, then you’re in for a treat! Imagine the softness and rich flavor of banana bread, combined with the decadent, fudgy texture of brownies. That’s exactly what Banana Bread Brownies offer – a delightful hybrid that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet, comforting, and indulgent.

This Banana Bread Brownies recipe is the perfect balance between two classic desserts, giving you the best of both worlds. It combines the moist, rich flavor of ripe bananas with the chewy goodness of brownies, making for a dessert that’s both unique and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re baking for your family, treating yourself, or looking for a new dessert to bring to a gathering, these Banana Bread Brownies are the way to go.

In this article, we’ll guide you step by step through the recipe and provide plenty of tips, tricks, and variations to ensure your Banana Bread Brownies turn out perfectly every time. Get ready for a dessert that’s easy to make, absolutely mouthwatering, and sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

What Are Banana Bread Brownies?

Banana Bread Brownies are a delicious fusion of banana bread and brownies, two classic desserts that many people adore. The result is a dessert that boasts the richness of banana bread with the chewy, gooey texture of brownies. The mashed bananas in the recipe provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the butter, sugar, and cinnamon add richness and spice. The brown sugar adds depth of flavor, making each bite even more indulgent.

Unlike traditional banana bread, which tends to be denser and more cake-like, Banana Bread Brownies offer a slightly lighter, fudgier texture, much like brownies. The glaze on top is the perfect finishing touch – smooth and creamy, it brings extra sweetness and a luxurious finish to this delightful dessert.

The best part about these Banana Bread Brownies is their versatility. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter. This recipe is also perfect for those overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter, transforming them into a rich, decadent treat that’s anything but ordinary.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies

To make the perfect Banana Bread Brownies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Brownie Base:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed – The key to the moist texture of these brownies is ripe bananas. The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – The melted butter provides richness and helps create that chewy texture in the brownies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the bananas and gives the brownies a nice, chewy consistency.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness to the recipe.
• 2 large eggs – Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the brownies.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – A little vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile of the brownies and enhances the sweetness of the bananas.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides the base for the brownie batter, giving it structure.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda – Helps the brownies rise slightly while maintaining that fudgy texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the banana bread brownies.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – Walnuts are optional but add a wonderful crunch and texture that complements the softness of the banana bread.

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – Used as the base for the glaze, giving it a rich and smooth consistency.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Contributes sweetness and gives the glaze that smooth, silky texture.
• 2 tbsp milk – Helps thin the glaze and make it pourable.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a touch of flavor to the glaze, complementing the taste of the brownies.

Instructions for Making Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure your Banana Bread Brownies don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture together until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix again until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

To the wet mixture, add flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to dense brownies. If you’re adding walnuts or other mix-ins, fold them in at this point.

Step 4: Pour the Batter into the Baking Dish

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared 9×9-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly so that it bakes uniformly.

Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread Brownies

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. If you prefer a slightly gooey center, you can bake them for a few minutes less.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the brownies are baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7: Drizzle the Glaze

When the Banana Bread Brownies are finished baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm brownies, allowing it to melt into the top and create a smooth, sugary layer.

Step 8: Let the Brownies Set

Allow the brownies to cool for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the glaze set before cutting them into squares.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

• Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. They’ll be sweeter and easier to mash, making your brownies more flavorful.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense and tough brownies. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Add mix-ins: You can mix in chocolate chips, pecans, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
• For a gooey center: If you like your brownies a bit gooey, remove them from the oven as soon as the edges set, leaving the center slightly soft.
• Serve warm: Banana Bread Brownies are best served warm, with the glaze still slightly melted over the top.

Variations of Banana Bread Brownies

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways you can tweak it to your liking. Here are some variations you can try:

• Add chocolate chips: For extra indulgence, fold chocolate chips into the batter for gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies.
• Use peanut butter: Swirl in some peanut butter into the batter before baking for a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with the bananas.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk to make the brownies dairy-free.
• Try different nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can use pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Banana Bread Brownies without walnuts?

Yes, you can make these brownies without walnuts. They are optional, and you can leave them out or replace them with other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.

2. Can I freeze Banana Bread Brownies?

Yes! Banana Bread Brownies freeze well. After they’ve cooled completely, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make these brownies without a glaze?

Absolutely! While the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch, the Banana Bread Brownies are delicious on their own. If you prefer, you can skip the glaze entirely or sprinkle powdered sugar on top instead.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be a little denser. If you prefer a lighter texture, stick with all-purpose flour.

5. Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for the granulated sugar. However, you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly to maintain the right consistency in the batter.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the rich, moist flavor of banana bread and the indulgent texture of brownies. With their simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and endless customization options, they are sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a new way to use up ripe bananas or simply craving something sweet, these brownies are the perfect solution. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious hybrid dessert with friends and family, and let it become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

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