If you can’t decide between banana bread and brownies—why not have both? These Banana Bread Brownies are the best of both worlds. They’re ultra moist, full of sweet banana flavor, and rich with a fudgy, chocolatey finish. Perfect for dessert lovers and banana bread fans alike!
This recipe is quick to make, freezer-friendly, and an ideal way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Whether you eat them warm with a scoop of ice cream or pack them in a lunchbox, these bars are irresistible.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Optional Cream Cheese Swirl (for topping):
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Mix just until no flour remains.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Gently stir in chocolate chips or other desired mix-ins.
Step 5: Optional Swirl
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla. Drop by spoonfuls over the batter and swirl gently with a knife.
Step 6: Bake
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
- Let brownies cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Variation:
- Double chocolate: Add ½ cup more chocolate chips or swirl in Nutella.
- Nutty brownies: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Vegan version: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter.
COOKING Note:
Don’t overbake—banana brownies are meant to be moist and slightly gooey in the center. If the edges pull away slightly and the top looks set, they’re done.
Serving Suggestions:
- With ice cream: Serve warm with vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
- For brunch: Add to a breakfast buffet for a sweet surprise.
- Gift idea: Slice and box them for sweet homemade gifts.
- Chocolate drizzle: Add a melted chocolate drizzle over the top after baking.
Tips:
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Chill brownies before slicing for cleaner edges.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive fudginess.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per square, based on 9 servings):
- Calories: ~270
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~13g
- Sugar: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~150mg
Estimated values may vary depending on mix-ins and toppings.
❓FAQs
Can I make these without cocoa powder?
- Yes, but they’ll taste more like banana bread bars than brownies. Reduce sugar slightly if omitting cocoa.
Can I use a 9×13-inch pan?
- Yes, but the brownies will be thinner. Bake for 20–25 minutes instead.
Can I freeze banana bread brownies?
- Absolutely. Cool completely, slice, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Can I add frosting?
- Yes! A simple chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting works beautifully.
Why are my brownies too cakey?
- You may have overmixed the batter or added too much flour. Mix gently and measure flour accurately.
Conclusion:
Banana Bread Brownies bring together everything you love about two classic desserts: the soft sweetness of banana bread and the dense richness of brownies. They’re easy to make, impossible to resist, and the perfect way to use up ripe bananas.
Once you try this twist on banana bread, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again