Banana Bread Brownies combine the best of two beloved treats — the soft, comforting flavor of banana bread and the rich, decadent texture of a brownie. Each bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of warm cinnamon spice.
This recipe is incredibly simple to make and only requires a handful of pantry staples. It’s ideal for using up ripe bananas, and you can easily customize it by adding nuts or extra chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet craving, these Banana Bread Brownies are sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 ripe banana, mashed
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
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Stir in the mashed banana.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the mini chocolate chips, if using.
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 9 servings
Introduction to Banana Bread Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful hybrid of two much-loved classic desserts: banana bread and fudgy brownies. This recipe brings the moist, tender crumb of banana bread together with the rich, dense texture of a brownie, creating an indulgent treat that’s full of flavor and nostalgia. It’s the perfect solution when you have ripe bananas on hand but want something a little more decadent than traditional banana bread.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for an easy and rewarding project, Banana Bread Brownies are accessible and almost foolproof. They don’t require complicated techniques or special equipment — just a few basic ingredients and a love for baked goods. Their simplicity, combined with their incredible taste, makes them a frequent favorite in home kitchens worldwide.
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Brownies
One of the most remarkable aspects of Banana Bread Brownies is their versatility. They’re rich enough to satisfy a chocolate craving yet light enough to enjoy as a midday snack. The flavor profile is comforting, with the sweetness of ripe bananas beautifully enhanced by a touch of cinnamon and optional chocolate chips for an extra burst of indulgence.
Their texture is also a standout feature. Unlike traditional brownies, which are primarily dense and chocolate-heavy, Banana Bread Brownies have a softness and slight airiness that comes from the mashed bananas. Each bite feels like a perfect balance between a fluffy cake and a rich, moist brownie.
Another reason to fall in love with these brownies is how customizable they are. Want a crunch? Add some walnuts or pecans. Need more decadence? Double up on the chocolate chips. Prefer a healthier twist? Swap some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or add a tablespoon of flaxseed.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Banana Bread Brownies shine in virtually any setting. They’re easy to whip up for an afternoon treat, great for potlucks, and impressive enough to serve at more formal gatherings like brunches or tea parties. Since they don’t require frosting or elaborate decoration, they travel well, making them a go-to option for school lunches, picnics, and office potlucks.
They also freeze beautifully. You can bake a batch, cut them into squares, and freeze them individually wrapped for a quick dessert or snack at any time. Simply thaw at room temperature or give them a few seconds in the microwave for that just-baked taste.
A Delicious Way to Use Overripe Bananas
Most of us have faced the dilemma of overripe bananas sitting on the counter. Banana Bread Brownies offer an exciting alternative to the usual banana bread. While banana bread is delicious, sometimes it’s nice to mix things up, especially with a recipe that feels more like a dessert.
The bananas in this recipe not only add natural sweetness but also contribute to the moist, tender texture that makes these brownies so irresistible. Their flavor deepens during baking, creating a rich, caramel-like undertone that pairs perfectly with the brown sugar and cinnamon in the batter.
Texture and Flavor: A Match Made in Heaven
When you take your first bite of a Banana Bread Brownie, you’ll notice its dreamy texture immediately. It’s soft and fluffy like banana bread yet dense and chewy at the same time, thanks to the brownie inspiration. The balance is masterful — neither too cakey nor too heavy — making it truly stand out among other banana-based desserts.
The flavor is equally compelling. The banana flavor is front and center, but it’s complemented by warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon. If you choose to include mini chocolate chips, they melt into pockets of gooey chocolate that make every bite extra special without overwhelming the delicate banana flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Banana Bread Brownies
Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the better. Brown-spotted bananas are sweeter and have a stronger flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the brownies.
Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Stir until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
Watch the baking time: You want a few moist crumbs clinging to your toothpick when you test for doneness. Overbaking will result in dry brownies, and you’ll miss out on that luxurious fudgy texture.
Customize to your preference: Add-ins like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of peanut butter can elevate your brownies. Play around with flavors to make the recipe truly yours.
Let them cool completely: It’s tempting to dive in immediately, but allowing the brownies to cool ensures clean cuts and the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Banana Bread Brownies are fantastic on their own, but there are many ways to serve them depending on the occasion or your mood:
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A la Mode: Warm a square and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an incredible dessert.
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Drizzled with Caramel: A simple caramel drizzle can enhance the natural sweetness and add a touch of elegance.
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With Coffee or Tea: Their rich, moist texture pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage, making them perfect for an afternoon treat.
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With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a lovely finishing touch without overpowering the flavor.
Storing and Freezing Banana Bread Brownies
Banana Bread Brownies store well at room temperature for about 3 days when kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, freezing is a great option.
To freeze, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Brownies are a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast or banana lover. They’re the ultimate marriage of two classic favorites, offering the moistness of banana bread and the decadent bite of a brownie in one perfect square. Their ease of preparation, minimal ingredient list, and crowd-pleasing flavor make them a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to use up ripe bananas or just craving something sweet and satisfying, these brownies are sure to deliver. With endless customization options and guaranteed deliciousness, Banana Bread Brownies are a timeless recipe that you’ll want to bake again and again.