Banana Cream Cheese Brownies
Highlighted under: FreshGlow Recipes
Delight in the rich flavors of Banana Cream Cheese Brownies, a perfect blend of moist banana and creamy cheese that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
These Banana Cream Cheese Brownies combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy creaminess of cheese, creating a dessert that is both unique and irresistible.
Why You'll Love These Brownies
- Moist and flavorful with ripe bananas
- Rich cream cheese layer adds a delightful tang
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or family dinners
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
Banana Cream Cheese Brownies are a delightful treat that balances the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese. The combination creates a unique dessert that stands out from traditional brownies, offering layers of taste and texture that will leave your guests craving more. Each bite delivers a moist brownie experience complemented by a creamy topping that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Using ripe bananas not only adds natural sweetness but also contributes to the brownies' moisture, ensuring they remain soft and delicious. The addition of cream cheese introduces a delightful contrast, making these brownies an indulgent choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a midday snack or a dessert after dinner, they are sure to impress.
A Simple Yet Elegant Dessert
These Banana Cream Cheese Brownies are surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that looks and tastes gourmet. The process involves blending the banana and brownie components, which makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Great for last-minute gatherings or potlucks, they can be prepared in under an hour.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips, or even experiment with different flavorings in the cream cheese layer. This flexibility allows you to make the recipe your own while still maintaining its essential deliciousness.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Banana Cream Cheese Brownies are perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Their unique flavor and appealing presentation make them a crowd-pleaser that can easily elevate any dessert table. Slice them into small squares for easy serving, and watch as everyone reaches for a piece.
They also make a wonderful homemade gift. Packaged in a decorative box or tin, these brownies can be a heartfelt treat for friends and family. Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or just because, giving the gift of homemade treats like these brownies is a thoughtful way to show you care.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor!
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Mix in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Layer the Mixtures
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, then top with the remaining brownie batter.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.
Enjoy your delicious Banana Cream Cheese Brownies!
Tips for the Best Brownies
To ensure your Banana Cream Cheese Brownies turn out perfectly, always use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as they are at their peak sweetness for baking.
Additionally, be careful not to overmix the brownie batter. Mix until just combined to keep the brownies soft and fudgy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which may not be ideal for this recipe.
Storing Your Brownies
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their freshness, consider refrigerating them, which can keep them good for about a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will retain their flavor and texture for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving for the best taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
→ How should I store these brownies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.
Banana Cream Cheese Brownies
Delight in the rich flavors of Banana Cream Cheese Brownies, a perfect blend of moist banana and creamy cheese that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: FreshGlow Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 brownies
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Mix in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, then top with the remaining brownie batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g