Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Irresistible Banana Bread Brownies Recipe: A Sweet Fusion Treat

Whipping up delectable banana bread brownies brings pure comfort to any kitchen adventure.

Soft, gooey textures merge classic banana sweetness with rich chocolate undertones.

Moist crumbs promise decadent moments of pure indulgence.

Home bakers can easily craft this delightful treat with minimal ingredients.

Simple pantry staples transform into a crowd-pleasing dessert that sparks instant smiles.

Every slice promises a heavenly blend of familiar flavors and unexpected delights.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly tempting and surprisingly straightforward to create.

Proper Storage for Banana Bread Brownies

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep brownies between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.

Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.

Warm individual brownie for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

Warm at 300F for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent edges from becoming hard or crispy.

FAQs

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread brownies. They provide more natural sweetness and a deeper banana flavor.

  • Is cocoa powder necessary for these brownies?

Cocoa powder is essential as it gives the brownies their rich chocolate taste and dark color. Without it, you’ll lose the brownie-like characteristics.

  • How do I know when the brownies are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and fudgy.

  • Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free for best results.

Banana Bread Brownies That Melt in Your Mouth

  • Boost Versatility: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, these brownies blend classic banana bread with rich chocolate goodness.
  • Simplify Baking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it ideal for beginners or rushed home bakers who want a delicious treat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Fusion: Combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible recipe that satisfies chocolate and banana lovers alike, guaranteeing smiles at potlucks and family gatherings.
  • Quick Preparation: Mixes in one bowl with straightforward steps, allowing you to go from craving to enjoying in under an hour with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients for Moist Banana Bread Brownies

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Butter: Creates richness and contributes to the dense brownie consistency.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with structure.
  • Flour: Provides the base and structure for the brownies.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complements the banana and chocolate flavors.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
For the Optional Topping:
  • Chocolate: Provides an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence when drizzled on top.

How to Bake Banana Bread Brownies Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Set your oven to 350F (175C). Grab an 8-inch baking pan and coat it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Banana Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine and whisk together:
  • Ripe mashed bananas
  • Granulated sugar
  • Melted unsalted butter
  • Fresh egg
  • Pure vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift the following ingredients into your wet mixture:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt

Gently fold ingredients until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.

Step 4: Pour and Spread Batter

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring uniform thickness across the pan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Set

Remove brownies from oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and develop a rich, fudgy texture.

Step 7: Add Decadent Finish

Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brownies for an extra layer of indulgence.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares and serve these delightful banana bread brownies to eager friends and family.

Tips to Nail Banana Bread Brownies Every Time

  • Ensure bananas are completely mashed to create a smooth, consistent texture that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
  • Use ripe, soft bananas to prevent excess liquid and maintain the perfect brownie consistency.
  • Watch brownies closely after 20 minutes to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the texture.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to intensify the chocolate and banana notes.
  • Allow brownies to cool entirely to achieve clean, neat slices and let flavors settle.

Variations to Try on Banana Bread Brownies

  • Nutty Banana Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and rich, earthy flavor.
  • Chocolate Chip Paradise: Mix in dark or milk chocolate chips to create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies.
  • Salted Caramel Dream: Swirl homemade caramel sauce into the batter before baking and sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combination.
  • Spiced Banana Comfort: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger to add warm, cozy spices that complement the banana flavor.

Pairings That Work with Banana Bread Brownies

  • Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream complements the rich, warm chocolate and banana flavors, creating a delightful temperature and taste contrast.
  • Match with Bold Espresso: Strong espresso cuts through the sweetness of the brownies, enhancing the deep cocoa notes and providing a sophisticated flavor experience.
  • Select Caramel Macchiato: Layered caramel and espresso drink brings out the banana's subtle sweetness while adding complexity to the brownie's chocolate profile.
  • Combine with Hazelnut Liqueur: Nutty, smooth liqueur adds depth and sophistication, creating an indulgent adult dessert pairing that elevates the brownie's rich texture.
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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Sweet banana bread meets chocolate decadence in these irresistible brownies, blending comforting flavors with rich indulgence. Moist crumbs and intense chocolate create a delightful dessert that will satisfy both banana and brownie enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 3/4 cup (90 grams) flour
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) cocoa powder
  • 1 egg

Sweeteners and Liquids:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by lightly greasing an 8-inch pan and preheating the oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Thoroughly mash ripe bananas in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth base for the brownie mixture.
  3. Incorporate sugar, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract into the banana puree, whisking until the mixture becomes uniformly blended.
  4. Gently fold in cocoa powder, flour, and salt, stirring minimally to prevent over-mixing and maintain a tender texture.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute the mixture evenly across the surface.
  6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the center sets and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature, which helps them achieve the ideal dense and fudgy consistency.
  8. For an indulgent finishing touch, drizzle melted chocolate across the cooled brownies, creating an elegant and decadent presentation.
  9. Slice into squares and serve, savoring the rich combination of banana and chocolate flavors.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are overripe and very soft for maximum sweetness and moisture in the brownies.
  • Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor that complements the banana perfectly.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurement.
  • Create a dairy-free alternative by replacing butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil, keeping the same smooth texture and delicious taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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