These Banana Bread Brownies are a delicious twist on your classic banana bread! They’re soft, moist, and full of yummy banana flavor, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.
Honestly, who can resist banana bread? Now, mix it with brownies, and you’ve got a lovely combo! I love enjoying these with a cup of coffee for a sweet pick-me-up.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up the ripening by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. Definitely avoid underripe bananas; they won’t provide the same flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the go-to for baking, allowing you to control the salt in your recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut oil or vegetable oil can be good substitutes, giving a slight coconut flavor.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar, but the texture might be slightly different. For a richer taste, mix white sugar with molasses to make your own brown sugar.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon really enhances the flavor in these brownies. If you’re not a cinnamon fan, you can skip it or substitute with a bit of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different spin.
Why is Mixing the Banana and Butter Important?
Mixing the mashed bananas with melted butter helps to start the blending of flavors while creating a smooth consistency. This step is crucial because the butter adds richness and moisture, which makes the brownies tender.
- Start by mashing the ripe bananas well to avoid any lumps.
- Mix them with melted butter until completely smooth before adding the sugars and egg.
How Do I Know When My Brownies are Done Baking?
Baking times can vary, so checking for doneness is crucial. You want to insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so keep an eye on them the last few minutes.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and check for doneness.
- If the toothpick comes out with gooey batter, bake for an additional 5 minutes, checking again afterward.
How to Make Delicious Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 25-30 minutes for baking. After baking, let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes, and then allow them to cool completely before frosting. Total time, including cooling, is about 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take an 8×8-inch baking dish and grease it. For easy removal later, line it with parchment paper too!
2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they’re nice and smooth. Then add the melted butter, mixing everything together until it looks well combined.
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Now, add in the packed brown sugar, the large egg, and the vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir everything together until it’s all mixed well and you don’t see any lumps.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mix into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Frosting:
While your brownies are baking, you can whip up the frosting! In a medium bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt together until it’s smooth and creamy. Yum!
7. Cool the Brownies:
After your brownies are finished baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely so they’re perfect for frosting.
8. Frost and Serve:
Once your brownies are completely cool, spread the delicious frosting over the top. Cut them into squares, and they’re ready to serve! Enjoy your sweet Banana Bread Brownies!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar in This Recipe?
Yes! While brown sugar gives these brownies a lovely molasses flavor, you can substitute it with white sugar or coconut sugar if needed. Just note that using white sugar will result in a slightly less moist brownie.
What If I Don’t Have Ripe Bananas?
No worries! If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, you can bake them in their peels at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until they turn black and soft. Let them cool before using!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for up to 3 months. Thaw before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This will give you a similar texture and taste without the gluten. Be sure to check that your baking soda is gluten-free as well!
