If you love classic banana bread and crave a fudgy chocolate treat, you’re going to adore these banana bread brownies. This recipe combines the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with rich cocoa for a dessert that hits all the right notes.
Banana bread brownies are perfect when you want something comforting yet a little different. You’ll enjoy the familiar flavors of banana bread with a luscious brownie texture that’s just irresistible.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best of banana bread and brownies in one moist, flavorful treat.
- Uses ripe bananas to add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack any time of day.
- Customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or swirls of peanut butter.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious banana bread brownies. Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 brownies
- Calories: Approximately 210 per serving
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies – A Deliciously Moist, Sweet Twist on Banana Bread!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares and serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a soft, fudgy texture.
- Try adding a swirl of peanut butter or cream cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Check the brownies a few minutes before the baking time ends to prevent overbaking.
- Let the brownies cool fully to make cutting easier and keep them from crumbling.
Storage and Reheating
Store your banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm individual brownies in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until soft and warm. You can also let frozen brownies thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute ingredients in this banana bread brownies recipe?
You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but it may change the texture slightly. Feel free to use dairy-free butter or coconut oil to make it vegan-friendly, and replace eggs with flax eggs if needed.
How ripe should the bananas be for banana bread brownies?
The bananas should be very ripe with plenty of brown spots on the peel. This ensures they are sweet and soft enough to add moisture and flavor to the brownies.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch, while chocolate chips add extra bursts of chocolate throughout the brownies. Both are optional but recommended.
What is the best way to cut banana bread brownies?
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares without crumbling.
