If you’re searching for a dessert that brilliantly blends the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread, look no further than this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe. It’s a delightful treat that brings together the best of both worlds, transforming ripe bananas, cocoa, and a handful of simple staples into something incredibly special. Each bite offers a moist, chocolaty experience with just a hint of banana sweetness, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family snack or an impressive potluck contribution.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward yet essential to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each item plays a role—ripe bananas for moisture and natural sweetness, cocoa powder for that deep chocolate punch, and a touch of baking soda to help everything rise just right.
- 2 ripe bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the batter, balancing the chocolate and banana flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter and add structure to your brownies.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 ½ cups flour: Provides the necessary bulk for a chewy, yet tender bite.
- â…“ cup cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor without extra fat.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the brownies rise and keeps them light.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them pop.
- Optional add-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips, ½ cup walnuts, or 2 tbsp peanut butter for swirling to elevate texture and taste.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly to make sure your Banana Bread Brownies come out cleanly without sticking, giving you those perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Mash Those Bananas
Take your ripe bananas and mash them until smooth. This part is joyous because you get to see how those simple fruits transform into natural sweetness and moisture with just a quick mash. It’s the secret that makes these brownies uniquely tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together your melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once everything is harmonized, gently fold in the mashed bananas. This combination forms the flavorful base that will make your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe so deliciously moist.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is a great tip here because it avoids lumps and ensures even distribution of the chocolate and leavening, which means a perfectly blended batter.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Now, slowly fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Be gentle; you want these two parts to just come together without overmixing. This careful touch keeps the brownies tender, not tough.
Step 6: Optional Add-Ins and Swirls
This step is where you can get creative! Fold in chocolate chips or walnuts for added texture. Or, drop dollops of peanut butter and use a toothpick to swirl it through the batter—it adds a luscious, nutty surprise that’s utterly addictive.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know they are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—perfect for that fudgy finish.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, resist the urge and let your Banana Bread Brownies cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan. This resting time helps them set so when you slice into them, you get those clean, handsome edges that make each brownie look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to turn these brownies into a showstopper, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. For an extra touch, add a few banana slices on top or sprinkle some chopped nuts to delight both the eye and palate.
Side Dishes
Banana Bread Brownies pair beautifully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries also bring a lovely brightness and a bit of tang, balancing the dessert’s rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these brownies warm beside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. Or cut them into smaller bites and thread them onto skewers with fresh fruit for a playful dessert platter. Another idea is layering brownie cubes with yogurt and fruit for a layered parfait that’s both indulgent and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Banana Bread Brownies keep well at room temperature if covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies for longer storage. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months, ready whenever a sweet craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy your Banana Bread Brownies after refrigeration or freezing, warm them gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or let them come to room temperature. A quick reheat brings back that soft, gooey texture that makes them so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use unripe bananas for this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe?
It’s best to use ripe bananas because they provide natural sweetness and moisture that unripe bananas lack. The flavor won’t be as rich or tender if the bananas aren’t fully ripe.
Can I substitute the butter with oil or another fat?
Yes, you can substitute butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil, but the flavor and texture might vary slightly. Butter adds a classic richness that works beautifully here.
What’s the best way to ensure fudgy brownies?
Don’t overmix your batter once the dry ingredients are added, and keep an eye on the bake time so you don’t overbake. Pull them out when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Make sure your baking soda and cocoa powder are also gluten-free.
Are there any vegan adaptations for this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe?
Yes, swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Keep in mind that texture might be a bit different, but the brownies will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is honestly one of those finds that makes baking feel like pure joy. It’s simple, flexible, and so deeply satisfying, combining familiar flavors in such a crave-worthy way. Whether you’re baking for friends or treating yourself, these brownies are destined to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Grab those bananas and get baking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fudgy Banana Bread Brownies combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with rich cocoa for a perfect treat. These brownies are easy to make, moist, and offer optional add-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or peanut butter swirls to customize your indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- â…“ 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)
Instructions
- 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 during baking.
- Mash the Bananas: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, providing natural sweetness and moisture to the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Then, stir in the mashed bananas thoroughly to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure an even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender brownie texture. If desired, gently fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. If using peanut butter for swirling, dollop it on top and swirl lightly with a knife. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan to set before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy.
- Cooling the brownies before slicing prevents them from crumbling.
- Optional add-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or peanut butter swirls add extra flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
