Oh my goodness, you guys! Let me share with you one of my absolute favorite recipes: **Banana Bread Brownies**. Picture this—moist, fudgy brownies with that signature banana flavor and a delightful drizzle of frosting on top. These brownies are what dreams are made of!
I first stumbled upon this recipe when I had a couple of overripe bananas begging to be used. You know that moment when you want to make banana bread, but you’re feeling a little too ‘let’s-have-some-fun’ for a classic loaf? That’s when I decided to shake things up and try my hand at brownies. Let me just say, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in the kitchen. Every bite is a heavenly balance of indulgence and comfort, and they disappear faster than you can say “banana”!
So, if you want your taste buds to do a happy dance, let’s whip up these delightful treats. Ready? Let’s go!
What’s in Banana Bread Brownies?
Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! These give the brownies their signature flavor and moistness. Make sure they are super ripe for the sweetest results.
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and a lovely moist texture. I always opt for unsalted because it gives me control over the saltiness of my baked goods.
Granulated Sugar: The sweetener that balances the flavors beautifully. A little sugar goes a long way in making these brownies irresistible!
Eggs: Essential for binding the mixture together and adding that lovely, fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract: This little splash of flavor is magical—it ties all the tastes together and makes everything feel cozy.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our brownie batter, giving it structure.
Baking Soda: The leavening agent that helps our brownies rise just the right amount.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon: This adds a warm, spicy note that complements the bananas perfectly. Trust me—it’s a game-changer!
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional): If you like a bit of crunch, toss those in! Otherwise, you can enjoy the brownies as is.
Frosting Ingredients: Made with more butter, powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, this frosting takes these brownies to new heights of deliciousness.
Is Banana Bread Brownies Good for You?
Now, before we dive into the indulgent details, let’s talk health. While these brownies are definitely a treat, they do have some beneficial ingredients!
Bananas: A great source of potassium, they’re fantastic for your heart and digestion. Plus, they add natural sweetness, reducing the need for too much sugar.
Walnuts/Pecans: These nuts are packed with healthy fats and protein, plus they can enhance brain function! So, feel free to toss in a handful for that extra crunch.
On the flip side, these brownies do have sugar and butter, so moderation is key! They are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies
This recipe yields about 16 scrumptious brownies!
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Frosting:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. Don’t skip this step—nobody likes their brownies stuck to the pan!
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Mix until everything’s well incorporated.
3. Add in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to your banana mixture. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. If you’re feeling nutty, fold in the chopped nuts now.
6. Pour the delightful batter into your prepared baking pan, smooth the top, and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean.
7. While those beauties are baking, let’s whip up the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using) until smooth and creamy.
8. Once the brownies are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, spread that luscious frosting over the brownies, cut them into squares, and get ready to indulge!
Frosted Bliss and Serving Suggestions
These brownies are out of this world delicious all on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are some fun suggestions:
– Try adding chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat!
– Drizzle some caramel or melted chocolate over the frosting for a little more decadence.
– Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
I hope you’re as excited to try these Banana Bread Brownies as I was when I first made them! They have a special place in my heart and my recipe book. Whether it’s sharing them with friends, enjoying them on a cozy night in, or gifting them to a neighbor, these brownies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!
