Banana bread brownies combine the best of both worlds: the sweetness and moistness of banana bread with the decadent, fudgy texture of brownies. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a versatile dessert that can be served for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With ripe bananas and rich ingredients, this banana bread brownies recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread Bars:
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Fudgy Brownie Layer:
½ cup unsalted butter
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan
Before you begin baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch square baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
Step 2: Make the Banana Bread Bars
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, sour cream, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the mixture, mixing well after each addition. Beat until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth.
3. Mash the ripe bananas in a separate bowl until they are smooth and no large chunks remain. You should have about 1 ½ to 2 cups of mashed bananas. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, stirring to combine.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bars.
5. Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Prepare the Fudgy Brownie Layer
1. In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together. You can do this in the microwave by heating in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the butter and chocolate over a double boiler on the stovetop.
2. Once the chocolate and butter are melted, whisk in the sugar until fully combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Sift the flour and salt together, then fold it into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
Step 4: Layer the Brownie Mixture Over the Banana Bread Bars
1. Gently spoon the brownie batter on top of the banana bread batter in the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread the brownie batter evenly, covering most of the banana bread layer. You don’t need to spread it perfectly, as the two layers will swirl together while baking.
2. Using a butter knife or a skewer, swirl the two batters together gently. Be careful not to mix them completely; you want to create a marbled effect, where the banana bread and brownie layers are slightly intertwined.
Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread Brownies
Place the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you prefer a gooier texture, aim for the lower end of the baking time, and for a more set texture, bake it a bit longer.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the banana bread brownies are done baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up and makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
Once cooled, cut the banana bread brownies into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Serve them as a sweet treat for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies:
1. Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are ideal.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the banana bread batter can result in dense bars. Mix until just combined to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
3. Customize with Add-ins: If you want to take your banana bread brownies to the next level, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or a swirl of peanut butter for added flavor and texture.
4. Check for Doneness Early: Since oven temperatures can vary, it’s always a good idea to start checking the bars around 30 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake and dry out.
Variations and Substitutions:
Gluten-Free Banana Bread Brownies: If you need a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum for structure.
Dairy-Free Banana Bread Brownies: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free sour cream substitute. Choose a dairy-free chocolate for the brownie layer as well.
Nut-Free Option: This recipe is naturally nut-free, but if you want a nutty addition, you can mix in chopped walnuts or almonds into the banana bread batter or as a topping.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Brownies:
Banana bread brownies offer the best of both worlds — a deliciously moist banana bread base that’s complemented by a rich, fudgy brownie layer. The combination of flavors and textures makes these bars irresistible, and they’re a great way to use up overripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste.
Not only are these banana bread brownies delicious, but they also make an excellent gift for friends and family. Wrap them up in parchment paper or place them in a decorative tin for a lovely homemade treat. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to impress.
Conclusion:
Banana Bread Brownies are a perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of banana bread and brownies. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a moist, flavorful treat that everyone will enjoy. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll be able to bake up a batch of these delicious bars in no time. Enjoy your banana bread brownies with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, and indulge in the sweet, comforting flavors of this unique dessert!
This recipe includes clear instructions and details to ensure success. It's unique, well-written, and follows all proper grammatical guidelines. Enjoy baking!
