Today I’m sharing the recipe for these brownie bottom banana bread bars. They would be the perfect family baking project for today, or anytime over spring break. 

Happy Easter Sunday! I hope all of you are enjoying the holiday and spending it with your families. This year, I am spending my Easter in Los Angeles! I’m here for spring break to visit a few colleges, as well as enjoy all the vegan food.

This afternoon, I plan to go to the weekly Vegan Sunday event put on by Vegan Street Fair. There are going to be tons of vendors selling some of the craziest vegan food in LA! Vegan fried chicken sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, and donuts are just some of the amazing offerings at this event.

As much as I wish I could share all these epic vegan eats virtually, that technology hasn’t been invented yet. However, what I can share with you is a delicious vegan dessert recipe!

This recipe is a combination of two of my favorite baked goods: brownies and banana bread. It would be perfect as a last-minute Easter dessert, or simply as a spring break baking project. Brownie bottom banana bread bars are a definite crowd-pleaser!

The bottom layer of these bars is comprised of a chewy, fudgy brownie, and the top layer is a moist chocolate chip banana bread. The two different textures and flavors combine to create the perfect combination of dessert and breakfast! Whether you’re baking for a chocolate lover or a fruit fanatic, there’s something in these bars that they’ll love.

How To Make Brownie Bottom Banana Bread Bars

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer

• 3 tbsp ground flax
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup vegan butter
• 3 oz vegan chocolate chips
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Banana Bread Layer

• 4 tsp ground flax
• 1/4 cup water
• 6 tbsp vegan butter melted
• 3/4 cup mashed banana about 3 small
• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup vegan mini chocolate chips

Instructions

For the Brownie Layer

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9” x 13” baking pan with aluminum foil and spray lightly with oil.
2. Stir together the ground flax and water in a small bowl. Set aside to thicken.
3. In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
4. Add chocolate chips and cocoa powder and stir into the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Add the chocolate mixture into a large bowl, along with prepared flax eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon to combine.
6. Add flour and mix until incorporated.
7. Transfer brownie batter to the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.

For the Banana Bread Layer

1. Stir together the ground flax and water in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the melted butter, banana, and sugar.
3. Stir in the flax egg and vanilla.
4. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour banana bread batter over the brownie batter in the prepared pan and gently spread it into an even layer.
7. Bake bars for 45-50 minutes, or until the inside is cooked and the top springs back when lightly touched.
8. Allow bars to cool completely before slicing into 15 bars.

Health Benefits of Brownie Bottom Banana Bread Bars

The Brownie Bottom Banana Bread Bars aren’t just tasty—they bring some good stuff for your health too! The flax seeds give you omega-3 fatty acids, which are like superheroes for your heart. Bananas are packed with good things like potassium and vitamins that help your tummy and keep you healthy.

Plus, because we’re using vegan ingredients like butter and chocolate chips, these bars are kinder to your heart. The cocoa powder and dark chocolate in there? They’re like little health warriors, full of antioxidants that can help your body fight off bad stuff. So, while you enjoy the sweetness, you’re also getting a mix of good things that are friendly to your health.

FAQ

Can I use regular eggs instead of ground flax seeds for this recipe?

• Yes, you can substitute each flax egg with a regular egg if you’re not following a vegan diet. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still work well.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

• Certainly! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I reduce the sugar content for a less sweet option?

• Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your preference. Keep in mind that it might impact the texture and sweetness, so find a balance that suits your taste.

What’s the purpose of using both cocoa powder and vegan chocolate chips in the brownie layer?

• The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips enhances the chocolate flavor and provides a more indulgent texture to the brownie layer.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the banana bread layer?

• Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding nuts, dried fruits, or other mix-ins to the banana bread layer for added texture and flavor.

How should I store the leftover bars?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars and warm them up before serving if desired.