Banana Walnut Brownies

Brownies are a timeless dessert cherished by many, but have you ever thought about adding a twist to this classic treat? Enter Banana Walnut Brownies: the perfect fusion of sweet, ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts. This delightful combination not only enhances the flavor but also adds texture, making it a standout dessert at any gathering. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know to create this delectable dessert, from ingredients and instructions to serving suggestions and nutritional information.

Ingredients

Creating the perfect Banana Walnut Brownie requires a blend of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these simple steps to bake the perfect Banana Walnut Brownies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Allow it to cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Fold in the mashed bananas, ensuring they are thoroughly incorporated into the mixture.
6. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Gently fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips (if using).
9. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
11. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your Banana Walnut Brownies can help you make informed choices about portion sizes and dietary considerations. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition per serving (based on 24 servings):

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

How to Serve

Banana Walnut Brownies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to present them in various delightful ways to suit any occasion. Here are several serving suggestions that will elevate your brownie experience and impress your guests:

Classic Style

The simplest way to serve Banana Walnut Brownies is in their classic form. Cut them into generous squares or rectangles and place them on a decorative platter. This straightforward presentation is ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, or as a delightful after-dinner treat. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or garnish with a few banana slices or walnut halves on top to hint at the flavors within. Serve with toothpicks for easy picking, making them perfect for a buffet-style setup.

A La Mode

Transform your brownies into a show-stopping dessert by serving them à la mode. Warm the brownies slightly in the oven or microwave, just until they are soft and gooey, then top each piece with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm brownies and cold ice cream creates a delightful textural experience. For added flair, consider using flavored ice creams such as caramel or chocolate to complement the rich flavors of the brownies. To finish, sprinkle a few crushed walnuts on top for crunch and garnish with a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

With a Drizzle

Enhance the visual appeal and sweetness of your Banana Walnut Brownies by adding a drizzle of sauce. A warm caramel or chocolate sauce drizzled over the top can elevate the dessert to a whole new level. To achieve the perfect drizzle, warm your sauce slightly to make it more fluid, then use a spoon or squeeze bottle to create an artistic pattern over the brownies. For an added touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the drizzle to create a delicious sweet-and-salty contrast. You can also consider adding a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for a gourmet finish.

Paired with Coffee

For a delightful afternoon snack or a sophisticated dessert option, serve your Banana Walnut Brownies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich, nutty flavors of the brownies pair beautifully with the robust profile of coffee, particularly dark roasts or flavored brews like hazelnut or caramel. For a tea pairing, consider a chai or Earl Grey, which can complement the banana and walnut flavors wonderfully. To make the experience even more enjoyable, offer a selection of creamers, flavored syrups, or even a dusting of cinnamon for guests to customize their beverages.

With Fresh Fruit

For a refreshing twist, serve your Banana Walnut Brownies with a side of fresh fruit. Slices of strawberries, raspberries, or a medley of seasonal berries can provide a bright contrast to the rich, dense brownies. The acidity and natural sweetness of the fruit can cut through the richness, making for a well-rounded dessert. You can also consider creating a fruit compote by gently simmering fresh fruit with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to serve alongside or over the brownies.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

For a more elaborate presentation, consider including your Banana Walnut Brownies as part of a dessert platter. Combine them with an assortment of other treats such as mini cheesecakes, cookies, and fruit tarts. This allows guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures, making it especially suitable for celebrations or special occasions. You can enhance the platter with decorative elements like edible flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries, or colorful sprinkles to create a visually stunning display.

Individual Portions

For a more refined serving option, consider offering individual portions of Banana Walnut Brownies in cupcake liners or small dessert cups. This not only makes for an appealing presentation but also makes it easier for guests to enjoy without the need for slicing. You can layer the brownie pieces with whipped cream or mousse for a delightful treat that feels luxurious and special.

By exploring these various serving methods, you can turn your Banana Walnut Brownies into an unforgettable experience, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal event. Each option offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that will delight every palate!

