How to Make Banana Bread Brownies: Easy Recipe Guide

Introduction 🍞🍰

There’s something magical about the smell of banana bread baking in the oven. But what if you could turn that comforting, moist banana bread into an even more indulgent treat? Enter banana bread brownies—a perfect fusion of two beloved desserts that will make your taste buds sing! Picture this: the soft, sweet flavor of banana bread combined with the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies. Sounds tempting, right?

Whether you’re craving a delicious snack or preparing something special for a gathering, banana bread brownies will be the star of the show. Best of all, they are easy to make and customizable to your taste. In this guide, you’ll learn how to bake these scrumptious treats in cupcake pans, ensuring that every bite is packed with banana flavor and chocolatey goodness. 🍫

Love brownies? You’re in the right place! Check out our full collection on the Brownies category page for more irresistible recipes.

Why Banana Bread and Brownies Make the Perfect Pair 🍌 + 🍫

Bananas and brownies—what a wonderful pairing! If you’ve ever made banana bread, you know that ripe bananas add natural sweetness, moisture, and richness. This same magic can be transformed into brownies, making them soft and flavorful. But what makes banana bread brownies so irresistible is the balance between the dense, fudgy texture of brownies and the light, fruity undertones of banana bread.

Both desserts are comforting in their own right, evoking feelings of home, warmth, and nostalgia. So why not combine them? If you’re wondering how to use up those overly ripe bananas sitting on your countertop, this recipe is the perfect solution. And let’s not forget the added bonus of having banana bread brownies without the long baking time of traditional banana bread.

By using bananas in the brownie batter, you not only get a unique flavor but also make the brownies healthier by reducing the need for added sugar and fats. The banana’s natural sweetness is the perfect substitute for some of the sugar in traditional brownie recipes.

If you love the texture of banana bread and the rich flavor of brownies, these banana bread brownies are perfect. For more mouthwatering options, try our almond cookie recipe or a classic chocolate pound cake for a delightful dessert experience.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Banana Bread Brownies 🍌🍫

To make these banana bread brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients, all of which you likely already have in your kitchen:

If you’re looking for a colorful and unique twist on brownies, try our red velvet brownies, which bring a bold flavor and beautiful color to your dessert table.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies 🍌🍫

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to make the perfect banana bread brownies.

1. Prepare the Pans 🧁

Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cupcake pans lightly with butter or oil, or line them with cupcake liners to make removal easier once your brownies are done. Greasing the pans ensures the brownies don’t stick, so every bite will be smooth and easy to enjoy!

2. Mash the Bananas 🍌

Using ripe bananas is key to getting the best flavor. Take two to three ripe bananas (the ones with brown spots work best) and mash them in a bowl until smooth. You want to make sure the bananas are well mashed to prevent any chunks in your brownies. The more mashed your bananas are, the smoother and softer your brownies will be.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients 🍯

In a separate large bowl, combine your mashed bananas, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. The wet ingredients are the foundation of your banana bread brownies, so take your time here to ensure everything is blended together nicely.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients 🍞

In another bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the batter rise uniformly. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar.

5. Fold Everything Together 🍪

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light and airy. If you want to add a little extra indulgence, this is the perfect moment to mix in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even a spoonful of peanut butter.

6. Bake to Perfection 🍰

Spoon the brownie batter evenly into the cupcake pans, filling each cup about ¾ full. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a brownie—if it comes out clean, your brownies are ready!

As the banana bread brownies bake, you can prep some protein cookies to enjoy a balanced, high-protein snack.

The Healthier Twist: Making Your Banana Bread Brownies Healthier 🥑🌱

Making banana bread brownies a little healthier is easier than you think! The bananas themselves already add natural sweetness and moisture, meaning you can cut down on some of the sugar without sacrificing flavor. Here are some tips to make your banana bread brownies even better for you:

• Use whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour is packed with fiber, making it a healthier option compared to all-purpose flour. You can swap out the flour for half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a nice balance.
• Reduce sugar: If you want a more balanced sweetness, cut the sugar by half or use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Add nuts or seeds: Walnuts, almonds, or chia seeds are great additions for added crunch and nutrition.
• Use dairy-free alternatives: You can make this recipe completely dairy-free by substituting the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter and choosing almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk.

These small changes will give you healthy banana brownies that are just as delicious as the original.

You can add some creamy ricotta cheesecake as a topping to balance out the sweetness of these brownies.

Troubleshooting Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread Brownies 🛠️🍫

Even the most seasoned bakers can face challenges when trying out a new recipe. Here are some tips for making sure your banana bread brownies come out perfectly every time:

• Too Dry? If your brownies are too dry, try adding a bit more milk or oil next time. You can also check your oven temperature—if it’s too high, the brownies may dry out faster.
• Too Gooey? If the brownies seem too gooey even after the suggested baking time, you might need to bake them for an extra 5-10 minutes. Always check doneness with a toothpick.
• Cracked Tops? While cracks can happen, they don’t always mean the brownies are overcooked. Try adjusting your oven temperature slightly lower and baking for a bit longer to ensure they bake evenly.

Creative Variations of Banana Bread Brownies 🍫🥜

Banana bread brownies are incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and mix in your favorite add-ins! Here are a few variations that can take your brownies to the next level:

• Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in some peanut butter for a creamy, nutty twist that pairs beautifully with the banana flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Add some extra chocolate chips into the batter to make these brownies extra decadent.
• Nutty Add-ins: Walnuts, almonds, or pecans will give the brownies some satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Banana and Nutella: For an indulgent treat, add a spoonful of Nutella into the batter for an extra chocolaty experience.

FAQ Section ❓🍫

Q1: Can I make banana bread brownies without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or a mashed banana as a binding agent.

Q2: Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread brownies?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work well once they’ve been thawed and mashed. They’ll still add the same sweetness and moisture.

Q3: How can I make my banana bread brownies even healthier?
Try using almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free version, and substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar.

Q4: What other toppings can I add to my banana bread brownies?
Consider adding chocolate ganache, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even whipped cream to take these brownies to the next level!

Conclusion 🍞🍫

Banana bread brownies are the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet, moist, and full of banana flavor. Whether you’re baking them to satisfy a snack craving or to share with friends and family, these brownies are sure to be a hit. With their rich, fudgy texture and irresistible banana flavor, they’re a creative twist on the traditional banana bread that everyone will love.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those overripe bananas and get baking today! 🍌🍰

After enjoying these delicious banana bread brownies, don’t miss out on trying the Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe for a timeless classic!

Ready to bake? Don’t forget to share your delicious banana bread brownies with friends and family—they’re bound to be a favorite! 🍌🍫