If you love the homestyle comfort of banana bread and the rich decadence of brownies, get ready for your new favorite treat: Banana Bread Brownies! This is a delicious mash-up dessert that combines the sweet, fruity moistness of classic banana bread with gooey pockets of chocolate brownie swirl. Each bite is dense, moist, and beautifully marbled. It’s a perfect bake for using up ripe bananas, impressing friends at your next gathering, or simply upgrading your afternoon coffee break. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to bake Banana Bread Brownies again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, but every ingredient plays a unique and vital role. From the sweetness of ripe bananas to the bittersweet depth of chocolate chips, each component is carefully chosen to deliver ultimate flavor and texture in your Banana Bread Brownies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and moisture; using unsalted allows for better control of saltiness.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a wonderful structure.
- Mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas): The key to that unmistakable banana bread flavor and moist texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a warm, bakery-fresh aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their soft yet sturdy body.
- Baking powder: Provides a little lift for a cake-like density.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (for the swirl): Melted and swirled in for that fudgy brownie magic.
- Cocoa powder (for the swirl): Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the marbled swirl.
- Butter (for the swirl): A small amount makes the chocolate swirl extra luscious and rich.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Step 1: Get Your Pan and Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it—this not only ensures easy removal but also helps the Banana Bread Brownies hold their beautiful shape when sliced.
Step 2: Cream the Sugar and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is essential for a smooth, luscious batter and it helps develop the brownies’ tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in your mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. This banana base gives your Banana Bread Brownies their signature moistness and plenty of inviting aroma!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients ensure even rise and a balanced flavor. Gradually add them to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—overmixing can make the brownies tough, so keep it gentle.
Step 5: Make the Brownie Swirl
In a small bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a tablespoon of butter; stir in the cocoa powder until you have a smooth, shiny chocolate mixture. This is your secret ingredient for that beautiful marbled look!
Step 6: Swirl and Bake
Pour the banana batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Drop generous spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture over the surface, then use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let your Banana Bread Brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing for the cleanest, prettiest bars.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Garnishes
Dress up your Banana Bread Brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkling of chopped nuts. Even a few banana slices on top turn these into a showstopper for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozier vibe, serve with your favorite coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Banana Bread Brownies into small bites and skewering them onto dessert sticks for a playful party treat. You can also stack slices in a mason jar with layers of Greek yogurt and caramel for a whimsical parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay moist and delicious, with the flavors melding even more over time.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Wrap individual brownie bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to two months—just thaw on the counter before enjoying.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked freshness, pop a brownie square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate gets gooey and the banana aroma fills your kitchen all over again!
FAQs
Can I add nuts to my Banana Bread Brownies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch and a nutty flavor. Stir about half a cup into the batter just before pouring it into the pan for a classic twist.
What’s the best way to mash bananas?
Overripe bananas are easiest to mash with a fork or potato masher. Make sure they’re completely smooth for the silkiest batter, or leave a few small chunks if you love pockets of banana.
Can I double this recipe for a larger pan?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. The bake time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick.
Why are my brownies dry?
If your Banana Bread Brownies came out dry, they may have been overbaked or too much flour was added. Be sure to measure your ingredients carefully and start checking them a few minutes before the timer goes off.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few swaps—like plant-based butter, egg replacer, and dairy-free chocolate chips—you can transform these treats into vegan Banana Bread Brownies that everyone can enjoy!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake and share these Banana Bread Brownies! Whether you enjoy them as an indulgent snack or at your next get-together, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Save a square or two for yourself, because these brownies never last long!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the best of both worlds with these Banana Bread Brownies. A delightful mashup of classic banana bread and decadent chocolate brownies, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Banana Bread:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Brownie Swirl:
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix sugar and butter: Cream together the sugar and softened butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add eggs and bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the banana mixture and stir until combined.
- Prepare brownie swirl: Mix melted chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and butter. Pour banana batter into pan, add spoonfuls of chocolate mixture, then swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Notes
- These banana bread brownies have a dense, moist texture with a rich chocolate swirl.
- For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
