This Moist Banana Bread Brownies recipe combines the best of both worlds! It’s soft, fluffy, and full of banana flavor. Plus, it’s a fun twist on traditional banana bread that everyone will love!
These brownies are perfect for a snack or dessert, and you can gobble them up with a cold glass of milk. I can’t resist sneaking an extra piece when no one’s looking! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for this recipe. The more brown spots on the skin, the sweeter and more flavorful they are. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can microwave unripe ones for about 30 seconds to speed up the softening process.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil. Just make sure to melt them first for the proper consistency.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and moisture. For a healthier twist, consider using brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. If you want to cut down on sugar, you can reduce the amount slightly without a significant impact on texture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives those brownies a chocolate kick. If you want a milder flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa, but adjust the baking soda since it won’t provide the same leavening effect.
Nuts and Chocolate Chips: I love adding walnuts for crunch, but feel free to skip them or swap for other nuts like almonds. If you want a richer chocolate flavor, toss in some chocolate chips. You can also use white chocolate or carob chips if you prefer something different.
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies, which we definitely want to avoid! Here are some tips to get it right:
- Mix just until the flour disappears. It’s okay if the batter looks a little lumpy.
- Start with a gentle fold when combining wet and dry ingredients. This helps keep a light texture.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon instead of a whisk; it’s easier to control the mixing without overdoing it.
Following these steps will give you the perfect moist brownie texture every time!
Moist Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Add-Ins (Optional):
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. That means you can be enjoying these moist banana bread brownies in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease and lightly flour an 8×8-inch baking pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
2. Mixing Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Pour in the melted butter and mix until well combined. Then, add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is completely blended.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Overmixing can make the brownies tough.
5. Adding Optional Ingredients:
If you’d like, fold in the chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. This step adds a delightful crunch and richness to the brownies!
6. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—perfectly fudgy!
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. After it has cooled, cut into squares and serve your delicious, moist banana bread brownies. Enjoy!
This recipe ensures wonderfully rich brownies that perfectly blend the delightful flavors of banana and chocolate while maintaining a wonderfully soft texture. Happy baking!
FAQs for Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas can be a great option. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will ensure your brownies remain moist and flavorful.
What Can I Substitute for Cocoa Powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder on hand, you can use carob powder for a similar flavor. Alternatively, you can omit it entirely for plain banana brownies, just adjust the flour by reducing it to 3/4 cup to maintain the right consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend freshness for up to a week. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make these brownies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best results.
