Banana Bread Brownies: The Best of Both Worlds

Introduction

If you love the comforting flavor of banana bread and the soft, chewy texture of brownies,
this recipe brings you the ultimate dessert mashup. Banana Bread Brownies combine the rich
sweetness of ripe bananas with a moist, cake-like brownie base, creating a treat that’s
perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying,
this recipe is a delicious way to use up overripe bananas while indulging in a brownie-style delight.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Brownies:

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Optional Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter.
   Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing well. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
   Do not overmix. Stir in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
5. Bake:
   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes,
   or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Glaze (Optional):
   Allow brownies to cool completely before adding glaze.
   Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the top.
7. Slice and Serve:
   Cut into squares and enjoy!

Description

Banana Bread Brownies are soft, moist, and perfectly sweet with a tender crumb.
The banana flavor shines through while the texture resembles a light, cake-style brownie.
With optional chocolate chips or nuts, each bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Tips

• Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies soft and tender.
• For extra richness, substitute half of the butter with cream cheese.
• Add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella before baking for a fun twist.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Correction

• If your brownies turn out dry, they were likely overbaked — reduce baking time slightly.
• If too dense, check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
• If undercooked in the center, return to the oven in 5-minute increments.

Enjoy!

Serve these Banana Bread Brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream,
or enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re craving banana bread
or brownies, this recipe truly gives you the best of both worlds!