Banana Bread Brownies Recipe: Imagine the comforting flavor of banana bread and the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie—together in one bite. That’s exactly what banana bread brownies deliver. This hybrid dessert is perfect for those days when you’re stuck between wanting something fruity and something chocolatey. With the moistness of banana bread and the dense satisfaction of brownies, this recipe creates a match made in dessert heaven.
This guide is for anyone craving something a little different. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a kitchen pro, banana bread brownies are incredibly easy to make, especially if you follow this step-by-step guide. It’s also a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. From prep to baking, we’ll walk you through everything to ensure your dessert turns out mouth-wateringly good.
So, are you ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s dive in.
Benefits of Making Banana Bread Brownies
Banana bread brownies aren’t just about taste—they come with some pretty sweet benefits too. First, they’re a creative way to use those ripe bananas that always seem to ripen too fast. You know the ones—too soft for cereal, too brown for slicing, but absolutely perfect for baking.
Second, the recipe is incredibly flexible. Want to toss in chocolate chips? Go for it. Prefer nuts or cinnamon? That works too. You can personalize it without ruining the core flavor.
Third, kids and adults alike go crazy for these. They’re soft, sweet, and make a great treat for lunchboxes, bake sales, or lazy weekend brunches. Plus, the recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for last-minute dessert emergencies (we’ve all been there).
And if you’re trying to sneak more fruit into your family’s diet—banana bread brownies totally count, right?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients. These are pantry staples, so chances are you already have most of them. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
These ingredients are the base for a soft, fudgy banana brownie that holds together well and tastes incredible. Make sure your bananas are very ripe—brown spots and all. That’s where the natural sweetness comes from.
Kitchen Tools Required
Before you start, let’s round up the tools you’ll need. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick (for doneness test)
Having everything ready before you begin will make the process smooth and mess-free.
Preparation Tips Before You Start
Before you even preheat the oven, there are a few pro tips to make your banana bread brownies the best they can be.
- Use overripe bananas: The blacker, the better. They’re sweeter, softer, and blend more easily into the batter.
- Preheat your oven properly: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and give it at least 10 minutes to come to full temperature.
- Line or grease your baking pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal, or grease well with butter or cooking spray.
- Melt the butter ahead of time: Let it cool slightly before mixing it with the sugars.
These tiny prep steps can make a big difference in your final result.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s the full step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to reach the perfect baking temperature while you prep your batter.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel and mash your bananas in a medium bowl using a fork. The texture should be smooth with just a few small chunks.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until creamy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Then add vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
Step 5: Mix in Mashed Bananas
Stir in your mashed bananas into the wet mixture. This creates the moist, banana-flavored base for your brownies.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 7: Fold Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Use a spatula to fold gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this is key to a soft texture.
Step 8: Add Optional Toppings
Now’s the time to add any extras: chocolate chips, nuts, cinnamon—you do you.
Step 9: Pour into Baking Dish
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread evenly with your spatula.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
How to Tell When It’s Done
Once your banana bread brownies have been baking for about 25–30 minutes, it’s time to check for doneness. But how do you know when they’re just right?
Here’s what to look for:
- Toothpick Test: Stick a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), you’re golden. If it comes out clean, they may be slightly overbaked—but still delicious.
- Edges Pulling Away: The edges of the brownie should start to pull away from the sides of the pan slightly. That’s a visual clue they’re baked through.
- Firm Top with a Soft Center: Lightly press the center—if it springs back, they’re ready. The top should look set and maybe even have a little bit of a crackle like classic brownies.
Whatever you do, don’t overbake. You want the brownies to be moist and fudgy, not dry and crumbly. The carryover heat after removing them from the oven will continue to cook them just a little, so pull them out as soon as they pass the toothpick test.
Cooling and Cutting Tips
Now, the hard part—waiting.
Let your banana bread brownies cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes. If you try to slice them too soon, they’ll fall apart or turn into a mushy mess. Cooling helps them firm up and hold their shape.
Here are a few pro tips for perfect slices:
- Use a plastic or silicone knife: Weirdly enough, this works better than metal for clean cuts.
- Wipe the blade between slices: Keeps the edges neat and avoids dragging crumbs through the next slice.
- Cut once fully cooled: If you can chill them in the fridge for an hour, they cut even more cleanly (though this is optional).
Once sliced, your banana brownies are ready to serve, stack, or sneak into your lunch bag.
Banana Bread Brownie Frosting (Optional)
Want to take things over the top? Let’s talk frosting—specifically brown butter frosting, which adds a rich, nutty layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the banana base.
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Brown the Butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
- Mix It Up: Pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl and slowly add powdered sugar. Stir in vanilla and just enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost While Warm: Spread the frosting over the brownies while both are still slightly warm. This helps it melt slightly and set like a glaze.
Not into frosting? No worries. These brownies are still fantastic on their own.
Storage and Shelf Life
Good news—banana bread brownies store really well!
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing.
- In the Refrigerator: If you frosted them, it’s best to refrigerate. They’ll last up to 5–6 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted banana bread brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. Defrost in the fridge overnight or microwave gently.
Quick tip: Freeze extras to satisfy sudden sweet cravings. You’ll thank yourself later.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to make these brownies even more irresistible:
- Warm them up: 10 seconds in the microwave brings them back to that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Banana + brownie + cold, creamy ice cream = heaven.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce: A fancy touch for parties or guests.
- Pair with coffee or milk: The rich sweetness pairs perfectly with something creamy or bitter.
However you serve them, they’re bound to be a hit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though banana bread brownies are easy to make, a few common mistakes can trip you up:
- Using underripe bananas: They’re not sweet or soft enough, and they won’t give the right flavor.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough, dense brownies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the timer. They should still be slightly soft in the center when you pull them out.
- Skipping parchment paper: Makes removal so much easier and keeps the bottom from burning.
- Not measuring properly: Baking is science—level off your flour and sugar for accurate results.
Avoid these, and you’re well on your way to banana brownie greatness.
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious twists:
1. Vegan Banana Bread Brownies
- Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg)
- Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter
- Use non-dairy chocolate chips
2. Gluten-Free Version
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix
- Double-check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free
3. Peanut Butter Swirl
- Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl with a knife before baking
- Adds an extra layer of creamy, nutty flavor
You can also play around with spices like cardamom, ginger, or clove if you’re feeling adventurous.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s sum it up: These banana bread brownies are easy to make, incredibly moist, and bursting with flavor. They’re versatile, family-friendly, and make the perfect dessert for any time of year. Plus, you get to use up bananas that might otherwise go to waste—win-win.
If you love banana bread, and you love brownies, there’s absolutely no reason you won’t fall head over heels for this recipe. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation.
FAQs about Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely. Just thaw them completely and drain off excess liquid before mashing and using.
2. How do I make this recipe vegan?
Swap the eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and make sure all your ingredients (like chocolate chips) are vegan-friendly.
3. Why did my banana brownies come out dry?
Most likely, they were overbaked. Check your oven temp with a thermometer and pull them out when a toothpick has moist crumbs—not a clean stick.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can, but it may result in a denser texture. To lighten it, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
5. How long can I store banana bread brownies?
At room temperature, they’re good for 3 days. In the fridge, up to 5–6 days. Freeze for longer storage—up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Banana bread brownies combine the best of both worlds—moist, sweet banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies. This recipe is your go-to when you want something comforting yet crave-worthy, simple yet impressive.
Whether you’re baking for your family, bringing a treat to a get-together, or just treating yourself, these brownies never disappoint. From the smell that fills your kitchen to that first soft, gooey bite, they’re pure homemade happiness.
