Banana Bread Brownie Bars (Printable Version)
Fudgy chocolate brownie swirled with sweet banana bread layers for a rich, marbled dessert bar.
# What You'll Need:
→ Banana Bread Layer
01 - 1 cup ripe bananas, about 2 medium, mashed
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Brownie Layer
10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
16 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
03 - Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Set aside.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.
05 - Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
06 - Spread half of the banana batter evenly across the prepared pan. Spoon the brownie batter over the banana layer, then dollop remaining banana batter on top of the brownie mixture.
07 - Drag a knife or skewer through the layered batters in a swirling motion to create a marbled pattern. Avoid over-swirling to maintain distinct layers.
08 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center emerges with a few moist crumbs. The center should be set but slightly fudgy.
09 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 even squares for serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Two classic treats merge into one incredibly moist marbled masterpiece that stays fresh for days
- The banana keeps the brownie layer tender while chocolate adds that satisfying fudgy depth everyone craves
02 -
- Overmixing either batter will make these bars tough so stir each just until combined
- The banana layer bakes faster than the brownie layer so those few moist crumbs on your toothpick mean they are done
03 -
- Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest most flavorful result
- Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding eggs so they do not scramble