This moist banana bread brownie recipe is a perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet bananas. It’s a tasty treat that’s easy to whip up and will keep your kitchen smelling amazing!
Who can resist the smell of banana bread baking? I love having a piece with my morning coffee. Trust me, these brownies will disappear faster than you can say “delicious”! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas with plenty of spots. They’re sweeter and yield more moisture. If you happen to have applesauce, it can replace the bananas in a pinch, but the flavor will change.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter for better control of salt levels in my recipes. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil is a great substitute that works well.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness here. For a healthier option, you can try coconut sugar or honey, adjusting the amount as needed since honey is sweeter.
Chocolate Chips or Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add crunch and flavor. If you want a nut-free option, just skip them or use mini chocolate chips for added sweetness.
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Are Moist?
Getting that perfect moist texture is key to these brownies. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Use ripe bananas. The more spots, the better—they add moisture and flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Don’t forget to check for doneness! Poke a toothpick—if it comes out with moist crumbs, they’re ready!
- Let them cool in the pan. This helps them stay tender and soppy for extra moisture.
How to Make Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Batter:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow about 20-30 minutes for the brownies to cool before slicing, bringing the total time to around 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir together using a whisk or spatula until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
3. Add Bananas, Eggs, and Vanilla:
Next, add your mashed bananas to the bowl along with the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined and there are no lumps.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to aerate the flour and mix the dry ingredients evenly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies dense.
6. Add Walnuts or Chocolate Chips:
If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now. This is the perfect way to customize your brownies to your taste!
7. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the surface is smooth so they bake evenly.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and use a toothpick to check for doneness—when it comes out with moist crumbs, they’re ready!
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Once cooled, slice them into squares.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve these delicious moist banana bread brownies as a delightful dessert or snack. Enjoy the combination of banana and chocolate flavors!
FAQ for Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are preferable for this recipe. They add more sweetness and moisture. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil. This will give you a slightly different texture, but it will still work well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your brownies with other mix-ins like dried fruits, shredded coconut, or even peanut butter for added flavor. Just be sure not to overload the batter to maintain the right texture.
