Banana Bread Brownies
There’s nothing quite like combining two classics into one delicious treat! This Banana Bread Brownies recipe is a true family favorite in our home. It brings the soft, moist texture of banana bread and the rich, fudgy flavor of brownies together in a single bite. My kids can’t get enough of it, and honestly, neither can I! Perfect for an after-school snack, a dessert, or even a cheeky breakfast (who can resist?). If you’re a fan of either banana bread or brownies, this recipe is about to become your go-to treat!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Overripe bananas add extra sweetness and moisture, making these brownies even fudgier and more flavorful.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?
A: Yes, feel free to throw in some chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter at the end.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure it’s one designed for baking to maintain the right texture.
Q: How should I store these Banana Bread Brownies?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later!
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You may need to increase the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies
For the Brownie Base
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas) – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness; can substitute half with brown sugar for added richness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps achieve a moist and tender brownie texture.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the brownies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of the brownie structure; can be substituted with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps give a slight lift to the brownies.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
For the Chocolate Swirl
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps to create a smooth, rich chocolate layer.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder – Adds deep chocolate flavor for a swirl effect.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and sweetness to the chocolate swirl.
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips – For extra chocolatey bites throughout.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds a bit of crunch and complements the banana flavor.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
- Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and eggs, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Mix Everything Together: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Then, gently fold in the mashed bananas (and any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts).
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread Brownies
- Use ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They add a lot of natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the brownies tough. Stir until just combined for the best texture.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter make delicious additions.
- Let them cool: These brownies are extra fudgy, so letting them cool completely will make slicing easier.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “These were incredible! I love the mix of banana and chocolate flavors, and they turned out so moist. My kids devoured them!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “I made this recipe for a potluck, and everyone asked for the recipe. Such a hit!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “Delicious, but I added some chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness. So good!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “Perfect mix of brownie and banana bread. This has become a regular treat in our house!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “Really yummy! I wish they were a bit thicker, so I’ll try doubling the recipe next time.”
Printable Recipe
Banana Bread Brownies
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the soft, sweet flavor of banana bread with the fudgy richness of brownies. Perfectly moist and indulgent, they’re a family favorite!
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Base
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas) – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness; can substitute half with brown sugar for added richness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps achieve a moist and tender brownie texture.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the brownies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of the brownie structure; can be substituted with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps give a slight lift to the brownies.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- For the Chocolate Swirl
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps to create a smooth, rich chocolate layer.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder – Adds deep chocolate flavor for a swirl effect.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and sweetness to the chocolate swirl.
- Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips – For extra chocolatey bites throughout.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds a bit of crunch and complements the banana flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and eggs, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Mix Everything Together: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Then, gently fold in the mashed bananas (and any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts).
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Banana Bread Brownies as much as we did, please share this recipe with your friends and family! Post a picture of your delicious creation on social media and tag me so I can see your amazing bakes. Sharing helps others discover easy and delicious recipes, and it supports my blog. Let’s spread the joy of baking together—one Banana Bread Brownie at a time!
