If you’re craving a treat that’s part banana bread, part brownie, and one hundred percent irresistible, you’re in for a real crowd-pleaser with Banana Bread Brownies. These blissful bars combine the homey, sweet softness of banana bread with the handheld convenience and satisfying chew of a brownie. With toasty walnuts, creamy white chocolate chips, and a lush banana aroma wafting from your oven, this is the kind of dessert that vanishes as quickly as you can slice it. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, packing school lunches, or just treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up, Banana Bread Brownies are a comfort food classic you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Banana Bread Brownies happens thanks to a few everyday ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one plays a role in building flavor, creating moist texture, and adding delightful bites of crunch or creamy sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and keeps the brownies exceptionally moist.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Delivers mellow sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Large egg (1): Binds the batter together so every piece holds its shape.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings everything together with warm, fragrant undertones.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup; about 2–3 bananas): The star ingredient — creates moist crumb and fills each bite with pure banana flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Gives the brownies structure without weighing them down.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the brownies rise ever-so-slightly for soft, cake-like texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the bananas for extra lift.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances each flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds cozy, aromatic warmth — like a comforting hug for your taste buds.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): For nutty crunch and earthy flavor (feel free to skip if you prefer nut-free).
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Studs the brownies with creamy, sweet pockets for a decadent twist.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by getting organized. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and either lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, allowing some to overhang for easy lifting later. Prepping the pan well means your Banana Bread Brownies will release easily, so don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and your mashed ripe bananas. Whisk these in until well combined and creamy — you’ll already notice how delicious it smells!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures all the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, preventing clumps and guaranteeing even flavor throughout the brownies.
Step 4: Gently Fold and Add Your Mix-ins
Add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients and gently fold with a spatula, mixing only until just combined. This preserves the soft, tender texture. If you’re using walnuts or white chocolate chips, fold them in now for bonus crunch or melty sweetness in every bite.
Step 5: Bake and Cool the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for the neatest squares.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Garnishes
Dress up your Banana Bread Brownies with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a creamy drizzle of cream cheese glaze. A handful of extra banana slices or a scatter of white chocolate chips on top adds both beauty and flavor when you’re aiming to impress.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with tangy Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries for breakfast, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an ultra-indulgent dessert plate. They also shine alongside a hot cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Banana Bread Brownies into bite-sized cubes and skewer them with fresh strawberries for charming party bites. Or arrange them in layers with whipped cream and banana slices to create parfait jars that’ll wow at brunches or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Bread Brownies at their prime by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and tasty for up to 3 days, making them perfect for grabbing on the go or packing in lunchboxes.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some brownies for a rainy day, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When you need a sweet pick-me-up, simply thaw at room temperature or give a quick zap in the microwave.
Reheating
Warm Banana Bread Brownies are almost irresistible. To reheat, pop a square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or until just soft and warmed through. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bread Brownies?
Absolutely! Thaw the bananas and drain off any excess liquid before mashing and adding to your batter. Frozen bananas are often sweeter and add even more banana flavor.
Do I need to use walnuts or white chocolate chips?
Nope, both are completely optional. The brownies are still delicious on their own or with just one of these add-ins. You can also try stirring in dark chocolate chips or pecans if you want to mix it up.
What’s the best way to mash bananas?
The easiest way is with a fork, but you can also use a potato masher or even a hand mixer. Aim for a smooth mash with a few small lumps for the nicest texture in your finished Banana Bread Brownies.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase by 5–10 minutes, so keep an eye on the brownies and test with a toothpick for doneness.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for the edges to be set and the center to be just firm. Insert a toothpick in the middle — it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter. Overbaking can dry them out, so watch closely near the end of the baking time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a new favorite to your dessert rotation, try making these Banana Bread Brownies. There’s something magical about the way banana, butter, and brown sugar mingle in every chewy, tender square. Dare yourself to only eat one — but don’t say I didn’t warn you when you reach for seconds!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of banana bread and brownies with these moist and delicious Banana Bread Brownies. Packed with flavor from ripe bananas, these treats are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and mashed bananas, and mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Add walnuts and/or white chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Spread batter in the pan and bake for 25–28 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For an extra treat, drizzle cooled brownies with cream cheese glaze.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
