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Banana Bread Brownies

Banana bread and brownies—two of my absolute favorite desserts! So, you can imagine my excitement when I first discovered that combining the two creates a deliciously rich and moist treat that brings the best of both worlds. I stumbled upon this idea while experimenting with leftover ripe bananas and, oh my goodness, it was a hit! The soft, banana-infused brownie has since become my go-to recipe for family gatherings and weekend baking sessions. I promise, after one bite, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t tried it sooner.

If you’re a banana bread lover or a brownie enthusiast, these Banana Bread Brownies are about to become your new obsession. They’re indulgent enough for dessert, but with the comforting flavor of banana bread, you could easily enjoy them for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack. Ready to bake? Let’s dive in!

A plate of Banana Bread Brownies with a rich, fudgy texture, topped with chocolate chips and walnuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Flavors
These brownies beautifully balance the deep, chocolatey richness of a brownie with the sweet, banana flavor we all love from banana bread. The mashed bananas not only add a natural sweetness but also bring a dense, moist texture that takes these brownies to the next level. Plus, the chocolate and banana combination is just heavenly!

2. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just basic baking staples and a few ripe bananas. It’s quick and easy, perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. In fact, this is one of those recipes that are nearly foolproof, even for beginners!

3. Great Way to Use Overripe Bananas
If you have a couple of overripe bananas sitting on the counter, don’t throw them away! This recipe is the ideal solution for those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. Overripe bananas are actually better here because they bring out more sweetness and moisture, making your brownies even more irresistible.

4. Family-Friendly and Versatile
These banana bread brownies are always a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults. You can even customize them with mix-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or a swirl of peanut butter for an extra twist. Whether you’re making them for a school snack or a party, they’re sure to be a hit!

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas until well combined.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring gently until everything is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Add mix-ins (optional): Fold in the chocolate chips or walnuts if you’re using them.
  5. Bake: Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, making sure to spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Cooking Time and Yield:

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: about 9-12 brownies, depending on how large or small you cut them.

The Fun Twist on Two Classics

There’s something so satisfying about taking two beloved desserts and combining them into one treat. The first time I made these Banana Bread Brownies, I’ll admit I was a little nervous—what if they turned out too sweet or the textures clashed? But I’m happy to say that they turned out perfectly. The moist banana bread texture complements the fudgy brownie richness so well. It’s a hit every time I make it, and I’ve even caught my husband sneaking a piece (or two) for breakfast!

One fun story—my kids were a little suspicious when I told them I was making “banana brownies.” They gave me that “Are you sure, Mom?” look. But after one bite, they were hooked! Now it’s a family favorite that we make together, especially when we have extra bananas lying around.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

  1. Use Overripe Bananas
    The riper, the better! Overripe bananas add more natural sweetness and moisture to your brownies. Bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal—they’ll blend more smoothly into the batter and enhance the flavor.
  2. Don’t Overmix
    Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Stir just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense or tough brownies, and we want them to stay moist and fudgy.
  3. Line Your Baking Pan with Parchment Paper
    For easy cleanup and to ensure your brownies lift out easily, line your baking pan with parchment paper. You can also leave an overhang, which will make it super simple to lift the entire batch out once cooled.
  4. Test for Doneness
    Brownies can be tricky when it comes to knowing when they’re done. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with moist crumbs, it’s perfect. If it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes. Just be careful not to overbake.

Health Benefits of Banana Bread Brownies

While Banana Bread Brownies are definitely a treat, they come with a few surprising health perks. Bananas are a great source of potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, which support heart health and digestion​. Even after baking, bananas retain much of their nutritional value, including vitamin C and fiber, making these brownies a bit healthier than your average dessert​. Learn more about the health benefits of bananas, and feel good about indulging!

Substitutions and Variations

  1. Gluten-Free Version
    If you’re gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement, and your brownies will still turn out just as delicious.
  2. Vegan Banana Bread Brownies
    To make this recipe vegan, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg). Use vegan butter or coconut oil, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips.
  3. Add a Swirl
    For an extra layer of indulgence, swirl some peanut butter, Nutella, or cream cheese into the batter before baking. It adds a fun twist and extra richness to the brownies.
  4. Boost the Fiber
    If you want to make these brownies a bit healthier, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour. This adds more fiber while still keeping the texture soft and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it possible to prepare these brownies in advance?
Yes, these brownies store well! You can make them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge or freeze them for up to 3 months.

2. Can I freeze Banana Bread Brownies?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the brownies to cool completely, then cut them into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.

3. What can I use instead of eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, flaxseed eggs work great in this recipe (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg). Mashed bananas or applesauce can also replace eggs, but they’ll add a bit more moisture.

4. How do I know when my brownies are done?
To check for doneness, simply insert a toothpick into the middle. If the toothpick emerges with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your brownies are perfectly done. If the batter is still wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

5. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips or nuts like walnuts or pecans is a great way to add extra texture and flavor. Fold them into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.

6. How can I make these brownies less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. You can also use unsweetened cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor without the extra sweetness.

7. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them into the batter. Frozen bananas can add extra moisture, so you may want to slightly reduce the other wet ingredients.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Of course! If you’re baking for a crowd, simply double the recipe and use a larger baking pan (like a 9×13-inch pan). Keep an eye on the baking time—it may take a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and a great way to use up overripe bananas. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or serving them at a gathering, these brownies are sure to please. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments or try adding your own twist to the recipe. And if you love this recipe, be sure to subscribe for more delicious ideas!

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Close-up of Banana Bread Brownies showing their moist, chocolatey texture with a bite taken out.

Banana Bread Brownies


  • Author: Ashley

Description

Banana Bread Brownies combine the sweet, comforting flavor of banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies. This recipe is easy to make with overripe bananas, basic ingredients, and is customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. A perfect treat for any time of day!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Let cool before slicing and serving.

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