There’s something magical about combining two beloved treats into one: banana bread brownies. If you love the moist, comforting flavors of banana bread but crave the fudgy richness of brownies, this recipe is your new go-to dessert. You’ll find these banana bread brownies incredibly moist and sweet, with a tender crumb and hints of warm spices that make every bite memorable.
Making banana bread brownies is a fun twist that brings out the best of both worlds. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family night or an impressive dessert for guests, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and texture. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best qualities of banana bread and brownies into one delicious treat.
- Moist texture with rich, sweet flavor and a subtle hint of warm spices.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacks—versatile and crowd-pleasing.
- Easy to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of frosting.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious banana bread brownies. Make sure your bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 brownies
- Calories: Approximately 220 per serving
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies – A Deliciously Moist, Sweet Twist on Banana Bread!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until combined, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until combined—avoid over-mixing to keep the brownies tender.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips to add crunch and extra chocolate flavor.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Allow the banana bread brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares and serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter—it keeps the brownies soft and tender.
- Line your pan with parchment paper to easily lift the brownies out without breaking.
- Customize by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of peanut butter.
- Allow brownies to cool fully before slicing for clean edges and better texture.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist and flavorful. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them come to room temperature naturally. This helps restore their soft texture and enhances the rich banana and chocolate flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use overripe bananas for banana bread brownies?
Yes! Overripe bananas with brown spots are actually preferred because they are sweeter and softer, which adds natural moisture and flavor to your banana bread brownies.
Can I substitute oil for butter in this recipe?
Absolutely. You can replace the melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable or canola oil. The texture may be slightly different, but the brownies will still be moist and delicious.
How do I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure the blend is suitable for baking to maintain the right texture.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?
Yes, adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans is a great way to add texture and extra flavor to your banana bread brownies. Fold them in just before baking.
