Imagine combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the moist, tender crumb of banana bread.
With precise measurements—1 cup ripe mashed bananas, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips—you’ll craft a loaf with a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolatey richness.
Employ professional techniques, like folding ingredients gently, to achieve the desired texture.
The anticipation of each step will surely keep you intrigued.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 9×5-inch loaf pan
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 2 large bananas, ripe and mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Brownie Banana Bread, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients and Equipment (5 minutes)
- Review the recipe and instructions.
- Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment (listed above).
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the bananas.
- Melt the butter.
- Measure and prepare all other ingredients.
- Mixing (10 minutes)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract; whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing gently.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Baking (1 hour)
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 1 hour, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Resting (10 minutes)
- Remove the loaf from the oven.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Cooling and Serving (Additional time as desired)
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve.
The total time from start to finish, including reading and preparation, is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Adjust any additional time needed based on personal pace or preferences.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter, stirring until smooth.
Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and whisk until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a creamy contrast to the rich brownie banana bread.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
- Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of color and freshness.
- Nut Butter Spread: Spread a thin layer of almond or peanut butter on top for an extra nutty flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bread for a sweet, gooey touch.
Storage
To store Brownie Banana Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing
To freeze Brownie Banana Bread, let it cool completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Then, wrap it in aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container.
Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To reheat Brownie Banana Bread, wrap slices in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Alternatively, warm in an oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Brownie Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of rich chocolatey goodness and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.
This dessert is perfect for those who are looking for a twist on the classic banana bread.
With its moist texture and bursts of chocolate chips, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Remember to use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
Feel free to experiment by adding nuts or other mix-ins to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy your homemade Brownie Banana Bread fresh out of the oven or as a sweet treat throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Butter With a Dairy-Free Alternative?
You can substitute the butter with an equal amount of dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or margarine. Make certain your chosen substitute is melted for seamless integration. This maintains the bread’s moisture and structure without compromising flavor.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Replace all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free baking flour blend. Confirm the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. Follow the same mixing, baking, and cooling techniques for best results.
What Is the Best Type of Chocolate Chips to Use?
Choose semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced flavor profile. Make certain they’re roughly 1/2 cup, measuring precisely. Their cocoa content should ideally be around 60-70% for a rich taste, enhancing your bread’s complexity and texture.
How Ripe Should the Bananas Be for This Recipe?
You should use bananas with significant brown spots, indicating peak ripeness. This state guarantees maximum sugar content and moisture. Mash them thoroughly for uniformity. Their natural sweetness and starch conversion enhance the overall flavor and texture.
Can I Add Other Flavors, Like Cinnamon or Nutmeg?
You can incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to enhance flavor. Measure precisely and sift with dry ingredients for uniform distribution. Adjust sweetness if needed, ensuring a balanced taste without overpowering the banana essence.
Brownie Banana Bread
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 9×5-inch loaf pan
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 2 large bananas ripe and mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- /4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter, stirring until smooth.
- Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
