These moist banana bread brownies are a yummy twist on classic banana bread. They are soft, chewy, and packed with banana goodness—great for snack time or dessert!
What I love most is how simple they are to make. Just mix the ingredients, pour, and bake! Plus, they taste even better the next day, if you can wait that long! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and give the best flavor. If you don’t have ripe bananas, try microwaving firm ones for 30 seconds to soften them.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness. For a healthier option, you can use coconut oil or applesauce—just know the flavor may change a bit!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is typical, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. A sugar alternative like coconut sugar or Stevia can work too, but adjust the amounts as needed.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives that deep chocolate flavor. If you want a milder taste, use half cocoa and half flour or a chocolate-flavored cake mix as a substitute.
Walnuts or Chocolate Chips: These are optional but add a nice texture. You can swap walnuts with pecans or skip nuts altogether for a nut-free version. Dark chocolate chips or white chocolate can also be a fun change!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Moistness in Banana Bread Brownies?
Getting banana bread brownies just right can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure they stay moist:
- Use really ripe bananas for better flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir until just combined to keep the brownies tender.
- Check for doneness a little earlier than the time stated. Even slight overbaking can lead to dryness!
- Let them cool completely in the pan. This helps retain moisture.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to brownies that are soft and flavorful every time!
Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30-35 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10-15 minutes for cooling before serving. You can be enjoying delicious banana bread brownies in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper. This will help your brownies come out easily once they’re baked.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir them together until they are smooth and well combined. This is the base of your brownies, and the bananas provide that wonderful moisture!
3. Add Sugar and Eggs:
Next, add in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to your banana mixture. Mix everything together until well blended. This sweet caramel mix is what makes the brownies delightful and sweet!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, flour, and cocoa powder. This step ensures an even mix of the dry ingredients which will give you better texture.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your brownies tough!
6. Add Nuts or Chips (Optional):
If you’d like to include chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the brownie batter now. It adds a nice crunch and flavor!
7. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling period is important for the brownies to set properly. After about 10-15 minutes, cut them into squares and enjoy!
Enjoy your moist banana bread brownies warm or at room temperature! They make for a perfect snack or dessert!
FAQ for Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen bananas, thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 30 seconds. Once thawed, mash them well before adding to the batter.
Can I Substitute Cocoa Powder with Chocolate Syrup?
While you can use chocolate syrup, it won’t yield the same texture as cocoa powder. If you choose to use syrup, reduce the sugar slightly since syrup is sweet. Adjust the dry ingredients accordingly for balance!
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How Can I Make These Brownies Dairy-Free?
To make these brownies dairy-free, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter or coconut oil. Ensure the chocolate chips (if used) are also dairy-free. Enjoy your tasty brownies without the dairy!
