These moist banana bread brownies are a delicious treat that combines the flavors of ripe bananas and rich chocolate. They’re like a hug in dessert form! 🍌🍫
What’s great is how easy they are to make! Just mash the bananas, mix everything together, and bake. Perfect for using those overripe bananas sitting on your counter!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! They provide natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can place them in a paper bag for a day or even bake them at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until black.
Unsalted Butter: Melting the butter helps blend flavors seamlessly. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut oil or a plant-based butter as a substitute without losing the richness!
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. You can use granulated sugar instead, but your brownies might be less moist. For a healthier option, consider coconut sugar or maple syrup (subtract some liquid for balance).
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is essential for that chocolate flavor. If you need a lighter option, try carob powder, though the taste will change a bit.
Chocolate Chips: Totally optional! But they definitely enhance the chocolate flavor and texture. You can swap them with white chocolate chips or dried fruits for variety.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Ingredients for Moist Brownies?
Mixing properly is key to achieving moist brownies. Here are some tips to ensure you get it right:
- When combining wet ingredients like bananas, butter, and sugar, mix them until smooth but avoid over-mixing to keep the batter light.
- When you add in the dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies!
- For a fudgier texture, you can slightly under-bake the brownies; they’ll continue cooking as they cool.
- Let them cool completely before cutting to achieve cleaner slices, or enjoy them warm for a gooey treat!
Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Batter:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Dry Mix:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the brownies to cool before slicing. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these delicious treats in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make removing the brownies easier later.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, and brown sugar. Use a fork or a whisk to mix until everything is smooth and well-combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Stir in Chocolate Chips and Nuts:
If you’re using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the batter now. They will add extra deliciousness and texture to your brownies.
7. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack. Once cool, slice them into squares and serve. Enjoy the lovely banana and chocolate flavors!
These moist banana bread brownies are perfect as a snack or dessert. Enjoy your baking adventure!
FAQ for Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas work best for this recipe as they are sweeter and will add more moisture to your brownies. Look for bananas that are brown and speckled.
What If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use carob powder as an alternative, though the flavor will differ slightly. Alternatively, you can try adding more flour and using additional mashed bananas for a banana-flavored brownie without the chocolate.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your blend contains xanthan gum or use a separate binder to help with texture.
How to 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 thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
