Description
Decadently rich and moist Chocolate Banana Bread Brownies that combine the best of both worlds—fudgy chocolate brownies and sweet, tender banana bread. These swirled brownies are perfect for a unique dessert or snack, boasting a beautiful marbled appearance and a delightful balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup (3¾ oz/105 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (12 oz/340 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
Chocolate Mixture
- ½ cup (2 oz/57 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (3 oz/85 g) chopped bittersweet chocolate
Fruit
- 2 large very ripe bananas, about (10 oz/284 g), mashed
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of the brownies later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until they are just combined to avoid overmixing and tough brownies.
- Divide Batter: Split the batter evenly into two bowls to prepare the chocolate and banana components separately.
- Make Chocolate Batter: Sift the cocoa powder into the first bowl, add the chopped bittersweet chocolate, and mix gently until just incorporated.
- Make Banana Batter: Add the mashed bananas to the second bowl of batter and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Layer Batters: Dollop the chocolate brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan, then pour the banana batter over it in dollops.
- Swirl Batters: Using a butter knife, swirl the chocolate batter through the banana batter carefully without overmixing to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 12 squares.
- Serve and Store: Serve with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 8 weeks for longer storage.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- The marbling technique creates an attractive visual and flavorful contrast.
- Ensure the brownies are completely cool before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness and freeze extra portions for convenient future treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American