If you’ve ever been stuck between a craving for rich chocolate brownies and a bunch of ripe bananas sitting on the counter, Banana Brownies are about to become your new obsession. These decadent treats bring together the fudgy goodness of classic brownies with the natural sweetness and moisture from bananas, creating a dessert that’s irresistibly soft, chocolatey, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on traditional brownies or simply a way to use those leftover bananas, this recipe is easy, reliable, and sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of basic ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up these delicious Banana Brownies. Each component plays a unique part—think gooey texture, intense chocolate flavor, and that signature hint of banana. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Bananas (2 large, overripe): The riper, the better! Bananas give these brownies their moist texture and natural sweetness.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Melted butter creates that classic fudgy bite and helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): A must for balanced sweetness and that perfect brownie crackle top.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): This adds a subtle caramel note and extra moisture to the batter.
Egg (1 large): Just one egg binds everything together without making the brownies too cakey.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out both the banana and chocolate flavors in every bite.
All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Enough to hold the Banana Brownies together without losing that chewy texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Delivers deep, rich chocolate notes—don’t skimp here!
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just a pinch lifts all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For pools of melted chocolate in every bite. Highly recommended!

How to Make Banana Brownies

Step 1: Mash the Bananas

Grab those ultra-ripe bananas and mash them well in a large mixing bowl until almost smooth—some small chunks add texture and flavor bursts throughout your brownies. This step unlocks their sweetness and moisture, which is key to the recipe’s irresistible fudginess.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to your mashed bananas. Whisk until everything is fully combined and the mixture looks creamy. This makes for a luscious base that evenly incorporates the dry ingredients later on.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. This quick mix ensures your brownies won’t have hidden lumps of flour or cocoa, helping every brownie come out perfectly textured.

Step 4: Make the Banana Brownie Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stopping as soon as you see no more streaks of flour. If you’re choosing to add chocolate chips (and you definitely should), fold those in as the final touch. Avoid over-mixing—you want everything just combined for that signature brownie chew.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a lined or greased 8×8-inch baking pan, then smooth the top for an even bake. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. The center should look set but still slightly moist—a toothpick inserted should come out with some moist crumbs attached. Let them cool before slicing, for clean edges and maximum flavor!

How to Serve Banana Brownies

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a generous handful of extra chocolate chips on top just after baking. For a fresh kick, add sliced bananas or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream sends Banana Brownies into dessert nirvana!

Side Dishes

Pair your Banana Brownies with a tall glass of cold milk, a hot espresso, or even a fruity berry smoothie for a truly satisfying treat. For dessert platters, they’re wonderful served alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a tangy dollop of Greek yogurt to balance all that chocolatey goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Try cutting Banana Brownies into fun shapes with cookie cutters, stacking them in mini brownie towers, or serving as brownie sundaes with all your favorite toppings. They’re just as at home at a fancy brunch as they are tucked into a school lunchbox.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, store Banana Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Their moisture means they stay soft, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. For longer storage, refrigerate, but bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Banana Brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for an instant sweet tooth fix.

Reheating

To relive that fresh-from-the-oven experience, microwave a brownie square for 10–15 seconds. If you prefer, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. Either way, the chocolatey aroma will fill your kitchen once more and the brownies will become just as gooey as when they first baked!

FAQs

Can I make Banana Brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The bananas help maintain moisture and structure, so you’ll still end up with fudgy, flavorful brownies.

What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?

You can quickly ripen bananas by baking them (in their peel) at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes. Let them cool, then peel and use as directed. The flavor won’t be quite as intense, but it works in a pinch!

Are there any vegan substitutions for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use a flax ‘egg’ in place of the regular egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed plus 3 tablespoons water, mixed and left to thicken). Choose dairy-free chocolate chips and you’re all set.

Can I double the recipe?

Certainly! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Check for doneness at around 30–35 minutes, as baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and pan height.

Do Banana Brownies need to be kept refrigerated?

They don’t have to be, especially if you plan to eat them within a couple of days. However, if your kitchen is warm or if you’d like to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is a safe option—just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something almost magical about the way Banana Brownies bridge the gap between nostalgic banana bread and classic chocolate brownies. Each bite is rich, comforting, and full of personality. If you’ve never blended these two desserts before, I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—you just might find it becomes a cherished family favorite!

Banana Brownies Recipe