Description
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, sweet flavor of ripe bananas with rich cocoa powder to create a decadent treat that’s both fudgy and flavorful. Perfectly balanced with melted butter, sugar, and optional chocolate chips or walnuts, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for dessert or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- â…“ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (for swirling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
- Mash the Bananas: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth to incorporate natural sweetness and moisture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Then stir in the mashed bananas until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and cocoa.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure tender brownies. At this stage, you can fold in optional chocolate chips and walnuts or swirl in peanut butter if desired.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ripe bananas with brown spots provide the best sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender and moist.
- Optional add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts add texture and richness.
- Peanut butter swirl adds a delicious nutty contrast but is optional.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheating briefly in the microwave enhances warmth and gooey texture.
