Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the moist, tender sweetness of banana bread. They’re the ultimate comfort treat—perfect for using up ripe bananas and satisfying chocolate cravings at the same time. Quick to make, kid-friendly, and freezer-friendly, they’re a must-try recipe!
Ingredients
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp baking soda
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
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Add mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
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In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
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Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 9–12 brownies
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Frosted: Add a cream cheese or chocolate frosting for extra indulgence.
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Swirled: Swirl in peanut butter or Nutella before baking.
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Healthy twist: Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar for a lighter version.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Fridge: Lasts up to 1 week chilled.
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Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe without cocoa powder?
A: Yes! It will taste more like classic banana bread but still have a soft brownie texture.
Q: Do the bananas need to be overripe?
A: Yes, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 35–40 minutes.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Brownies
These Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect mash-up of two classic treats! Moist and tender like banana bread, yet fudgy and rich like brownies, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, great for using up ripe bananas, and perfect for snacks, potlucks, or an indulgent after-dinner bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Batter:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Prep the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Mix well.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined (do not overmix).
- Fold in extras: Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & serve: Let cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and chill before slicing.
- Add a swirl of Nutella or peanut butter on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect mash-up dessert—sweet, fudgy, and moist with a hint of banana goodness. Whether you enjoy them plain, with frosting, or swirled with nut butter, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!