Description
Moist banana bread base topped with a rich, fudgy brownie layer. A delightful combination of two classic desserts!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Banana Bread – Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Banana Bread – Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Banana Bread – Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Banana Bread – Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Banana Bread – Fold in Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed.
- Brownie – Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat.
- Brownie – Combine Sugar and Cocoa: Stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
- Brownie – Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Brownie – Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition.
- Brownie – Incorporate Flour: Stir in the flour until just combined.
- Brownie – Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Assemble – Pour Banana Bread Layer: Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Assemble – Pour Brownie Layer: Carefully pour the brownie batter over the banana bread layer and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Let the banana bread brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter.
- Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to either the banana bread or brownie layer for extra crunch and flavor.
- Feel free to use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
- A teaspoon of espresso powder added to the brownie layer will enhance the chocolate flavor.
- For a decadent twist, swirl a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract into the brownie batter before baking.
- While these banana bread brownies are delicious on their own, you can also frost them with your favorite frosting, such as chocolate frosting, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla frosting.
- Store the banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze the banana bread brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes