This Moist Banana Bread Brownies recipe is a tasty way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. They’re soft, sweet, and have that lovely banana flavor we all love!
Trust me, these brownies are so good, it’s hard to stop at just one. They make a perfect treat for snacks or dessert! I often enjoy mine with a cup of tea. Yum! ☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! They should be spotted and soft, which adds natural sweetness. If you’re short on bananas, you can use applesauce as a substitute, about 1/2 cup for every banana.
Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the brownies. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter can work well too.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies their chocolate flavor. If you want to boost that chocolate vibe, try Dutch-process cocoa for a richer taste. Don’t have cocoa? You could use carob powder for a different flavor!
Walnuts/Chocolate Chips: I love adding walnuts for a little crunch, but you can use chocolate chips instead for extra sweetness. If you’re nut-free, just skip them or use sunflower seeds.
How Can I Make Sure My Brownies Are Moist and Delicious?
Getting the perfect texture is key for these brownies. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out moist every time:
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. It can make them tough.
- If you want extra moisture, consider adding a couple of tablespoons of yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
- Always check for doneness a few minutes early. They should be soft and just set in the middle—no one wants dry brownies!
- Let them cool completely in the pan. This helps with the texture, making them easier to cut and enhancing the flavor.
Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious brownie recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep and another 25-30 minutes to bake. So, set aside about 45 minutes in total to enjoy this sweet treat. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed bananas and melted butter. Use a fork or a whisk to mix them together until they are fully combined. It should look creamy and smooth.
3. Add the Sweet Stuff:
Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Beat everything together until it’s smooth and nicely mixed, like a thick smoothie.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients.
5. Mix Together the Wet and Dry:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Fold in Add-Ins:
If you want to add some extra crunch or sweetness, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips at this point.
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. It should be nice and thick, filling up the pan well.
8. Bake Away:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached—perfectly baked!
9. Cool Before Cutting:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once cool, cut them into squares.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Dig into your delicious moist banana bread brownies! They’re perfect on their own or with a scoop of ice cream on top. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas are perfect for baking. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They should be very soft, making them easy to incorporate into the batter.
How Can I Make These Brownies More Chocolatey?
If you want a richer chocolate flavor, try increasing the cocoa powder to 1/3 cup, or add some chocolate chips into the batter. For an indulgent touch, you can also drizzle melted chocolate on top once they’re baked.
Can I Substitute the Sugar with a Sugar Alternative?
Yes! You can use alternatives like coconut sugar, brown sugar, or a sugar substitute like erythritol. Just note that using a liquid sweetener might change the overall moisture of the brownies, so adjust the other wet ingredients accordingly.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container!
