Are you craving a treat that combines the beloved flavors of banana bread with the decadent sweetness of brownies? If so, you’re in for a treat with this Banana Bread Bar brownies recipe! This creative twist on a classic favorite offers the rich and comforting texture of banana bread, paired with the indulgent sweetness of chocolate, all in a brownie form.
These Banana Bread Bar Brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dessert night, a potluck, or just a mid-afternoon snack. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is one of those that will quickly become a regular in your baking rotation.
So, grab your apron and let’s dive into how to make this delicious dessert that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients for Banana Bread Bar Brownies
Before we get into the instructions, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients that you’ll need to prepare these mouthwatering Banana Bread Bar Brownies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
These ingredients come together in a delightful fusion of flavors bananas, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness from the sugars, along with the option of adding some chocolate chips for extra richness.
Why Banana Bread Bar Brownies Are the Perfect Treat
The Banana Bread Bar Brownies are the best of both worlds: you get the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the indulgence of a brownie. It’s like having the classic banana bread you love but with a gooey, chocolatey twist!
In addition to the combination of flavors, there are a few reasons why these brownies stand out:
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy ingredients just pantry staples and ripe bananas.
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep time, these brownies are easy to whip up even on busy days.
- Customizable: Whether you want to add chocolate chips, nuts, or keep it plain, this recipe is easy to adjust to suit your tastes.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dessert to a gathering, or just looking for a comforting treat at home, these brownies are always a hit.
Now, let’s get into the detailed steps of preparing these delicious Banana Bread Bar Brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Bread Bar Brownies
1. Preheat the Oven
The first step in any baking recipe is to preheat your oven! Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C), and while your oven is warming up, prepare your baking dish. Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. The parchment paper will make it easier to remove the brownies once they’re baked, ensuring that they don’t stick to the sides.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
These dry ingredients will help your brownies rise and give them that classic banana bread flavor. The baking powder and baking soda work together to create a light, airy texture, while the cinnamon adds a cozy, warm touch that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to work with the wet ingredients! In a large bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe, as they add natural sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
Once the bananas are mashed, add the following wet ingredients:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix all of these ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well combined. The melted butter ensures that the batter stays moist, while the vanilla extract adds a nice depth of flavor to the brownies.
4. Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the two mixtures together. Stir until everything is just combined, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to denser brownies, and we want them to be light and moist, just like banana bread!
If you prefer, you can also add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter at this stage. The chocolate chips will melt into the batter, creating pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the brownies. This step is optional, but if you love chocolate, it’s definitely worth adding!
5. Bake the Brownies
Now that your batter is ready, it’s time to bake! Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Make sure the surface is level so that the brownies bake uniformly.
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using chocolate chips, the toothpick might have some chocolate on it, but if there’s no batter sticking to it, the brownies are done.
6. Cool and Serve
Once your Banana Bread Bar Brownies are baked, allow them to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. This gives them time to set and makes them easier to cut. After 10 minutes, transfer the brownies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled down, slice them into 9 squares for serving.
Each square is packed with banana goodness, a hint of cinnamon, and if you added chocolate chips, a delicious chocolatey treat!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Banana Bread Bar Brownies
To ensure that your Banana Bread Bar Brownies come out just right, here are some helpful tips:
- Use overripe bananas: Overripe bananas are sweeter and moister, which is key for a tender and flavorful brownie.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies.
- Check for doneness: If you’re unsure if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean (with no wet batter), they’re ready to be taken out of the oven.
- Let them cool: Be patient and let the brownies cool before slicing. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart.
Nutritional Information
If you’re counting calories or just curious about the nutritional value of these Banana Bread Bar Brownies, here’s the breakdown:
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving (1 square)
- Servings: 9 servings
These brownies are a relatively light treat, making them a guilt-free indulgence when you’re in the mood for something sweet!
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Bar Brownies
What makes these Banana Bread Bar Brownies stand out is their perfect balance of flavor and texture. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon adds a warm spice that complements the softness of the banana. The option to include chocolate chips turns them into a decadent dessert, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Whether you’re a fan of banana bread, brownies, or both, this recipe combines the best of both worlds in one delicious treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze Banana Bread Bar Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze these brownies! Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, and place them in the freezer. They will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, the texture may be slightly denser, so you might want to add a little extra baking powder or baking soda to help with leavening.
Can I make these brownies without chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The chocolate chips are optional, and you can skip them if you prefer a more traditional banana bread flavor. You could also try adding other mix-ins like chopped nuts or raisins if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of fat instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even applesauce for a healthier option. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the brownies.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Use the classic toothpick test to check if your Banana Bread Bar Brownies are fully baked. Insert a toothpick into the center if it comes out clean (or with a few crumbs but not wet batter), they are done!
Conclusion
Banana Bread Bar Brownies are the ultimate sweet treat that combines the best of both worlds. With moist banana bread-like texture and the indulgence of brownies, this recipe is guaranteed to please your taste buds. Whether you add chocolate chips or keep it simple, these brownies are perfect for any occasion and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious dessert in no time.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family they’ll thank you for introducing them to this heavenly dessert! For more delicious and easy-to-make recipes like this, check out these related treats:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Poor Man’s Husband Casserole: Budget Comfort Food Recipe
- Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Bomb Quesadillas Recipe
Enjoy baking and indulging in these Banana Bread Bar Brownies! Let us know how they turned out in the comments below.
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Banana Bread Bar Brownies – A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Bar Brownies are the perfect fusion of banana bread and brownies. With ripe bananas, a touch of cinnamon, and a handful of chocolate chips, they’re a delightful treat that’s sweet, moist, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or a dessert after dinner, they’re sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter to the mashed bananas, and mix until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If using, fold in the chocolate chips for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Banana Bread Brownies to cool in the dish for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and enjoy the banana goodness!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of walnuts or pecans.
- Be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the brownies soft and moist.
- If you prefer extra banana flavor, you can add a bit more mashed banana.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add a nice touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (out of 9 servings)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Banana bread brownies, banana dessert bars, sweet banana brownies, banana bread, easy brownies, homemade brownies, chocolate banana brownies