There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when you combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich depth of chocolate. The moment these two beloved ingredients come together, magic happens! That’s exactly what led me to create these Banana Bread Brownie Bars, a delightful fusion that has quickly become a staple in my home.
Picture this: it’s a lazy afternoon, and I’ve got a couple of overripe bananas stashed in the fruit bowl, begging for a second chance. Instead of the typical banana bread, I decided to embark on a little culinary adventure. The result? Dessert bars that are not only incredibly easy to whip up but also satisfy both your chocolate cravings and your desire for something comforting. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to a warm, gooey treat that feels like a hug in a bite.
Ready to elevate your snack game? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that proves baked sweets can be both delightful and simple!
Why You'll Love This Banana Bread Brownie Bars
- These Banana Bread Brownie Bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time and only a few simple ingredients.
- The delightful combination of ripe bananas and rich chocolate creates a flavor explosion that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or get-together.
- Plus, their visually appealing bars make for an inviting presentation that everyone will love.
Banana Bread Brownie Bars Ingredients
For the Batter
- 2 ripe bananas – Use overripe bananas for extra sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – This adds that essential rich chocolate flavor to your bars.
- 1/2 cup sugar – Feel free to substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor!
- 1/4 cup melted butter – Melted butter ensures a moist and tender crumb in your banana bread brownie bars.
- 1/4 cup milk – Any type of milk will work; almond or oat milk can be great dairy-free options.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor, making it wonderfully aromatic.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This is crucial for achieving a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – All-purpose flour gives the right structure for your bars.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – Chocolate chips are a must for that delicious gooeyness in the center!
Happy baking and enjoy crafting these delightful Banana Bread Brownie Bars!
How to Make Banana Bread Brownie Bars
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, as it ensures your bars bake evenly and develop that lovely gooey texture we all adore.
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Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to get them nice and smooth, which allows their natural sweetness to blend perfectly into the batter.
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Mix in the melted butter thoroughly. This helps create a moist batter—your bars will be tempting and rich, just the way we like them!
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Stir in the sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is combined well, with no lumps left behind; the mixture should feel creamy and inviting.
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Combine in another bowl the cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and flour. Mixing these dry ingredients separately prevents clumping and ensures they’re evenly distributed.
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Add the dry mixture gradually to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a denser bar, and we want soft and chewy goodness!
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Fold in the chocolate chips. This step is like the cherry on top, adding delightful pockets of melted chocolate in each bar!
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Pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring all corners are filled for those perfectly shaped bars.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Watch closely to avoid over-baking!
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Cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Letting them cool slightly ensures you don’t burn your fingers when enjoying these delicious treats.
Optional: Serve with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Brownie Bars
Room Temperature: Store your Banana Bread Brownie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: For a longer shelf life, you can keep the bars in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped or in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: If you want to save them for later, freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking, then thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste, or savor them cold!
What to Serve with Banana Bread Brownie Bars?
Indulge your taste buds with pairings that bring out the best in these delightful bars!
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this classic treat adds a cool creaminess that beautifully complements the rich chocolate.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of raspberries and strawberries provides a tangy zing, balancing the sweetness of the brownie bars perfectly.
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Whipped Cream Topping: Light and airy, whipped cream enhances the fudgy texture, making each bite feel luxurious and indulgent.
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Espresso or Coffee: The bold flavors of a fresh brew enhance the chocolatey richness, creating a cozy and inviting dessert experience.
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Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, contrasting with the soft, gooey bars and elevating the overall flavor profile.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate on top amplifies the chocolate flavor while adding an elegant touch to your dessert presentation.
Each of these pairings adds a unique twist, making your Banana Bread Brownie Bars even more enjoyable!
Make Ahead Options
These Banana Bread Brownie Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can mash the bananas and mix the wet ingredients (butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract) up to 24 hours in advance. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, combine the dry ingredients (cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and flour) ahead of time and keep them in a separate container. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the prepped components, fold in the chocolate chips, and bake as directed. This approach ensures maximum flavor and texture without sacrificing quality—your bars will be just as delicious!
Banana Bread Brownie Bars Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Banana Bread Brownie Bars and make them uniquely yours!
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Nutty Twist:
Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and toasty flavor. -
Flavored Extracts:
Swap vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract for an exotic twist that’ll surprise your taste buds. -
Spicy Kick:
Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a warm, inviting heat that elevates the chocolate richness. -
Fruit Fusion:
Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries, raspberries, or even peanut butter chips for an exciting flavor combination! -
Dairy-Free:
Use coconut oil instead of melted butter and almond milk for a vegan-friendly treat everyone can enjoy. -
Healthy Swap:
Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nutty taste while keeping the tenderness intact. -
Decadent Swirl:
Create a marbled effect by swirling in some peanut butter or Nutella on top of the batter before baking—pure bliss! -
Chocolate Overload:
Use an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate chips or mix in chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for a gooey texture in every bite.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best Banana Bread Brownie Bars, always use overripe bananas as they provide the maximum sweetness and moisture.
- A common mistake is overmixing the batter; mix until just combined to ensure soft and chewy bars.
- When folding in chocolate chips, consider using a combination of dark and milk chocolate for a delightful flavor contrast.
- Remember to check for doneness a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overcooking your delicious bars.
Banana Bread Brownie Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough?
Absolutely! The best bananas for this recipe are those that are heavily speckled with brown spots or even mostly brown. This ripeness indicates maximum sweetness and moisture, ensuring your Banana Bread Brownie Bars turn out soft and delicious.
How do I store leftover Banana Bread Brownie Bars?
For the best taste and texture, store your Banana Bread Brownie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, just make sure they’re well-wrapped to avoid dryness.
Can I freeze Banana Bread Brownie Bars?
Certainly! To freeze the bars, first let them cool completely. Then, slice them individually and layer parchment paper between each bar in a freezer-safe container to prevent them from sticking together. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight or gently microwave for 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my batter seems too thick?
Very good question! If you find that your batter feels too thick, it’s perfectly fine to add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen it up. Just mix gently until you reach your desired consistency. This will help ensure that your bars remain soft and chewy!
Are these bars suitable for those with allergies?
Definitely! While the Banana Bread Brownie Bars contain common allergens like gluten and dairy, you can easily make them more allergy-friendly. Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. Always check for chocolate chips that are dairy-free if you’re avoiding milk!
Can I use other ingredients instead of chocolate chips?
Absolutely, the more the merrier! Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even your favorite dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist. Adjust the amount according to your taste; just remember to keep the overall volume similar for the best texture.
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- spatula
- Baking pan
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 2 pieces ripe bananas Use overripe bananas for extra sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Adds rich chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 cup sugar Brown sugar can be substituted for deeper flavor.
- 1/4 cup melted butter Ensures a moist and tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup milk Any type of milk works, including dairy-free options.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Crucial for light and fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips Adds gooeyness.
Instructions
How to Make Banana Bread Brownie Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl.
- Mix in the melted butter thoroughly.
- Stir in the sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and flour in another bowl.
- Add the dry mixture gradually to the banana mixture and stir gently.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
