Banana Bread Brownie Bars (Print Version)

Fudgy chocolate swirled with sweet ripe bananas in these marbled bars that blend two favorite treats into one irresistible dessert.

# 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 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
08 - 1/4 tsp baking soda
09 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Brownie Layer

10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
14 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
16 - 1/4 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
03 - Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir just until combined. Set aside.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until glossy.
05 - Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
06 - Spread half of the banana batter evenly in the prepared pan. Spoon brownie batter over it, then dollop remaining banana batter on top.
07 - Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together for a marbled pattern.
08 - Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
09 - Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into 16 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture is somehow both cakey and fudgy in the same bite, like the best parts of two desserts decided to get along
  • That marble pattern makes everyone assume you spent way more time and effort than you actually did
  • The banana keeps them moist for days unlike regular brownies that tend to dry out
02 -
  • Overbaking is the enemy here, checking at 28 minutes even if they look underdone
  • The banana layer will feel softer and more cakey while the brownie layer stays dense
  • These actually taste better the next day when flavors have had time to meld
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily and create a smoother texture
  • If you only have one mixing bowl, make the brownie batter first since it needs less mixing time
  • A glass baking dish lets you see if the bottom is browning too quickly

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