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Quick Way to Grow 5-Step Banana Bread Brownie Bars

These delightful banana bread brownie bars combine the best of both worlds: moist banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dessert or snack, they are easy to make in just 5 steps.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 bars
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

Brownie Layer

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Banana Bread Layer

  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Optional Topping

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This ensures your bars won't stick and provides an even baking surface.

Brownie Batter

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth, then beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. This creates the foundational liquid mixture for your brownie base.

Combine Dry Ingredients

  • Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so stop as soon as a uniform batter forms.

Banana Bread Batter

  • In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas, then stir in the sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Once combined, incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt until just mixed, forming your banana bread layer.

Assemble and Bake

  • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and then carefully layer the banana bread batter on top. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips over the banana bread layer before baking for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the banana bread batter. To get perfectly distinct layers, chill the brownie batter slightly before adding the banana bread batter on top. This helps prevent the batters from mixing too much during baking. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!