Description
These Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful fusion of moist banana bread and chewy blondies, packed with rich banana flavor and optional chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Perfect as a dessert or snack, they bake up tender and can be topped with a creamy vanilla frosting for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Frosting (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture and stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips if you choose to include them, distributing evenly through the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting or slicing.
- Prepare frosting (optional): In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, then remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost brownies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies and allow it to set before slicing into squares.
Notes
- This recipe is a hybrid between banana bread and dense blondie-style brownies, resulting in moist, chewy bars with intense banana flavor.
- Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Optional add-ins like nuts and chocolate chips add texture and flavor but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- Frosting is optional and adds a creamy vanilla sweetness that complements the banana flavor nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
