Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Irresistible Banana Bread Brownies Recipe: Fudgy Sweet Squares

Sweet meets decadent in these irresistible banana bread brownies that blend two classic desserts into one incredible treat.

Creamy mashed bananas infuse rich chocolate layers with unexpected moisture and depth.

Unexpected flavor combinations often spark kitchen magic, creating memorable moments around your table.

Moist chocolate bases complement caramelized banana notes perfectly, delivering complex taste experiences.

Soft, fudgy textures emerge from carefully balanced ingredients that surprise and delight.

Chocolate lovers and banana fans will find themselves captivated by these indulgent squares.

You won’t be able to resist another slice of this delightful dessert fusion.

Banana Bread Brownies That Mix the Best of Both Worlds

  • Simplify Baking Bliss: Quick banana bread brownies rescue overripe bananas with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Irresistible dessert that brings smiles to both kids and adults with its rich, moist texture.
  • Time-Saving Magic: Prep takes just minutes, delivering homemade goodness without complex techniques or long waiting periods.
  • Family-Friendly Treat: One-pan recipe that creates a shareable dessert perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or casual weekend snacking.

Banana Bread Brownies Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Super ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture for rich, soft brownies.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient that gives structure to the brownies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Helps bind ingredients and creates a smooth, cohesive batter.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Baking Soda: Helps brownies rise and creates a softer texture.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Chocolate Chips: Optional mix-in for extra chocolatey goodness.
  • Nuts: Optional crunchy element for added texture.

Banana Bread Brownies Dessert Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to the perfect temperature for baking, setting it to 350°F.

This creates an ideal environment for your banana bread brownies to transform into a delightful treat.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Get your baking dish ready by carefully lining it with aluminum foil.

Make sure to leave extra foil hanging over the sides – this little trick will help you lift out the brownies effortlessly once they’re baked.

Step 3: Whip Up the Banana Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the following ingredients:
  • Ripe bananas
  • Softened butter
  • White sugar
  • Brown sugar

Mash and blend everything together until you create a smooth, creamy mixture that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Create the Dry Ingredient Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined and free of any lumps.

Step 5: Merge the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the banana mixture.

Stir carefully, making sure everything is incorporated without overmixing.

The goal is a consistent batter that’s light and full of potential.

Step 6: Add Extra Deliciousness

Enhance your brownie batter by stirring in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Chopped nuts (optional)
  • Chocolate chips (if desired)

These add-ins will give your brownies an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Step 7: Pour and Spread

Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every corner gets covered with the delectable mixture.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove the banana bread brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the dish.

Once cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the entire batch out.

Slice into squares and enjoy your delightful creation!

Brownie Tips for Banana Bread Lovers

  • Use overripe, deeply spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
  • Gently fold ingredients until just combined to prevent tough, dense brownies.
  • If bananas are extra large, reduce liquid ingredients slightly to maintain perfect brownie texture.
  • Ensure foil extends over sides for effortless brownie removal and clean cutting.
  • Insert toothpick near center – a few moist crumbs are okay, but avoid wet batter for best results.

Banana Bread Brownies Keep Fresh

  • Store leftover banana bread brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture. For a crispier edge, use the oven: preheat to 350°F and warm for 3-5 minutes.
  • Let frozen or refrigerated brownies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.

Brownie Companions for Banana Bread Bars

  • Savor Sweet Harmony: Perfect Pairings for Banana Bread Brownies
  • Pair with Coffee Bliss: Rich, medium-roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, balancing the dense brownie texture with its robust flavor profile.
  • Complement with Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast, melting softly against the warm, rich brownie.
  • Match with Caramel Drizzle: Smooth, golden caramel sauce enhances the banana's natural sweetness, adding a luxurious layer of depth to each decadent bite.
  • Elevate with Toasted Walnuts: Crunchy, slightly bitter toasted walnuts provide a textural contrast and nutty undertone that perfectly complements the banana's mellow sweetness.

Banana Bread Brownies With Flavor Mix-Ins

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free baking mix to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the moist, rich texture of traditional banana bread brownies.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with mashed ripe bananas or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to craft a plant-based treat that's equally decadent and satisfying.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap refined sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, incorporate sugar-free dark chocolate chunks, and add extra mashed bananas to maintain sweetness while reducing overall sugar content for a healthier dessert option.
  • Nutty Enhancement: Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to introduce additional protein and create a delightful crunch that complements the soft, fudgy banana bread brownie texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work perfectly. Just drain any excess liquid before mashing them for the recipe.

  • How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe bananas with brown or black spots, as they’re sweeter and provide more intense banana flavor.

  • Is it okay to skip the nuts or use different types?

Absolutely! You can omit nuts entirely or substitute with walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking to maintain the right texture.

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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet banana bread meets rich chocolate in this irresistible Banana Bread Brownies recipe, blending classic comfort with decadent indulgence. Moist, fudgy layers promise a delightful dessert you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter:

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (237 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (14 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons/113 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 1/4 cups (250 g) light brown sugar
  • 3 ounces (85 g) unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Banana Bread Batter:

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) sour cream
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons/113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 ounces (57 g) unsweetened chocolate
  • 1 cup (120 g) confectioners sugar
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons boiling water
  • 1 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by adjusting the rack to the middle position and warming it to a precise 350°F, creating an ideal baking atmosphere.
  2. Create a protective liner for your baking vessel by carefully draping aluminum foil across the glass dish, ensuring generous overhanging edges that will facilitate effortless brownie extraction.
  3. Thoroughly combine the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking soda, and salt until they achieve a uniform, aerated consistency.
  4. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy texture with a pale, creamy appearance.
  5. Introduce mashed ripe bananas into the butter mixture, stirring until they integrate seamlessly, releasing their rich, sweet essence throughout the batter.
  6. Gently fold the eggs into the banana mixture, incorporating them one at a time to maintain a smooth, homogeneous texture.
  7. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with minimal agitation to prevent overdeveloping the gluten and maintaining a tender crumb.
  8. Carefully spread the batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface that will ensure consistent baking.
  9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a toothpick that emerges with minimal, moist crumbs.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the banana bread brownies to cool completely within the dish, which helps them set and develop a more intense flavor profile.
  11. Utilize the foil overhang to lift the entire batch from the baking dish, transferring to a cutting board for precise, clean slicing into decadent squares.

Notes

  • Swap ripe bananas for extra moisture and natural sweetness, ensuring a more decadent brownie texture.
  • Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for delightful crunch and enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Cool brownies completely in the pan before cutting to maintain their structural integrity and prevent crumbling.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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