Banana Bread Brownie Bars (Printer-Friendly)

Chocolatey brownie layers swirled with sweet, ripe banana batter for a fudgy, moist 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 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, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to banana mixture. Stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Set aside.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until glossy and slightly thickened.
05 - Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
06 - Spread half of banana batter evenly in prepared pan. Spoon brownie batter over banana layer, then dollop remaining banana batter on top.
07 - Run knife or skewer through batters in swirling motion to create marbled pattern. Do not over-swirl or layers will blend completely.
08 - Bake for 28-32 minutes until toothpick inserted near center comes out with moist crumbs. Center should be set but slightly fudgy.
09 - Cool completely in pan before lifting out using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 equal bars and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get the best of both worlds with fudgy chocolate and comforting banana bread in every bite
  • The marbled swirl makes these look impressive but they are surprisingly simple to make
  • Perfect for using up those spotted bananas that have been sitting on your counter too long
02 -
  • Overmixing the banana batter will make the final bars tough so stir until flour just disappears
  • The brownie layer is thicker and heavier so spread it carefully over the banana base
  • These need to cool completely before slicing or they will fall apart
03 -
  • Let your bananas get really spotted before using them for maximum sweetness and moisture
  • Use room temperature ingredients to prevent the melted butter from seizing when mixed

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