Banana Brownies With Salted Caramel Swirl

These aren’t your average brownies! We’re taking classic banana bread flavors and transforming them into rich, fudgy brownies, elevated with a luscious salted caramel swirl. The combination of ripe bananas, dark cocoa, and a hint of cinnamon creates a truly irresistible treat. Perfect for a cozy night in, a potluck, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these banana brownies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe uses alcohol-free vanilla extract, making it suitable for all ages. Let’s get baking!

What You’ll Need

• 300g (10oz) ripe bananas, mashed — about 3 medium bananas: The star of the show! Use bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots – these are the sweetest and will provide the best flavor and moisture. The riper, the better!
• 120g (1 cup) granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. We’re using granulated sugar for its consistent texture.
• 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter contributes to the brownies’ fudgy texture and rich flavor. Ensure it’s cooled slightly before adding to the other ingredients to prevent cooking the eggs.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness. Using large eggs ensures the right balance of moisture and structure.
• 5ml (1 tsp) alcohol-free vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth. Alcohol-free vanilla ensures it’s suitable for everyone.
• 130g (1⅓ cup) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies. Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in tough brownies.
• 30g (¼ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor. We recommend using a good quality cocoa powder for the best results.
• 2g (½ tsp) baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly, creating a lighter texture.
• 1g (¼ tsp) salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 120ml (½ cup) coconut milk: Adds moisture and a subtle coconut flavor to the caramel swirl. Full-fat coconut milk will give the richest results.
• 100g (½ cup) dark brown sugar: Contributes to the caramel’s rich, molasses-like flavor and helps create a chewy texture.
• 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel sauce.
• 2g (½ tsp) sea salt: Balances the sweetness of the caramel and enhances the overall flavor.
• 0.5g (¼ tsp) ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice to the caramel swirl.
• 15g (2 tbsp) toasted coconut flakes — for garnish: Adds a delightful crunch and a tropical aroma.
• Extra caramel drizzle — from the swirl mixture: For an extra touch of indulgence!

Substitutions

For a gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

For a dairy-free version: Use a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free.

Baking Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. Lining the pan with parchment paper is crucial; it prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the brownies once cooled. Leave an overhang of parchment on the sides to act as handles.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well-integrated. Ensure there are no lumps of banana remaining.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting is important as it aerates the flour and prevents clumps, resulting in a lighter brownie texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Avoid overmixing! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough brownies. Mix only until the dry ingredients disappear.
5. First Batter Layer: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to ensure a smooth, consistent surface. This creates the base for the salted caramel swirl.
6. Prepare the Salted Caramel Swirl: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, dark brown sugar, and butter. Stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly. The caramel should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and cinnamon. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the banana and caramel.
7. Swirl the Caramel: Drop spoonfuls of the warm caramel sauce over the first layer of brownie batter. Use a knife, skewer, or toothpick to create swirling patterns through the batter. Don’t over-swirl; you want distinct ribbons of caramel, not a completely blended mixture.
8. Second Batter Layer: Pour the remaining brownie batter over the caramel swirls, spreading it gently to cover the caramel. Again, aim for an even layer.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick near the center of the pan. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
10. Toast the Coconut: While the brownies are baking, toast the coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently to prevent burning. The coconut should be golden brown and fragrant.
11. Cool and Garnish: Once the brownies are baked, let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce over the warm brownies and sprinkle generously with the toasted coconut flakes.
12. Cut and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.

The Science Behind the Swirl: Why This Combination Works

The combination of banana and caramel is a classic for a reason. Bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while caramel offers a rich, buttery depth of flavor. The salted caramel cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced and addictive treat. The coconut milk in the caramel adds a subtle tropical note and contributes to its creamy texture. The slight tang from the coconut milk also balances the richness of the brown sugar and butter. The addition of cinnamon enhances the warm, comforting flavors of both the banana and caramel.

Tips for the Perfect Brownie Texture

Achieving the perfect brownie texture – fudgy, chewy, or cakey – depends on a few key factors. This recipe leans towards a fudgy texture due to the higher proportion of fat (butter) and the use of mashed bananas, which add moisture. To ensure a truly fudgy result, avoid overbaking. It’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked than overbaked. Also, using high-quality cocoa powder will significantly impact the flavor and richness of the brownies.

Storing Your Banana Brownies

These banana brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If refrigerating, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use overripe bananas?

Yes! In fact, overripe bananas are *ideal* for this recipe. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be, and the easier they will be to mash.

Can I substitute the coconut milk?

While coconut milk adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with heavy cream or regular milk if needed. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can I add nuts to the brownies?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would be delicious additions. Add about ½ cup of chopped nuts to the batter along with the dry ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Brownies with Salted Caramel Swirl are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! Save to Pinterest!

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