Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly blends the moist, comforting flavors of banana bread with the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies, you’re in for a treat with this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe. It’s an irresistible twist that combines the best of both worlds—moist banana sweetness meets deep chocolate flavor in a decadent bar that’s sure to become an instant favorite. Trust me, these brownies are not only easy to make but also packed with so much character and warmth that every bite feels like a cozy hug. Whether for a casual snack or a special occasion, this recipe promises happiness in every square.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from adding moisture and flavor to providing that perfect texture and chocolatey depth. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to get started:

• 2 ripe bananas: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and moistness to your brownies.
• ½ cup butter, melted: Brings richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens everything up perfectly to balance the banana and cocoa.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
• 1 ½ cups flour: Provides the base that holds your brownies together without getting dense.
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder: Adds chocolate intensity without overpowering the banana.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the brownies rise just enough for a tender texture.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
• Optional Add-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips, ½ cup walnuts, or 2 tbsp peanut butter to swirl—these add-ins are wonderful for extra bursts of flavor and texture.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan is key to ensuring your brownies lift out easily when baked. This step sets you up for smooth sailing ahead.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Grab your ripe bananas and mash them until smooth. This simple act is where your brownies gain that moist, fruity heart—look for bananas that are perfectly ripe with spots to get the richest flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Then stir in the mashed bananas until everything is beautifully combined. This mixture forms the luscious base that will make your brownies stand out.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. This dry mix is what gives the brownies their structure and chocolate kick, balancing out the sweetness and moisture.

Step 5: Fold Dry into Wet

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Take care not to over-mix; just combine until no flour streaks remain. This helps maintain a tender, fudgy texture that’s essential for fantastic banana bread brownies.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This timing gives you that perfect soft yet structured brownie.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This resting time allows them to firm up just enough for slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor and comfort.

How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Banana Bread Brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or top with a handful of chopped walnuts for added crunch and an inviting presentation. A drizzle of melted peanut butter on top can add a gorgeous swirl that’s both tasty and visually appealing.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the dense, decadent texture with creamy coolness. Fresh berries also add a lovely pop of color and tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the brownies into bite-size squares for a party platter or layering them with mascarpone and sliced bananas for an elegant dessert parfait. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Banana Bread Brownies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and moist, ready for a quick snack whenever you need a little chocolatey pick-me-up.

Freezing

You can freeze the brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well up to three months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator for an easy, ready-to-go treat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual brownie squares in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This works wonderfully to bring back that soft, gooey texture that makes the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe so delicious.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet treat, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to the moistness and texture, so don’t cut too much or the brownies might become too dense or dry.

What type of bananas work best for this recipe?

Ripe bananas with brown spots are ideal as they are naturally sweeter and softer, which contributes to the moist, tender crumb in your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture should remain wonderfully moist and tender.

Is it necessary to add optional ingredients like walnuts or peanut butter?

Not at all. These add-ins are totally optional and provide extra flavor and texture. Feel free to skip them or customize with your favorite nuts or chocolate chunks.

How can I tell when the Banana Bread Brownies are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center after 30 minutes of baking; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, they are done. Overbaking could dry them out, so keep an eye on them during the final minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both familiar and delightfully new, this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is the perfect answer. It combines the cozy sweetness of banana bread with the rich decadence of brownie in a way that’s simple to make but feels extra special. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a go enough—it’s bound to brighten your day and become a beloved classic in your home.

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

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4.1 from 63 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these moist and fudgy Banana Bread Brownies, a perfect fusion of classic banana bread and rich chocolate brownies. Made with ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and optional add-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or peanut butter swirls, this recipe delivers a decadent treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup walnuts
• 2 tbsp peanut butter (for swirling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to ensure the brownies don’t stick and bake evenly.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, which will provide natural sweetness and moisture to the batter.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Then stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and chocolate flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
6. Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in chocolate chips and walnuts for added texture. For a peanut butter swirl, dollop peanut butter on top of the batter and gently swirl with a knife.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the brownies are cooked through.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow them to set. Serve warm or at room temperature for a rich, moist treat.

Notes

• You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
• Check the brownies at the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out.
• For extra fudgy brownies, reduce baking time slightly.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American