Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup (150g / 5.3 oz) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g / 1.8 oz) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup/240ml)
  • 1 cup (120g / 4.2 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (approximately 60g / 2.1 oz) chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (25g / 0.9 oz) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper (overhanging edges make removal easy) or grease lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla; whisk until combined.
  4. Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined.
  5. Incorporate flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until just combined – avoid overmixing!
  6. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips (if using).
  7. In a separate small bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add egg yolk and vanilla; beat until well combined.
  9. Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  10. If using cream cheese swirl, drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl them together lightly.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  12. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang (if used). Slice into squares and serve.