Banana Bread Brownies

These banana bread brownies are what you get when you combine moist banana bread with chewy brownies. Perfect for chocolate and banana lovers.

The best part about this being the last year of my 20s is that I am not alone. Many of my friends are also turning 30 this and next year making it feel like a year long celebration. One such friend is Brandi who was my roommate for the first two years of grad school and retained our friendship since. She is a fantastic person, incredibly talents and thoughtful, and I was stoked when I found out that one of her friends organized a “30 celebrations” for her 30th birthday. For 15 days before and 15 days after her birthday, friends signed up for a day or two to wish her happy birthday in whatever way they choose. I of course decided to mail her baked goods. She loved the combination of chocolate and bananas so these banana bread brownies seemed like the appropriate choice. They should be arriving at her doorstep today and I hope she likes them! Happy (almost) 30th birthday Brandi!!!

One year ago: Orange Chicken with Asparagus

Two years ago: Buckeye Monkey Bread Muffins

Three years ago: Oatmeal Meatballs with Spinach

BANANA BREAD BROWNIES

Makes 16 brownies

Ingredients:

6 Tbsp unsalted butter

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tsp vanilla extract

1-1/2 cups (about 3 medium) mashed ripe bananas

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 eggs, beaten

1-3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with foil and lightly coat with nonstick spray, set aside.
2. In a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat, add butter and chocolate chips and melt, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl combine the mashed bananas, sugar and vanilla. Stir in beaten eggs until evenly incorporated. Stir in flour and salt until just combined. Pour all but 1/4 cup melted chocolate into the batter and stir until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into prepared pan and drizzle remaining 1/4 cup melted chocolate on top, and swirl it into the batter.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely and cut into squares.

Source: Cookies and Cups