The Best Banana Fudge Brownies: Minnesota State Fair’s Secretly Soft & Fudgy Recipe
Are you searching for an innovative way to use ripe bananas that goes beyond the usual banana bread? If the thought of combining the creamy sweetness of bananas with the rich, decadent world of chocolate brownies seems a bit unconventional, prepare to be delightfully surprised. These aren’t just any brownies; these are Banana Fudge Brownies, an extraordinary recipe that clinched third place at the prestigious Minnesota State Fair! And how do I know the secret to their success? Because my dear friend, Gloria Rice, is the talented baker who earned that well-deserved ribbon.
Gloria is a baking enthusiast who participates in the fair every year, constantly refining her recipes to perfection. When she first shared her idea for banana brownies, I admit, I was quite skeptical. Like many, I wondered if bananas could truly enhance, rather than overpower, the classic brownie experience. Could a fruit really elevate the intense chocolate flavor we all crave in a fudge brownie? This recipe, however, proved all my doubts wrong. Not only do the bananas work, but they transform these brownies into something truly special and uniquely delicious.
Unveiling the Magic: Banana Fudge Brownies Flavor and Texture
The beauty of these banana fudge brownies lies in their exquisite balance. The banana flavor, rather than being dominant, melds perfectly with the rich chocolate, creating a harmonious and subtle undertone. It’s not an overwhelming banana taste, but rather a gentle sweetness and a certain depth that complements the cocoa beautifully. This integration of flavors makes each bite a delightful surprise, a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic.
Beyond the flavor, the texture is where the bananas truly shine. They introduce a luscious softness and an incredibly moist, fudgy quality that sets these brownies apart. Many bakers strive for that perfect fudgy brownie, and bananas are the secret ingredient that helps achieve it effortlessly. The natural moisture from the fruit contributes to a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth, making them irresistibly soft and decadent. This isn’t just a good texture; it’s a phenomenal one that will have you reaching for a second, or even third, piece!
Gloria’s meticulous approach to baking and her willingness to experiment with ingredients like bananas is what earned her recognition at the Minnesota State Fair. Winning third place in such a competitive environment is a testament to the recipe’s unique appeal and delicious results. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary triumph born from passion and precision.
Customization: Making Your Banana Fudge Brownies Even Better
While the classic banana fudge brownie recipe is a showstopper on its own, one of the joys of baking is the ability to customize and make it your own. Gloria’s recipe offers fantastic opportunities for creative variations. For those who love a bit of crunch and an extra layer of sweetness, adding crushed Oreos or mini Oreos is a fantastic choice. The cookies provide a delightful textural contrast and a familiar, comforting flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and subtle banana notes.
Another popular and incredibly delicious variation involves swirling peanut butter through the top of the brownie batter before baking. The salty, nutty flavor of peanut butter is a classic pairing with both chocolate and banana, creating a truly irresistible treat. The swirl not only adds a beautiful visual element but also bursts of creamy peanut butter goodness in every bite. I highly recommend trying this version; next time I bake a batch, I’ll be sure to share a photo of these magnificent creations.
But don’t stop there! Consider other add-ins to elevate your chocolate banana brownies:
- Nuts: Beyond pecans, walnuts or almonds would provide a lovely crunch and earthy flavor.
- Caramel Swirl: A drizzle of salted caramel would add another layer of decadent sweetness.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut would introduce a tropical hint and chewy texture.
- Espresso Powder: A teaspoon of espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
- Different Chocolates: Experiment with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter brownie, or dark chocolate chunks for an even richer experience.
Seriously, these brownies are not just “good”; they are outstanding. They possess a depth of flavor and a texture that makes them truly exceptional. In my humble opinion, they deserved first place at the fair! The combination of classic brownie elements with the unique addition of banana results in a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a testament to how a simple ingredient can transform a familiar treat into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Tips for Baking Perfect Fudgy Banana Brownies
Achieving the ideal fudgy brownie texture requires a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your homemade banana fudge brownies turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful it will be, and easier to mash smoothly into the batter. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tougher, cake-like brownie instead of a fudgy one.
- Watch the Baking Time: Brownies can go from fudgy to dry very quickly. Start checking at the lower end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter (which means it needs more time) and not completely clean (which means it’s overbaked). My note about baking for a full 45 minutes indicates that ovens vary, so trust your own oven and the toothpick test.
- Proper Pan Preparation: Gloria’s tip about using non-stick foil is excellent for easy removal and clean cuts, especially for a competition. For home baking, simply spraying the bottom of the pan with cooking spray is sufficient, or you can line it with parchment paper for even easier lifting.
- Cool Completely (and Chill!): This is perhaps the most crucial step for fudgy brownies and clean cuts. Brownies continue to cook slightly as they cool, and cooling allows their structure to set. Chilling them in the refrigerator before cutting makes them even firmer and easier to slice into neat squares, no matter how small you want them.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a bake sale, or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, these tips will help you produce the best possible banana fudge brownies.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These decadent chocolate banana brownies are versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an ultimate dessert experience, where the warm brownie and melting ice cream create a symphony of textures and temperatures. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel can elevate this even further. Alternatively, enjoy them chilled, which enhances their fudgy density, making them a perfect grab-and-go treat. Cutting them into smaller squares, especially after chilling, makes them ideal for sharing at parties or serving in mini cupcake holders for an elegant presentation.
To store, place the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Simply wrap individual brownies or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Related Indulgences
If you’ve enjoyed the unique twist of these Banana Fudge Brownies, you might also love these other delightful recipes:
- White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
- Chocolate Brownie Mounds
- Soft and Fluffy Kolaches
- Small Batch Sour Cream Banana Muffins
- Best Ever Banana Bread
The Official Minnesota State Fair-Worthy Recipe
Ready to bake your own batch of these incredible, award-winning banana fudge brownies? Here is Gloria’s exact recipe, with a few notes from my own experience. Gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and get ready to create a dessert that will impress everyone who tries it!
Banana Fudge Brownies
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped (140 grams)
- 1 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped (28 grams)
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ t vanilla optional – Gloria leaves it out, anna added ½ tsp
- ½ small banana, well mashed (60 grams)
- ¾ cup sifted flour
- 1 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt if using unsalted butter, add an extra pinch
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup lightly toasted chopped pecans
- handful of broken Oreos or some Mini Oreos optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray cooking spray on bottom only of an 8 inch metal pan. Gloria noted that for the fair, she used non-stick foil to line the pan.
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Mix flour, cocoa, and salt together and set aside.
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Combine sugar, eggs, and banana in a separate bowl-stir until combined. I did this with a fork.
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Melt butter in a saucepan over medium low heat, then reduce heat to low and add 5 oz and 1 oz of chocolates. Cook and stir over low until smooth. Cool 5 minutes.
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Add chocolate to sugar egg/banana mixture-stir until combined.
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Stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
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Fold in that last ½ cup chips and nuts (and Oreos, if using). Bake 35-40 min, check at 35 (Anna’s note: I baked a full 45 min)
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Cool completely before cutting. Anna’s note: I like to chill before cutting
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Yield: Obviously, this makes 1 8 inch pan. How many brownies you get is up to you. I cut mine into 9 giant squares, but if you chill the brownies before slicing, you should be able to cut the brownies as small as you’d like. You might even want to try cutting 36 squares and serving them in mini cupcake holders.
We hope you enjoy baking and tasting these exceptional banana fudge brownies as much as Gloria and I do. They truly are a delightful discovery and a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most unexpected ingredients can lead to the most delicious results. Happy baking!