These moist banana bread brownies are a fun twist on a classic treat! With ripe bananas and rich chocolate, they’re super soft and delicious.
Honestly, who can resist? They make a perfect snack or dessert. I always enjoy mine warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work as a substitute, though it might slightly change the taste.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness. You can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil, which will also keep the brownies moist.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a lovely sweetness. If you don’t have it, granulated sugar works fine; just add a teaspoon of molasses for that extra depth of flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is best. If you’re looking for a lighter flavor, you could use Dutch-process cocoa, but it may darken the brownies a bit more.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips make these brownies extra chocolaty. For a twist, try using dark or white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips!
How Do You Ensure Your Brownies Are Always Moist?
To keep these banana brownies moist, the key is to properly blend the ingredients without overworking the batter. Here are some tips:
- Use very ripe bananas; they are sweeter and more flavorful.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and dry brownies.
- Cook until a toothpick shows some moist crumbs. This guarantees they stay soft and not overbaked.
Letting them cool fully in the pan helps retain moisture, making them even yummier. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Make Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Extra Flavor (Optional):
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. You should allow some cooling time afterward, so plan for about 1 hour total before you can enjoy those lovely brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab an 8×8-inch baking pan. Grease it lightly and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges a bit—this will help you lift out the brownies later!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth. Then add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Finally, gently stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until everything is nicely blended.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout your brownies.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir just until you see no more flour—don’t overmix, or your brownies might end up a bit tough!
5. Add Extra Goodies:
If you’re using chocolate chips and nuts, fold them in gently now. Give it a good but gentle mix to combine everything nicely.
6. Bake Your Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center; aim for a few moist crumbs to stick to it instead of wet batter.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. Waiting until they are completely cool helps them hold together when you slice them into squares.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re cool, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper, slice them up, and serve! They’re delicious on their own or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy your moist banana bread brownies!
FAQ for Moist Banana Bread Brownies
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and more flavorful. Just make sure they are mashed well to fully incorporate into the batter.
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
You can substitute unsalted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. This will still keep your brownies moist and delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them! After they are completely cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!