This Moist Banana Bread Brownies recipe combines the sweet flavor of ripe bananas with the rich taste of brownies. It’s a treat that’s soft, gooey, and oh-so-delicious!
Who knew banana bread could get any better? These brownies are perfect for a snack or dessert, and they disappear fast! I like to enjoy mine warm with a scoop of ice cream. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Using about 2-3 medium bananas ensures your brownies are flavorful and moist. If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a good substitute to add moisture and sweetness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended here for better control of saltiness. You can replace it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, which will lend a subtle tropical flavor.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar gives a nice balance of sweetness and depth. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a healthier option.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that rich chocolate flavor. You can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste if you have it available.
Chocolate Chips: These add a lovely texture. Feel free to swap them for white chocolate chips or dried fruit like raisins for a different twist.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies are Moist and Chewy?
The secret to moist brownies lies in how you mix the batter and bake it. Avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients; this keeps the texture tender. Here’s what to do:
- Mix the wet ingredients until combined before adding the dry ones.
- After combining, stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour—nothing more!
- Keep an eye on the baking time. The brownies are perfect when a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let them cool completely for better texture before cutting. This helps them set and become chewy.
Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking. So, in about 45 minutes, you can enjoy some delicious banana bread brownies! Don’t forget to let them cool a bit before cutting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will help ensure your brownies come out cleanly when done!
2. Mix the Sugars and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a whisk or spatula to mix it together until you have a smooth mixture. This will create a lovely sweet base for your brownies!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Crack in the eggs, adding one at a time. Beat well after each addition to make sure everything is fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds delicious flavor to your brownies!
4. Incorporate the Bananas:
Now, fold in the mashed bananas carefully until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The bananas will keep the brownies moist and enhance their flavor.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are well mixed, which helps with even baking.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until you no longer see any flour. We want those brownies to be soft and tender!
7. Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts:
If you’re using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the batter now. This is a simple way to add extra texture and flavor to your brownies!
8. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This helps ensure they cook evenly.
9. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This will help ensure your brownies are wonderfully moist!
10. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Afterward, cut them into squares and enjoy!
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Your moist, flavorful banana bread brownies are ready to be enjoyed! They are perfect for snacking, as a dessert, or with a scoop of ice cream on top—delicious!
FAQ for Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually the best choice for this recipe because they’re sweeter and mash easier, resulting in more flavorful brownies.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute the Eggs in This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for a vegan option.
What Can I Use Instead of Cocoa Powder?
If you’re looking for a chocolate-free version, you can replace the cocoa powder with an equal amount of additional flour or substitute it with carob powder for a different flavor profile!