Banana Bread Brownies

We combined two all-time family favorites, banana bread and brownies, into one unforgettable dessert.

Banana Bread Brownies
Photo: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Torie Cox Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
12

There is absolutely nothing more enticing than a freshly baked pan of banana bread brownies, which blend the ease of a quick bread with the ooey-gooey deliciousness of chocolate brownies. Even if there is just one banana left in the fruit bowl, that is enough to make this recipe, and you can also use a frozen, overripe banana. With a quick prep time, you can make a pan of banana bread brownies and have it ready by supper time, which makes it a nice option for weeknight desserts. You can also bake these in a disposable aluminum pan to take to friends and neighbors. Many bakers like to add stir-ins, such as candy pieces and dried fruit, to complement the flavor and texture of their quick breads and brownies. Use peanut butter morsels or toasted walnuts or pecans, drizzle with salted caramel or serve with ice cream.

Ingredients

Brownie Batter

  • Cooking spray

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup (4 oz.) unsalted butter, melted 

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup (about 2 1/8 oz.) all-purpose flour

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Banana Bread Batter

  • 1/2 cup (about 2 1/8 oz.) all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/3 cup mashed overripe banana (from 1 small banana)

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

Directions

  1. Prepare the Brownie Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray; line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides. Whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, butter, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir together flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl. Whisk flour mixture into egg mixture until just combined.

  2. Prepare the Banana Bread Batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk together egg, mashed banana, butter, and brown sugar in a separate bowl until combined. Add flour mixture to banana mixture; stir together until just combined.

  3. Spoon half of the Brownie Batter into prepared baking pan, and spread evenly to edges. Pour Banana Bread Batter on top, and smooth. Spoon remaining Brownie Batter on top. Using a butter knife, stir gently to swirl the batters together.

  4. Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool 15 minutes. Remove brownies from baking pan using parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Serve.

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