Additional Tips

Banana Walnut Brownies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to present them in various delightful ways to suit any occasion. Here are several serving suggestions that will elevate your brownie experience and impress your guests:

Classic Style

The simplest way to serve Banana Walnut Brownies is in their classic form. Cut them into generous squares or rectangles and place them on a decorative platter. This straightforward presentation is ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, or as a delightful after-dinner treat. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or garnish with a few banana slices or walnut halves on top to hint at the flavors within. Serve with toothpicks for easy picking, making them perfect for a buffet-style setup.

A La Mode

Transform your brownies into a show-stopping dessert by serving them à la mode. Warm the brownies slightly in the oven or microwave, just until they are soft and gooey, then top each piece with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm brownies and cold ice cream creates a delightful textural experience. For added flair, consider using flavored ice creams such as caramel or chocolate to complement the rich flavors of the brownies. To finish, sprinkle a few crushed walnuts on top for crunch and garnish with a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

With a Drizzle

Enhance the visual appeal and sweetness of your Banana Walnut Brownies by adding a drizzle of sauce. A warm caramel or chocolate sauce drizzled over the top can elevate the dessert to a whole new level. To achieve the perfect drizzle, warm your sauce slightly to make it more fluid, then use a spoon or squeeze bottle to create an artistic pattern over the brownies. For an added touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the drizzle to create a delicious sweet-and-salty contrast. You can also consider adding a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for a gourmet finish.

Paired with Coffee

For a delightful afternoon snack or a sophisticated dessert option, serve your Banana Walnut Brownies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich, nutty flavors of the brownies pair beautifully with the robust profile of coffee, particularly dark roasts or flavored brews like hazelnut or caramel. For a tea pairing, consider a chai or Earl Grey, which can complement the banana and walnut flavors wonderfully. To make the experience even more enjoyable, offer a selection of creamers, flavored syrups, or even a dusting of cinnamon for guests to customize their beverages.

With Fresh Fruit

For a refreshing twist, serve your Banana Walnut Brownies with a side of fresh fruit. Slices of strawberries, raspberries, or a medley of seasonal berries can provide a bright contrast to the rich, dense brownies. The acidity and natural sweetness of the fruit can cut through the richness, making for a well-rounded dessert. You can also consider creating a fruit compote by gently simmering fresh fruit with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to serve alongside or over the brownies.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

For a more elaborate presentation, consider including your Banana Walnut Brownies as part of a dessert platter. Combine them with an assortment of other treats such as mini cheesecakes, cookies, and fruit tarts. This allows guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures, making it especially suitable for celebrations or special occasions. You can enhance the platter with decorative elements like edible flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries, or colorful sprinkles to create a visually stunning display.

Individual Portions

For a more refined serving option, consider offering individual portions of Banana Walnut Brownies in cupcake liners or small dessert cups. This not only makes for an appealing presentation but also makes it easier for guests to enjoy without the need for slicing. You can layer the brownie pieces with whipped cream or mousse for a delightful treat that feels luxurious and special.

By exploring these various serving methods, you can turn your Banana Walnut Brownies into an unforgettable experience, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal event. Each option offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that will delight every palate!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flours with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred nuts such as pecans, almonds, or even cashews.

Q: What if I don’t have brown sugar?

A: You can use an equal amount of granulated sugar. However, keep in mind that brown sugar adds a bit of moisture and a deeper flavor.

Q: How do I know when the brownies are done?

A: Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. Avoid overbaking as this can lead to dry brownies.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the brownies?

A: Yes, you can customize your brownies by adding ingredients like dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even a hint of cinnamon for added flavor.

Conclusion

Banana Walnut Brownies are not just a delicious treat; they offer a unique twist on a classic dessert. The combination of sweet bananas and crunchy walnuts creates a rich, flavorful experience that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Try serving these brownies at your next event or enjoy them as a delightful homemade snack. With the tips and insights provided, you’re well-equipped to make Banana Walnut Brownies that will impress and delight every time. Enjoy the sweet, nutty goodness of this exceptional dessert!

Print