Imagine the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie combined with the sweet, comforting flavor of classic banana bread. That’s exactly what Banana Bread Brownies deliver! Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking for a creative way to use up ripe bananas, this recipe has your back. It’s a one-bowl wonder that’s quick to whip up, super moist, and just sweet enough to satisfy your dessert dreams. Perfect for afternoon treats, lunchbox snacks, or weekend baking fun with the family!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Brownies
These Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate mash-up dessert! They’re soft and moist like banana bread but have a rich, slightly chewy brownie base that makes each bite irresistible. The best part? They’re super easy to make—no fancy mixers or hard-to-find ingredients needed. Whether you love a good banana dessert, are a die-hard brownie fan, or just need a new bake to obsess over, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter!
Ingredients
All you need is a handful of pantry staples and a couple of ripe bananas. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these dreamy Banana Bread Brownies:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but so good!)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping, optional)
Instructions
These Banana Bread Brownies come together in no time! Just mix, pour, and bake. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Fold in the chocolate chips (and any extras like nuts).
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if you’d like!
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 9 large brownies or 12 smaller squares, depending on how generous you like your portions (no judgment here!).
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes from start to snack!
Perfect for quick weekend baking, a sweet after-school treat, or sharing at your next brunch or potluck.
Tips and Variations
- Ripe bananas are key: The spottier, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Want extra fudgy brownies? Add ¼ cup of melted chocolate to the batter for an extra rich texture.
- Nutty vibes: Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Peanut butter swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the batter before baking and swirl with a knife—SO good.
- Dairy-free? Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, and skip the chocolate chips or use a vegan version.
- Gluten-free? Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Spice it up: A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of pumpkin spice adds a cozy twist.
Storage
These Banana Bread Brownies store beautifully, so you can enjoy them all week long (if they last that long!).
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely—swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based butter and chocolate chips.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can use white sugar, but brown sugar adds extra moisture and a richer flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yep! Just bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the bake time by 5–10 minutes. Keep an eye on it!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs—no wet batter.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that your other ingredients are GF-friendly.
Do these taste more like banana bread or brownies?
Both! They have the sweet banana flavor of banana bread with the chewy texture of a soft brownie. The best of both!
Whether you’re a banana bread lover, a brownie addict, or just need a quick and cozy bake, these Banana Bread Brownies are a must-try. They’re easy, delicious, and totally customizable—plus, they make your kitchen smell amazing. So grab those ripe bananas and let’s get baking!
Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!
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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Imagine the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie combined with the sweet, comforting flavor of classic banana bread. That’s exactly what Banana Bread Brownies deliver! Quick to whip up, super moist, and just sweet enough to satisfy your dessert dreams.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 squares 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Fold in the chocolate chips (and any extras like nuts).
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if you’d like!
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Want extra fudgy brownies? Add ¼ cup melted chocolate to the batter. Try mixing in chopped nuts, or swirling peanut butter on top before baking. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 GF flour blend. These store well in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: banana bread, brownies, banana dessert, quick baking, chocolate, moist brownies
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