When you can’t decide between banana bread and brownies, why not have both? Banana bread brownies combine the best of two worlds: the rich, fudgy texture of brownies and the sweet, comforting flavor of ripe bananas. They’re moist, soft, and slightly chewy, making them a perfect choice for crowd-pleasing desserts.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Brownies
- Two Desserts in One → Sweet banana flavor meets fudgy brownie texture.
- Great for Ripe Bananas → A creative way to use overripe bananas.
- Easy Recipe → Simple ingredients, no complicated steps.
- Moist & Tender → Bananas add natural sweetness and softness.
- Perfect for Sharing → Great for parties, potlucks, or gifting.
- Customizable → Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
- Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts if desired.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
- Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool before cutting into squares.
For a breakfast-inspired variation, try Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins—they’re portable and just as delicious.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Banana bread brownies are the kind of dessert that adapts to any occasion. Whether you want something casual with coffee or an elegant plated treat, they shine in every role. Here are some of the best serving ideas:
- Serve Warm → Fresh out of the oven, the brownies are soft, gooey, and filled with melty chocolate chips. Pair them with a hot drink for the ultimate comfort food moment.
- Top with Frosting → Add cream cheese frosting for tanginess or a rich chocolate ganache for decadence. This transforms your brownies into bakery-worthy squares.
- Pair with Ice Cream → Serve a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla, caramel, or even coffee ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold is irresistible.
- Dress Them Up → Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce. A few simple touches can make them look party-ready without much effort.
- Make a Dessert Platter → Combine with classic brownies, cookies, and slices of Banana Bread for a spread that pleases everyone. Add fruit or nuts for extra color and variety.
- Portable Snack → Wrap individually in parchment or foil and pack them for school lunches, road trips, or picnics. They hold up well and stay moist.
Hosting a party? Create a “brownie bar” where guests can top their banana bread brownies with sprinkles, chocolate chips, whipped cream, or flavored syrups. It’s interactive, fun, and turns dessert into a mini event.
How to Store Banana Bread Brownies
One of the best things about banana bread brownies is how well they keep. Unlike some baked goods that dry out quickly, bananas lock in moisture. Here’s how to store them for maximum freshness:
- Room Temperature → Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerator → Keeps them fresh for up to 5 days. The cooler temperature makes them slightly firmer but still moist and delicious.
- Freezer-Friendly → Wrap each brownie slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months without losing texture.
Extra tips for storing success:
- Reheat Before Serving → For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, microwave a brownie for 20–30 seconds. Add chocolate chips on top before heating for extra gooeyness.
- Batch-Friendly → If you bake often, consider doubling the recipe and freezing half. That way, you’ll always have brownies on hand for surprise guests or last-minute cravings.
- Avoid Excess Air Exposure → Air is the enemy of soft brownies. Make sure containers are sealed tightly to lock in moisture.
For an easy freezer dessert, cut brownies into small squares, freeze them, and serve as bite-sized brownie pops dipped in melted chocolate.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Brownies
These banana bread brownies are easy, but a few tricks guarantee bakery-quality results:
- Use Overripe Bananas → The more brown spots, the sweeter and richer the flavor. Soft bananas also mash more easily into the batter.
- Don’t Overmix → Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing activates gluten and leads to tough, chewy brownies.
- Add Mix-Ins → Chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or even peanut butter swirls add texture and personality. Try white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Line the Pan → Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean slicing. It also prevents sticking.
- Check Doneness Early → Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done.
- Cool Before Cutting → Let brownies rest for at least 20 minutes. Cutting too early makes them crumble.
Pro baker tips:
- For Extra Moisture → Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
- For a Bakery Finish → Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a golden, crunchy crust.
- For Extra Indulgence → Swirl softened cream cheese into the batter before baking. This creates a cheesecake-brownie hybrid that’s rich and irresistible.
Remember, banana bread brownies taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen—so don’t be afraid to bake ahead.
Variations of Banana Bread Brownies
Banana bread brownies are endlessly customizable. You can take this base recipe in so many directions depending on your mood or the occasion. Try these delicious variations:
- Banana Nut Brownies → Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Double Chocolate → Mix ¼ cup cocoa powder into the batter and add extra chocolate chips for a richer, fudgier brownie.
- Frosted Brownies → Spread with cream cheese frosting for tanginess, or chocolate buttercream for a sweeter option.
- Cinnamon Swirl Brownies → Add a ribbon of cinnamon sugar inspired by Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.
- Gluten-Free Brownies → Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. They’ll stay just as moist.
- Banana Blondies → Skip the chocolate and focus on caramelized banana flavor with brown sugar and vanilla.
Creative ideas:
- Marble Effect → Swirl half banana brownie batter with half chocolate brownie batter for a dramatic two-tone look.
- Tropical Twist → Add shredded coconut and white chocolate chips for a beachy flavor profile.
- Holiday Brownies → Top with crushed peppermint or a drizzle of caramel for festive occasions.
These variations make banana bread brownies perfect for everything from weeknight snacking to party-worthy desserts.
FAQs
Can I make banana bread brownies without sour cream?
Yes—this recipe doesn’t need it. Bananas keep them moist naturally.
Can I freeze banana bread brownies?
Absolutely—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—bake in a 9×13 pan, adjusting baking time slightly.
How ripe should bananas be?
Very ripe with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Banana bread brownies are the ultimate banana brownie recipe—fudgy, sweet, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy them plain, frosted, or swirled with cinnamon, they’re sure to become a go-to treat.
Pair them with a rich Fudgy Brownie Cake for the ultimate dessert tray, or keep things simple with a warm square and a cup of coffee.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana bread brownies combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with the fudgy texture of brownies. They’re moist, easy to make, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment.
2. Mash bananas until smooth.
3. Mix in butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
4. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; stir until combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts.
6. Spread into prepared pan.
7. Bake 25–30 minutes or until toothpick has moist crumbs.
8. Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter for a tender texture.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg