Irresistible Chocolate Banana Oreo Brownies: The Ultimate Fudgy Delight
Prepare yourself for a truly decadent treat! These Banana Oreo Brownies are a sensational spin on a cherished, state-fair-winning recipe for chocolate banana brownies. The original recipe, which cleverly incorporates mashed banana for an incredibly moist and fudgy texture, quickly became a personal favorite – a pleasant surprise, as I initially doubted the combination. However, the delightful outcome inspired me to explore further, leading to the brilliant idea of adding broken Oreo cookies to the mix. The result? A brownie that’s not just fudgy and rich but also boasts a delightful crunch and an extra layer of chocolatey, creamy goodness from America’s favorite cookie.
Oreos have long transcended their status as a simple dunkable cookie; they’ve become a versatile and beloved ingredient in the baking world. Their distinctive chocolate wafers and sweet cream filling add a unique texture and flavor profile to countless desserts. The beauty of baking with Oreos lies not only in their classic taste but also in the sheer variety Nabisco continually introduces. While I opted for classic Oreos in this specific banana brownie recipe, the possibilities are endless. Imagine the exciting twist that peanut butter Oreos could bring, or perhaps a hint of mint with mint Oreos. Seasonal varieties, like the vibrant Halloween-colored Oreos (which I confess, I’m quite fond of for their festive appeal), can transform these brownies into a themed delight, perfect for holiday gatherings or a spooky treat! Experimentation is highly encouraged to find your perfect Oreo brownie combination.
The Secret to Fudgy Perfection: Bananas and Chilling
One of the key elements that elevates these brownies from good to extraordinary is the inclusion of mashed banana. Not only does it impart a subtle, sweet fruitiness that complements the rich chocolate, but it also contributes significantly to the brownies’ incredible moisture and fudgy texture. The natural sugars in the banana caramelize beautifully during baking, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. Furthermore, ensuring a truly fudgy appearance and clean, sharp slices comes down to one crucial step: chilling the brownies. After baking, allowing the brownies to cool completely and then chilling them for several hours (or even overnight) solidifies the chocolate and butter, resulting in that desirable dense, fudgy consistency and making them much easier to cut. Rest assured, despite their incredibly moist and fudgy look, these brownies are thoroughly and perfectly cooked.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and promises a rewarding outcome. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply as a comforting treat for yourself. The combination of sweet banana, rich chocolate, and crunchy Oreo pieces creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will undoubtedly make these brownies a new favorite in your repertoire.
Recipe: Chocolate Banana Oreo Brownies
Chocolate Banana Oreo Brownies
Recipe by Cookie Madness, adapted with love and Oreos
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Ingredients for the Perfect Brownie Batch
- ¾ cup sifted all-purpose flour Sifting ensures a light, even texture, preventing lumps in your brownies.
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened natural cocoa powder Use good quality cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing chocolate flavor. If using unsalted butter, add an extra pinch of salt to prevent blandness.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar Brown sugar contributes to a chewier, moister brownie texture and adds a subtle caramel note.
- 2 large eggs Provide structure and richness to the brownies; ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification.
- ½ of a small, very ripe banana The riper, the better for mashing and flavor. It adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- 5 oz semisweet chocolate High-quality baking chocolate, finely chopped, will melt smoothly. This is a little less than 1 cup of chips.
- 1 oz bittersweet chocolate Adds depth and balances the sweetness. Approximately 3 tablespoons of chips.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter If using unsalted butter, remember to adjust the salt in the dry ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Optional, but highly recommended to enhance all other flavors. While some traditionalists like Gloria prefer to omit it, adding it, as Anna suggests, definitely boosts the overall aroma and taste profile.
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips For extra pockets of melted chocolate goodness.
- ½ cup lightly toasted chopped pecans Toasting nuts brings out their full flavor and adds a fantastic textural contrast. Walnuts or almonds can be substituted.
- Broken Oreo cookies The amount is entirely up to your preference for Oreo intensity! Roughly chop them into various sizes for a mix of crunch and creaminess. About 8-10 regular Oreos should suffice, but feel free to add more for an extra indulgence.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
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Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to a precise 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). For easy removal and clean slices, thoroughly line an 8-inch square metal baking pan with nonstick foil, ensuring the foil extends over the sides to create “handles.” Alternatively, you can grease and flour the pan, but nonstick foil simplifies the process significantly.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, cocoa powder, and salt until they are well combined and there are no visible lumps. Set this mixture aside. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening and flavor throughout the brownies.
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Whisk Wet Ingredients (Excluding Chocolate/Butter): In a separate, larger mixing bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar, large eggs, and the well-mashed banana. Beat these ingredients together with a whisk or electric mixer until they are thoroughly combined, smooth, and slightly lightened in color. The mashed banana should be fully incorporated.
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Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the 6 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, reduce the heat to low. Add the 5 oz of chopped semisweet chocolate and 1 oz of chopped bittersweet chocolate to the pan. Continuously cook and stir over low heat until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy. Be careful not to scorch the chocolate. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s not too hot before combining with the egg mixture.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate and butter mixture into the sugar-egg-banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Next, gradually add the reserved dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, salt) to the wet mixture. Mix until *just* combined; overmixing can lead to tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are acceptable at this stage. If using, stir in the vanilla extract now.
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Fold in the Add-ins: Gently fold in the remaining ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and the ½ cup of lightly toasted chopped pecans. Finally, add your desired amount of broken Oreo cookies, folding them in just until evenly distributed. This ensures you get delightful chunks of cookie in every bite.
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Bake to Perfection: Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 8-inch square pan. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. Begin checking for doneness at the 35-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. For a truly fudgy brownie, avoid overbaking. Anna’s note: “I baked a full 45 min,” which indicates that oven temperatures can vary, so trust your judgment and your specific oven. If a toothpick comes out completely clean, your brownies might be on the cakier side, but still delicious!
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Cool and Chill: This step is crucial for achieving that signature fudgy texture and ensuring easy, clean slicing. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature in the pan. Once cool, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for several hours, ideally 2-4 hours, or even overnight. This chilling process solidifies the chocolate and butter, leading to a denser, fudgier brownie and perfectly sharp edges when cut.
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Slice and Serve: Once thoroughly chilled, use the foil handles to carefully lift the entire brownie slab from the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Now, you can slice the brownies into your preferred size and shape. The recipe typically yields one 8-inch pan of brownies. For larger, indulgent portions, I like to cut mine into 9 generous squares. However, if you’ve chilled them properly, you can achieve smaller, neat squares – you could even cut them into 16 or 25 squares for a party, or go for 36 tiny squares for bite-sized delights, perfect for serving in mini cupcake holders. The possibilities for presentation are truly endless!
Tips for Success & Variations
To ensure your Chocolate Banana Oreo Brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:
- Banana Ripeness: Always use very ripe bananas (the ones with plenty of brown spots on the peel). They are sweeter and much easier to mash, providing more moisture and flavor to the brownies.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher, more cake-like brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Mix until just combined.
- Quality Chocolate Matters: Using good quality chocolate for melting will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your brownies. It melts smoother and provides a richer, more complex chocolate taste.
- Toasting Nuts: Don’t skip toasting the pecans! A quick toast in a dry pan or oven brings out their nutty aroma and flavor, adding another layer of complexity to the brownies.
- Oreo Varieties: Get creative with your Oreos! Try Golden Oreos for a vanilla-based brownie, Mint Oreos for a refreshing twist, or Peanut Butter Oreos for an extra nutty flavor profile. You can also experiment with other crushed cookies or candies.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are fantastic on their own, but they also make a wonderful base for other delicious desserts:
- Classic Pairing: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate fudge sauce.
- With Coffee: A square of chilled brownie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
- Whipped Cream & Berries: Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and some fresh berries (strawberries or raspberries work wonderfully) for a lighter contrast.
- Brownie Sundae: Create a full-blown sundae by adding ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and extra crushed Oreos.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these Chocolate Banana Oreo Brownies are sure to be a hit. They offer a delightful balance of familiar comfort and exciting new flavors, making them an unforgettable treat for any occasion.