Banana Bread Brownie Bars (Printable Version)

Fudgy chocolate brownie layers swirled with sweet banana bread batter for a marbled dessert bar that combines two beloved treats.

# What You Need:

→ Banana Bread Layer

01 - 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 medium)
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 melted butter and sugar until combined. 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 the brownie batter over it, then dollop remaining banana batter on top.
07 - Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together gently for a marbled effect.
08 - Bake for 28-32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
09 - Cool completely in the pan before lifting out using parchment overhang and slicing into bars.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The marbled swirl creates the best of both worlds in every single bite
  • These bars stay incredibly moist for days, making them perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself
02 -
  • Overripe bananas are non-negotiable here, they should have plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness
  • Don't swirl too aggressively or you'll end up with a muddy batter instead of beautiful marble
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily, so pull your eggs and butter out about 30 minutes before baking
  • For the tallest, most impressive swirl, drop the banana batter in small mounds rather than spreading it in the final layer

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