These fudgy banana bread brownies are a sweet treat that’s just the right mix of chewy and moist! They pack a punch with rich chocolate flavor and ripe bananas, making them super tasty.
Baking these brownies is a breeze! Just mash the bananas, mix in some ingredients, and you’re good to go. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat. They’re perfect for sharing—or not. 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for better control of the salt. If you’re looking for a healthier option, melted coconut oil works well too.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness. If you are out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a good substitute, providing moisture and a similar texture.
Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used instead for a more caramel-like flavor and extra moisture. You can also try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is traditional, but for a richer chocolate flavor, you might use Dutch-processed cocoa. Just be sure to adjust any baking soda to maintain the right pH.
Chocolate Chips: If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can replace them with nuts or dried fruits for added texture and taste.
How Can I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, which may not be what you want. Here’s how to prevent that:
- Mix until ingredients are just combined. Some lumps are okay and will bake out.
- Use a spatula to gently fold in the dry ingredients instead of whisking vigorously.
- Add the dry ingredients in two or three parts. This makes it easier to mix gently.
By following these tips, you’ll have deliciously fudgy banana brownies every time! Enjoy baking!
Fudgy Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus some time to cool down before slicing. In total, be ready to invest about 40-50 minutes for delicious fudgy brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important so that the brownies bake evenly. You can also grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Be careful not to let it bubble; just melt it until it’s liquid. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs later when mixed.
3. Combine Butter and Sugar:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the granulated sugar. Stir until blended and creamy. This will be the base for your brownie batter.
4. Mix in Wet Ingredients:
Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is nicely combined. The bananas should create a nice, smooth mix with the other ingredients.
5. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures a smooth batter.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your brownies nice and fudgy. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
7. Add Chocolate Chips:
If you’re using chocolate chips or chunks, gently fold them into the batter at this point. They’ll melt slightly as the brownies bake, adding delicious pockets of chocolate.
8. Pour the Batter:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Make sure it’s level for even baking!
9. Bake the Brownies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies might be overbaked, so keep an eye on them!
10. Cool and Slice:
After baking, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy your fudgy banana bread brownies!
Enjoy your delicious treat! They make for a perfect dessert or snack anytime. 🍌🍫
Fudgy Banana Bread Brownies FAQ
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they provide extra sweetness and moisture. Just make sure they’re well mashed!
What If I Don’t Have Unsweetened Cocoa Powder?
If you only have sweetened cocoa powder, you can still use it, but you might want to reduce the sugar slightly to avoid overly sweet brownies. Just keep in mind that the exact flavor will vary a bit!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure not to add too much, as it may affect the fudgy consistency.
