Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Banana Bread Brownie Bars! They are the ultimate mashup of flavors—think the moist, comforting goodness of banana bread combined with the rich, indulgent taste of brownies. Seriously, it’s a match made in dessert heaven! I first whipped these up on a rainy afternoon when I had some overly ripe bananas staring me down. I was craving something chocolatey, and this recipe was born out of a delicious necessity! The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked. The banana adds a subtle sweetness while the chocolate chips just melt in your mouth. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll be dreaming about them long after they’re gone!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They should have plenty of brown spots for that sweet flavor.
1/2 cup melted butter: This adds richness and helps keep the bars moist and chewy.
1 cup sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten things up without being overwhelming.
2 large eggs: These will bind everything together and give the bars a nice structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the bananas.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for your bars—don’t skimp on this one!
1/2 cup cocoa powder: This is where the brownie magic happens—it gives that rich chocolatey taste!
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise a bit and stay light, so they’re not too dense.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors.
1/2 cup chocolate chips: Because more chocolate is always a good idea! Feel free to use dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate.

How to Prepare Banana Bread Brownie Bars

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get those delicious Banana Bread Brownie Bars baking! It’s so simple, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try this sooner. Here’s how I do it:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your bars to bake evenly and perfectly.
In a large mixing bowl, grab those ripe bananas and mash them up with a fork. I like to leave a few small chunks for extra banana goodness!
Next, mix in the melted butter until everything is well combined. You can use a whisk or just a spatula—whatever feels right!
Now it’s time to add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen—yum!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This keeps the dry ingredients mixed well before adding them to the wet mix.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your banana mixture, folding it in gently. You want to keep that lovely texture!
Finally, fold in those chocolate chips. Yes, please! This is where the magic really happens.
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan—make sure to spread it evenly.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into bars. Patience is key here—they’re so much better when allowed to cool!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert!
Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet, comforting taste of banana bread meets the rich, chocolaty goodness of brownies—what’s not to love?
Moist and Chewy: Thanks to the ripe bananas and melted butter, these bars stay wonderfully moist, with a chewy texture that’s simply irresistible!
One-Bowl Wonder: Less mess means more time enjoying your delicious creation. Just mash, mix, and bake—easy peasy!
Versatile: You can easily customize these bars by swapping chocolate chips for your favorite nuts, or even throwing in some peanut butter for a twist!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these bars fit right in.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love them! They’re a fun way to get some fruit into their diet without them even realizing it.
Freezable: Make a double batch and freeze some for later—because trust me, you’ll want to have these on hand!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Banana Bread Brownie Bars come out perfectly every time! Here are my top tips to avoid any hiccups along the way:

Use Overripe Bananas: Seriously, the riper the bananas, the better! Look for ones with lots of brown spots. They’re sweeter and give your bars that moist texture.
Don’t Overmix: When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Just fold until everything is combined and you see no dry flour.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be sneaky! If you’re unsure, use an oven thermometer to make sure it’s baking at the correct temperature. No one likes undercooked or burnt bars!
Cool Completely Before Cutting: I know it’s hard to wait, but letting them cool fully makes a huge difference. It helps them firm up and makes cutting into perfect bars so much easier.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Swap out chocolate chips for nuts, or even add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for a fun twist.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since ovens can vary, start checking your bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time. You want that toothpick to come out clean but not overbake!
Store Properly: Keep your bars in an airtight container to maintain their moisture. If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), they’ll stay fresh for days!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made these delightful Banana Bread Brownie Bars, let’s talk about how to serve them up right! They’re incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of delicious accompaniments.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Seriously, is there anything better than warm bars paired with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream? The melty ice cream contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture of the bars.
A Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm caramel sauce over the top adds a luxurious touch. It gives a sweet, sticky goodness that complements the chocolate perfectly!
Fresh Berries: A side of fresh raspberries or strawberries can brighten up the plate. Their tartness provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream on top makes for a delightful finishing touch. You can even add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for a little extra flair!
Dusting of Powdered Sugar: If you want a simple yet elegant look, a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving is always a winner. It adds a bit of sweetness and a lovely visual appeal.
Coffee or Tea: Pair your bars with a nice cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea. The warmth of the drink complements the richness of the bars, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
Cut into Fun Shapes: If you’re serving these for a special occasion or kids, consider cutting them into fun shapes using cookie cutters. It’s an easy way to make them party-ready!

However you choose to serve these Banana Bread Brownie Bars, just know they’re going to be a hit! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those Banana Bread Brownie Bars fresh and delicious for as long as possible! You won’t want to waste a single morsel, trust me!

Storing Leftovers: Once your bars have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them moist and prevent them from drying out. You can stack them with parchment paper in between to avoid sticking.
Refrigeration: If you live in a warmer climate or want to prolong their freshness, feel free to pop them in the fridge. They’ll last for about a week this way. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for that perfect chewy texture!
Freezing: Want to save some for later? You can definitely freeze these bars! Cut them into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months! Just be sure to label the bag with the date.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen bar, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave it at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating: If you prefer your bars warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just enough to take the chill off and make those chocolate chips a little melty again! Ooh, yum!

By following these simple storage and reheating instructions, you’ll be able to savor every last bite of your Banana Bread Brownie Bars, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a sweet treat on the go!

Nutritional Information

Now, I know you’re curious about the nutritional side of these Banana Bread Brownie Bars! Just a quick heads up: the nutrition can vary a bit based on the ingredients and brands you use, so consider these values as estimates. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? Here’s the breakdown per serving (1 bar):

Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

So there you have it! With all that banana and chocolate goodness, these bars aren’t just delicious—they’ve got a little bit of everything to keep you satisfied. Enjoy every scrumptious bite, and remember, it’s all about balance! Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas can actually add extra moisture and sweetness to your Banana Bread Brownie Bars!

What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
No worries! You can substitute it with carob powder for a different flavor profile, or simply use a bit more flour if you want to skip chocolate altogether. Just keep in mind that you’ll lose that rich brownie taste!

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included, or add a bit yourself for the best texture.

How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Remember, they’ll continue to cook a little as they cool.

Can I add nuts to the bars?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a wonderful crunch and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking!

How long do these bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to a week at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they’ll stay good for about a week longer!

Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just make sure to adjust your baking time and use a larger pan. Keep an eye on them, as they may take a few extra minutes to bake through!

What’s the best way to serve them?
These bars are delicious on their own, but don’t hesitate to dress them up with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra special touch!

Banana Bread Brownie Bars: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Bake

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously moist banana bread brownie bars that combine the flavors of banana and chocolate.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mash the bananas with a fork.
Mix in melted butter until combined.
Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Can be served warm or at room temperature.
Substitute chocolate chips with nuts if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Banana Bread Brownie Bars

Spread the love