These moist banana bread brownies combine the best of both worlds! With ripe bananas, chocolate, and nuts, they make a yummy treat that’s perfect for any day.
Baking these is so easy; just mash, mix, and bake! I love to enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—talk about a delicious combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the star here! They bring natural sweetness and moisture. If you have overripe ones, they’re perfect! You can even use applesauce (1/2 cup) as a substitute for a lower-calorie option.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives that rich chocolate flavor. If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can replace it with carob powder, though it will change the taste a bit.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for better flavor control. You can substitute it with coconut oil or vegetable oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Walnuts or Pecans: These add lovely crunch. If nuts aren’t your thing, feel free to skip them or replace them with seeds for added nutrition.
Chocolate Chips: They enhance the chocolatey goodness! You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on what you like. You could also use raisins for a fruity twist!
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Texture?
The key to moist brownies lies in how you mix and bake them. Avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients; this keeps them tender. Also, don’t skip checking for doneness with a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter—this means they’re perfectly baked!
- Preheat your oven correctly—this makes a difference in baking.
- Let the brownies cool before slicing; this helps them set and not fall apart.
- If you prefer fudgier brownies, bake for a shorter time, checking often!
Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the brownies to cool for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. So in total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and either grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. This will help your brownies come out easily!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until they’re well mixed. Set this dry mixture aside for now.
3. Creating the Wet Mixture:
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir it well until it becomes smooth. Now add in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined and smooth. Your kitchen should smell amazing!
4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your brownies may become tough.
5. Adding Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using them, fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips. These will add a delightful crunch and richer flavor to your brownies!
6. Pouring and Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, use a toothpick—insert it into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect!
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack. After about 15-20 minutes, you can slice them into squares. Enjoy these delicious, moist banana bread brownies warm or at room temperature!
FAQ for Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Can I Use Ripened Bananas That Are Overripe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe as they provide more sweetness and moisture. Just make sure they are well-mashed before adding them to the mixture!
Can I Substitute Cocoa Powder with Something Else?
Yes, if you’re looking for a different flavor, you can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder with carob powder. Just be aware that it will change the flavor profile a bit.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for extended freshness up to a week!
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
