Name: Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla paste; 3 eggs; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 large bananas)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

If you love the comforting warmth of classic banana bread and the rich, fudgy decadence of brownies, then this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with the deep chocolatey goodness of brownies creates an irresistibly marbled treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s like enjoying two beloved desserts in every bite, with textures and flavors that dance perfectly together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various baking ingredients neatly arranged. There are two yellow ripe bananas with brown spots placed centrally, surrounded by three white eggs on the right side. A block of light yellow butter rests in a white dish toward the upper right corner. There are small bowls containing different powders: one small bowl with dark brown cocoa powder at the top left, another with fine white flour near the bottom right, a bowl with white powdered sugar close to the bottom center, and a bowl of chocolate chips near the bottom left. A small dark brown vanilla bottle is placed near the cocoa powder, and two small bowls with white salt are positioned near the eggs and chocolate chips. The overall setup is tidy and well-lit, with soft natural lighting that highlights the texture and color of each ingredient, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that rich brown hue that beckons you to dig in. These pantry staples come together to create something truly special and satisfying.

3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives structure to our brownies while letting them stay tender.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just the right lift to lighten the texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making everything pop.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Browning it intensifies its flavor, lending a nutty aroma and richness.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the banana or chocolate.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla paste: Adds warmth and depth to every bite.
3 eggs: Bind the ingredients while contributing to a moist, fudgy texture.
1/2 cup cocoa powder: Delivers that intense chocolate flavor that brownies are known for.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Small bursts of melty chocolate for extra delight.
1 cup ripe bananas (mashed): The star of the banana bread portion, bringing natural sweetness and moisture.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe bakes evenly and perfectly. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking, making your life easier when it’s time to slice into those beautiful brownies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing your dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the batter for consistent texture and flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Butter

This step is a game changer. Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, whisking constantly as it foams and then browns. When you see specks forming and it smells toasty, remove it from heat. The browned butter adds incredible nuttiness and depth, elevating these Banana Bread Brownies beyond ordinary.

Step 4: Mix Base Ingredients

After the browned butter cools slightly, stir in the sugar and vanilla paste. Then beat in the eggs, one at a time, to build a smooth, luscious base for your batters. Finally, gently fold in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined to keep the batter tender.

Step 5: Divide and Conquer

Split your batter evenly into two bowls. In one bowl, mix in the cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips until thick and irresistible. In the other, fold in the mashed ripe bananas for that classic banana bread flavor and moist texture.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batters

Pour half of the chocolate batter into your prepared pan, then layer all of the banana batter on top. Dollop the remaining chocolate batter over the banana layer—either spoon it on or pipe it in lines using a plastic bag with the corner snipped. Use a butter knife or spatula to swirl the batters together for a gorgeous marbled effect that makes these brownies so eye-catching.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the edges pull away slightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let these decadent Banana Bread Brownies cool fully in the pan before slicing to get those perfect squares everyone’s going to love.

How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Three thick square pieces of dessert are stacked on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each piece has two main layers: a dense dark brown chocolate base with a slightly rough texture and a lighter beige top layer that looks soft and moist with swirls of chocolate mixing into it. The top surface has a slightly cracked look with small chunks of chocolate visible. The edges appear slightly darker and crispier than the center, showing a rich, baked look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving these brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts adds a charming touch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or a caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich flavors. A handful of fresh berries on the side brightens up the plate beautifully and adds a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe squares stacked with layers of banana pudding or cream cheese frosting between them for an impressive dessert. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter with fruit and nuts for a shareable party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist and flavorful. They’re perfect for a quick snack or dessert on the go.

Freezing

You can freeze Banana Bread Brownies Recipe squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

For a freshly baked taste, warm the brownies in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and melts the chocolate chips delightfully.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas work best as they are sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the banana flavor in the brownies.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour?

You can, but note that whole wheat flour will make the texture denser and add a slightly nuttier flavor. Adjust moisture if needed to keep the brownies tender.

Is it necessary to brown the butter?

While not required, browning the butter elevates the flavor with a lovely nuttiness and depth that complements both the banana and chocolate beautifully.

Can I make these Banana Bread Brownies Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute that browns well or coconut oil as an alternative. The texture and flavor will still be delicious.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Look for the edges pulling away slightly from the pan, and test with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out mostly clean with maybe a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a treat that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly unique, the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is your perfect match. It’s easy to make, spectacular to share, and downright delightful to eat. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!