Banana Bread Brownies

Banana Bread Brownies are a delicious fusion of two beloved treats: moist banana bread and chewy brownies. This irresistible dessert combines the rich, comforting flavors of banana with the fudgy texture of brownies, topped with a sweet and creamy glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. The addition of mashed ripe bananas keeps these brownies soft and moist, while the glaze brings a sweet, indulgent element that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re craving a snack or a dessert to share, these Banana Bread Brownies will satisfy every craving with their perfect balance of flavors and textures.

These brownies are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips. The glaze is optional, but it adds a luscious finish that makes these brownies feel extra special. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or enjoying them with your favorite coffee, these Banana Bread Brownies will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. The Best of Both Worlds

With the soft, moist texture of banana bread and the chewy goodness of brownies, this recipe gives you the perfect combination of flavors in every bite.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe is simple, with just a few steps to follow. The ingredients are common pantry staples, so you can make these brownies anytime the craving strikes.

3. Rich and Moist

The ripe bananas in the batter keep these brownies incredibly moist, while the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.

4. Customizable

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or a caramel drizzle to make these brownies your own. The recipe is versatile to suit your preferences.

5. Perfect for Sharing

These brownies make a large batch, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers. They’re perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or an afternoon treat.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Brownies:

• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Mashed ripe bananas
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Glaze:

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For extra sweetness, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter.
• Caramel Glaze: Substitute the vanilla glaze with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a deliciously different twist.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts for a nut-free version of these brownies, or add in some coconut flakes for texture.
• Thicker Brownies: If you prefer thicker brownies, use an 8×8-inch pan, but adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal of the brownies later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fully combined. Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. If you’re using nuts, fold them into the batter at this point.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before glazing.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

Step 6: Glaze the Brownies

Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the glaze to set at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the glaze has set, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and slice them into 16 bars. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Overripe Bananas: For the best flavor and moisture, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Let the brownies cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting into the brownies.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
• Adjust for Thicker Brownies: If you want thicker brownies, bake them in an 8×8-inch pan, but increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

These Banana Bread Brownies are delicious on their own, but they’re especially delightful when paired with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. Serve them as a snack, dessert, or a special treat for breakfast or brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

To freeze these brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Reheating

To reheat the brownies, simply place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can also warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Thaw them first and mash them before adding them to the batter.

2. Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can skip the glaze or drizzle a little honey or melted chocolate over the brownies instead.

3. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, chocolate chips would make a great addition. Add about 1/2 cup to the batter before baking for a sweeter twist.

4. Can I make these brownies without nuts?

Yes, you can omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version. You can also add coconut flakes for added texture.

5. How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean, they’re done. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.

6. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free. Just ensure the flour you use is a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour.

7. Can I make these brownies in a smaller pan?

Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker brownies, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes.

8. Can I substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for the granulated sugar for a deeper, richer flavor. The texture of the brownies may also be slightly more moist.

9. Can I freeze the batter?

It’s best to bake the brownies and then freeze them. Freezing the batter may affect the texture.

10. How do I store leftover brownies?

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Brownies offer a delightful twist on two classic desserts, combining the moist texture of banana bread with the fudgy richness of brownies, all topped off with a sweet glaze. These brownies are a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to special gatherings. Easy to make and fully customizable, they’re sure to become a go-to dessert in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re a fan of bananas or just love a good brownie, this recipe is a must-try.

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