Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

The Ultimate Banana Bread Brownies Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Whipping up delectable banana bread brownies brings pure comfort to my kitchen adventures.

Soft, moist textures mingle with rich chocolate undertones in this incredible dessert.

Ripe bananas create magic when blended into decadent brownie batter.

Chocolate chips scattered throughout promise delightful surprises in every single bite.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, enticing everyone near the oven.

Baking these treats feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, nostalgic culinary hug.

Believe me, you won’t be able to resist cutting into these irresistible squares.

Banana Bread Brownies That Blend Two Favorites In One

  • Savor Quick Baking Magic: Perfect for busy home bakers who want delicious treats without complicated steps. This banana bread brownie recipe transforms classic banana bread into a decadent dessert.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Family and friends will adore these moist, rich brownies that combine the familiar warmth of banana bread with the indulgence of chocolate-free brownies. Kids and adults alike will request seconds.
  • Time-Efficient Delight: Whip up these brownies in under an hour, including preparation and baking time. The simple one-bowl method means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment. From start to finish, you'll have a homemade dessert faster than running to the bakery.
  • Versatile Treat Options: Easily customize by adding nuts, skipping the glaze, or serving warm with vanilla ice cream. Perfect for potlucks, afternoon snacks, or weekend baking projects that don't require advanced culinary skills.

Banana Bread Brownies Ingredient Guide

Base Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and texture for the brownies, all-purpose works best.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for light and fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich, moist base with deep flavor, melted for easy mixing.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create soft, tender texture.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure, room temperature preferred.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor depth.
  • Bananas: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and subtle banana flavor.
Flavor Enhancers and Optional Add-ins:
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, complementary spice to banana flavor.
  • Walnuts: Optional crunchy texture and nutty flavor, can be toasted for extra depth.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze with glossy finish.
  • Milk: Thins and smooths glaze consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to glaze.

Banana Bread Brownies Instructions with a Soft Bite

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter.

Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl.

Toss in:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whisk these ingredients until they become smooth and silky.

Crack in the eggs and add vanilla extract.

Mash up ripe bananas and blend everything together until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Blend Dry Components

In another bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re well mixed and free of lumps.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry

Slowly introduce the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Fold gently with a spatula until just combined.

If you love a crunch, sprinkle in some chopped walnuts and fold them through the batter.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Create Luscious Glaze

While brownies cool, whip up a quick glaze by whisking:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once brownies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a decadent treat that combines the best of banana bread and brownies.

Brownie Blending Tips for Banana Bread Richness

  • Use overripe, spotty bananas for deeper, sweeter taste and more intense banana flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep brownies moist and tender, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
  • Swap walnuts with pecans or chocolate chips for personalized crunch and added richness.
  • Adjust milk quantity gradually to achieve desired glaze consistency, making it thicker or thinner as preferred.
  • Insert toothpick at an angle near center to ensure brownies are fully baked without overbaking and losing moisture.

Chill Banana Bread Brownies

  • Store leftover banana bread brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Warm brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their soft, moist texture and brings out the delicious banana flavor.
  • For a refreshing treat, enjoy the brownies straight from the refrigerator. The cool temperature can enhance the sweetness and provide a delightful contrast to the rich, warm flavors.

Sweet Sips for Banana Bread Brownies

  • Pair with Creamy Coffee Companions: Smooth cappuccinos or vanilla lattes complement the banana bread brownies' sweet, rich texture, balancing their warm cinnamon notes.
  • Matching Dessert Wines: Opt for a light Moscato or sweet Riesling, which enhance the brownies' fruity banana undertones and provide a delightful alcoholic accompaniment.
  • Chill with Cold Milk Options: Serve alongside classic whole milk or almond milk for a traditional, refreshing contrast that cuts through the brownies' dense sweetness.
  • Elevate with Nutty Sidekicks: Serve with toasted almond clusters or candied pecans to amplify the potential walnut ingredients and add delightful textural crunch.

Banana Bread Brownie Mash-Up Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread Brownies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich, moist texture.
  • Vegan Banana Bread Brownies: Swap eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter. Add plant-based milk to maintain moisture and binding properties.
  • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Brownies: Fold in dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs before baking to create an extra decadent chocolate-banana flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and reduce total sugar content while maintaining the brownie's classic sweetness.

FAQs

  • Are these banana bread brownies healthy?

These brownies are a delightful treat but not considered a health food. They contain sugar, butter, and flour, making them an indulgent dessert best enjoyed in moderation.

  • Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that has xanthan gum for better texture.

  • Why do the brownies need both baking powder and baking soda?

Baking powder and baking soda work together to help the brownies rise and create a tender, soft texture. Baking soda reacts with the acidic bananas, while baking powder provides additional lift.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots. These bananas are sweeter and softer, which helps create a more intense banana flavor and moist texture in the brownies.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet banana bread meets chocolate decadence in these irresistible banana bread brownies, creating a dessert that marries classic comfort with indulgent richness. Moist banana-infused layers meld perfectly with rich chocolate, offering you a delightful twist on two beloved treats.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Sugars:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Glaze (Optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the cooking chamber to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch pan by lining with parchment paper and applying a light grease coating.
  2. Create a smooth liquid base by vigorously whisking melted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until fully integrated.
  3. Incorporate eggs, vanilla essence, and thoroughly mashed ripe bananas into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until the texture becomes uniform and creamy.
  4. In a separate vessel, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt, using a whisk to eliminate potential lumps.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the banana-based wet ingredients, mixing with minimal agitation to maintain a tender texture. If desired, introduce chopped walnuts during this stage.
  6. Transfer the complete batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the edges appear golden brown.
  8. While the baked treat cools, craft a silky glaze by blending powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
  9. Once the banana bread brownies have reached room temperature, elegantly drizzle the prepared glaze across the surface and slice into individual servings.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor, which enhances the overall richness of the brownies.
  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth, even mixing and better batter consistency.
  • Consider toasting walnuts before adding them to intensify their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch.
  • For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the same texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star