Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with my Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies. This recipe combines the classic comfort of banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, all topped with fresh bananas and a luscious chocolate peanut butter ganache. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth and impress your guests.
A Brief History of Banana Desserts
Bananas have been a beloved ingredient in desserts for centuries. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture make them a perfect addition to baked goods. The concept of banana bread dates back to the 1930s when baking soda and baking powder became widely available, allowing home cooks to create quick breads. Meanwhile, brownies have been delighting chocolate lovers since the late 19th century. By combining these two classic desserts and adding a decadent topping, we’re creating a modern twist on time-honored favorites.
Ingredients
For the Banana Brownies:
- 113g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 67g (1/3 cup) light brown sugar
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 1.4g (1/4 teaspoon) salt
- 7.5ml (1 1/2 teaspoons) vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 120g (1/2 cup) mashed banana (about 1 medium-large banana)
- 125g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 3-4 large bananas
- 340g (12 oz) semi-sweet baking chocolate, finely chopped
- 195g (3/4 cup) creamy peanut butter
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This temperature ensures that our brownies bake evenly, creating a perfect balance between a crisp exterior and a moist interior. Line a 20x20cm (8×8-inch) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray to prevent any sticking.
2. Create the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and free of any lumps. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in our brownies.
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract. Whisk just until combined – overbeating at this stage can lead to tough brownies. The vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth to our dessert.
Fold in the mashed banana until smooth. The banana not only adds moisture and natural sweetness but also contributes to the dense, fudgy texture we’re aiming for.
Gradually add the flour, whisking until it’s fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, resulting in tougher brownies.
3. Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. This ensures uniform baking and a professional-looking finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the center has set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges might start to pull away from the sides of the pan slightly.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This cooling period is essential for the brownies to set properly and makes topping them easier.
4. Prepare the Ganache
While the brownies are cooling, let’s make our luxurious chocolate peanut butter ganache. Start by placing the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Chopping the chocolate finely ensures it melts evenly and quickly.
In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a boil over medium heat. Watch it carefully – cream can boil over quickly! As soon as it reaches a boil, immediately pour it over the chopped chocolate.
Let this sit for 1-2 minutes. The hot cream will begin to melt the chocolate. After waiting, stir the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If you have any stubborn pieces of chocolate that won’t melt, you can place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until completely smooth.
Now, stir in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is velvety and well combined. The peanut butter adds a delightful nutty flavor that complements both the chocolate and banana beautifully.
5. Assemble the Brownies
Once your brownies have cooled completely, it’s time for the grand finale. Slice the bananas in half lengthwise and arrange them evenly over the cooled brownies. This fresh banana layer adds texture and intensifies the banana flavor.
Carefully pour the chocolate peanut butter ganache over the bananas, ensuring they are fully covered. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed. The warm ganache will slightly soften the bananas, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Place the brownies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the ganache to firm up slightly. This makes cutting and serving much easier.
Serving and Storage
To serve, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife with a warm, damp cloth between slices.
These Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so I recommend taking them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ganache to soften slightly, creating the perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature will help preserve the fresh bananas and keep the ganache set.
Nutrition Information
(Note: These are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Servings: 16 squares
- Calories per serving: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 5g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling and Setting Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
These Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. The moist, banana-infused brownie base provides a perfect canvas for the fresh banana slices and decadent chocolate peanut butter topping. Each bite is a harmony of textures and flavors – the dense, fudgy brownie, the soft banana, and the smooth, rich ganache.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of banana and chocolate is timeless, and the addition of peanut butter takes it to new heights. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet familiar, sophisticated yet comforting.
So go ahead, preheat that oven and get ready to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. With these Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies, you’re not just baking – you’re crafting a memorable culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
