Banana Bread Brownies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 brownies
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: American / Dessert
Category: Baked Goods / Snack / Dessert

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Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

• 1/4 cup (25g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (2–3)

• Whisk and spatula

• 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan

• Parchment paper

• Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)

• Oven

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven (Intensity: Very Easy, Time: 5 min)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on two sides to lift the brownies easily after baking.

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Step 2: Mash the Bananas (Intensity: Easy, Time: 3 min)

1. Peel the bananas and place them in a medium bowl.

2. Mash thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth with a few small chunks remaining for texture.

Tip: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.

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Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients (Intensity: Medium, Time: 5 min)

1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

2. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.

3. Stir in vanilla extract and the mashed bananas.

Tip: Mixing thoroughly ensures the sugar dissolves and the eggs integrate smoothly.

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Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients (Intensity: Easy, Time: 3 min)

1. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Stir until evenly combined.

Tip: Sifting prevents clumps and ensures the brownies are smooth and tender.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients (Intensity: Medium, Time: 3 min)

1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.

2. Mix just until combined; do not overmix to avoid dense brownies.

3. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.

Tip: Folding gently keeps the batter airy and ensures a tender texture.

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Step 6: Pour Batter and Bake (Intensity: Medium, Time: 35 min)

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 15 minutes.

Tip: Baking slightly under ensures fudgy banana brownies. Overbaking can make them dry.

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Step 7: Slice and Serve (Intensity: Very Easy, Time: 5 min)

1. Lift the cooled brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.

2. Place on a cutting board and slice into 12 squares using a sharp knife.

3. Serve as-is or with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

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Optional Variations

1. Extra Chocolatey: Double the chocolate chips or swirl in chocolate ganache before baking.

2. Nut-Free: Omit nuts entirely or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.

3. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

4. Spice It Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warm spice notes.

5. Mini Muffins: Pour the batter into a muffin tin for individual banana brownie bites; bake 18–20 minutes.

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Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week; serve slightly warmed.

• Freezing: Wrap brownies individually or in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.

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Nutrition Information (Per Brownie, Approximate)

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on type of chocolate and nuts used.

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Cooking Intensities Recap

• Preheat Oven: Very Easy – requires minimal effort, 5 minutes.

• Mash Bananas: Easy – low effort, 3 minutes.

• Mix Wet Ingredients: Medium – whisking and combining, 5 minutes.

• Combine Dry Ingredients: Easy – sifting and mixing, 3 minutes.

• Combine Wet and Dry: Medium – folding to prevent overmixing, 3 minutes.

• Bake: Medium – requires monitoring, 30–35 minutes.

• Slice & Serve: Very Easy – 5 minutes, minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Texture: Fudgy brownies meet the soft, moist texture of banana bread.

• Naturally Sweetened: Ripe bananas reduce the need for excessive sugar.

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, even beginner bakers can succeed.

• Versatile: Great for snacks, dessert, breakfast, or a treat for kids’ lunchboxes.

• Customizable: Add chocolate, nuts, or spices to suit your taste.

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Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

1. Use Very Ripe Bananas: The blacker the banana peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.

2. Do Not Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the brownies tough.

3. Check Doneness Early: Start checking at 30 minutes; you want moist, fudgy brownies, not dry ones.

4. Cool Before Cutting: Cooling completely ensures clean slices and prevents the brownies from falling apart.

5. Serve with Extras: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of chocolate enhances the dessert experience.

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These Banana Bread Brownies combine the rich chocolate flavor of classic brownies with the moist, comforting sweetness of banana bread. With a soft, fudgy interior, a slightly crisp top, and optional chocolate or nut additions, they are ideal for any occasion—snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this recipe is easy to follow, forgiving, and delicious every time.