When you think of brownies, your mind probably drifts to that classic, fudgy, and chocolatey treat that we all know and love. But what if I told you that we could take those brownies to a whole new level by adding a little vintage charm—specifically, by adding bananas? Trust me, once you try these Banana Brownies, you won’t look at a traditional brownie the same way again.
In this blog post, I’m excited to share with you my go-to banana brownie recipe, perfect for a cozy weekend of vintage baking. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into a recipe that combines the best of both worlds—bananas and brownies!
Why Bananas? The Secret Ingredient That Makes Magic Happen
Bananas in brownies? You might be thinking, “Do bananas really belong in brownies?” The answer is an enthusiastic YES! Bananas add a natural sweetness and moisture to the batter, making these brownies rich, soft, and deliciously fudgy. Not to mention, they’re a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Brown bananas are key here. The more ripe they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Their subtle flavor doesn’t overpower the chocolate but rather complements it, making the combination irresistible.
Plus, baking with bananas gives these brownies a nostalgic, old-fashioned feel. There’s something so homey and comforting about using simple, everyday ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and, of course, bananas. This recipe is an ode to classic baking with a modern twist.
The Joy of Vintage Baking
One of the reasons I adore baking vintage-style recipes is because they remind me of times when life was a bit simpler. Recipes were passed down from generation to generation, and every dish felt like it had a story to tell. Baking with bananas, chocolate, and pantry staples feels like a little slice of history.
Vintage baking isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the process, the patience, and the joy of creating something from scratch. There’s no rush here, just the pleasure of watching butter melt into sugar, whisking eggs until fluffy, and folding in rich cocoa powder. These moments in the kitchen are what make baking so rewarding.
Let’s Get Baking – Banana Brownies Step by Step
Okay, now that we’ve set the stage, it’s time to get down to business. Here’s the recipe for our delicious banana brownies, and trust me, it’s super simple. You’ll have these whipped up and in the oven in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed bananas (2-3 brown bananas)
- 1 and 1/4 (156g) cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 (60g) cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 (270g) cup chocolate chips
- Optional: peanut butter for extra indulgence
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23x33cm pan with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Melt the butter: In a medium pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the sugar and stir until fully combined. Once the butter is melted and the sugar dissolves, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. This step gives your brownies that smooth, buttery texture we all crave.
- Whisk the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will give your brownies a nice lift and airy texture.
- Mash the bananas: Take those ripe bananas and mash them on a flat plate until smooth. You want about 1 cup of mashed banana. Add this to your egg mixture and give it a good stir. The bananas bring a lovely sweetness and moisture to your brownies.
- Combine butter with the egg mixture: Now that the butter mixture has cooled a bit, pour it into the egg and banana mixture. Stir until well combined, and your kitchen should already be smelling amazing!
- Prepare dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures that everything is evenly distributed.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your brownies tough instead of soft and fudgy.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips for that extra gooeyness. The combination of bananas and chocolate is pure perfection.
- Optional peanut butter swirl: Want to take things to the next level? Drop 4-6 spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the batter, then use a fork or toothpick to create swirls. Peanut butter adds a delightful, creamy richness to your brownies.
- Top with chocolate (optional): If you’re a chocolate lover, you can sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra hit of indulgence.
- Bake: Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Serving and Storing Your Banana Brownies
Once your brownies have baked to perfection, let them cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps them set and makes for cleaner cuts.
These banana brownies are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a vintage touch, serve them on a floral plate or a cute cake stand, and you’ll feel like you’re back in your grandmother’s kitchen.
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store your banana brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to two months. Just be sure to let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
A Few Fun Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? This banana brownie recipe is super versatile, so you can switch things up and make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Nutty Banana Brownies: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Banana Mocha Brownies: Stir in a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to give your brownies a hint of mocha. Coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor, making these even more irresistible.
- Spiced Banana Brownies: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, warm spice that pairs beautifully with the bananas.
- Caramel Banana Brownies: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the brownies before baking for an extra indulgent treat.
The beauty of vintage baking is that you can tweak and experiment with classic recipes to suit your taste. So, don’t be afraid to get creative with your banana brownies!
Why You’ll Love These Banana Brownies
If you love a dessert that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing, then these banana brownies are going to be your new favorite treat. They’re rich, moist, and just the right amount of sweet. The combination of chocolate and banana is a match made in heaven, and they’ll remind you of simpler times when homemade baking was the heart of the home.
So, the next time you have some overripe bananas on hand, skip the banana bread and try these brownies instead. You’ll fall in love with their vintage charm and modern flavor. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser—perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Now it’s your turn! Grab those brown bananas and give this banana brownie recipe a try. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out, and feel free to share any fun twists you added!
Happy baking!
Banana Brownies
Equipment
- 1 baking tray
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 stand mixer
Ingredients
- 225 gr butter unsalted
- 200 gr sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 bananas extra ripe
- 155 gr flour all purpose
- 60 gr cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 250 gr dark chocolate chip
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180° and line a 23x33cm pan with parchment paper.
- Add the butter in a pan and warm it up with the sugar until the butter is melted fully. Let it cool down a little.225 gr butter, 200 gr sugar
- Whisk the eggs with the vanilla until fluffy.1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 eggs
- On a flat plate, mash the bananas, add them to the egg mixture and whisk them together.3 bananas
- Add the butter to the egg mixture as well, stir together well.
- Take an other bowl, sift all the dry ingredients in it and stir them together. Mix it well with the wet ingredients together, but don't overmix it.155 gr flour, 60 gr cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt
- Stir in the chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared pan.250 gr dark chocolate chip
- Optionally place chocolate on the top of the brownie before baking.
- Bake for about 20 minutes (180°) until a toothpick comes ot with just a few damp crumbs.
