Name: Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk

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If you’ve ever found yourself torn between making banana bread or a batch of brownies, these Banana Bread Brownies are your dream come true! Imagine the moist, tender crumb of classic banana bread, all dressed up as fudgy, decadent brownies—each bite is a perfect marriage of comforting banana flavor and irresistible brownie richness. Whether you’re looking to use up those spotty bananas or simply want to wow your friends and family with something delightfully different, this recipe is about to become your new go-to treat.

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Banana Bread Brownies so special is their simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to create magic in every bite. From perfectly ripe bananas to a splash of vanilla, here’s how each component brings this dessert to life.

Mashed ripe bananas: The riper, the better—brown spots mean extra sweetness and banana flavor.
Unsalted butter (melted): Gives the brownies their rich, buttery texture and depth.
Granulated sugar: Ensures the brownies are perfectly sweet and helps with that crave-worthy chew.
Brown sugar (packed): Adds a hint of caramel flavor and extra moisture.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding lightness and structure.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and brings warmth to the batter.
All-purpose flour: Provides the base, keeping the brownies sturdy yet tender.
Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift for that cake-meets-brownie texture.
Baking soda: Reacts with the bananas for added tenderness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Cinnamon: Infuses a cozy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with banana.
Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional): For a satisfying crunch or melty pools of chocolate—your choice!
Powdered sugar and milk (for glaze, optional): Whisked together for a sweet, simple finish on top.

How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal—trust me, you’ll want those clean edges when it’s time to slice!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined and you catch a whiff of that sweet banana aroma.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution, so you don’t end up with salty or bitter pockets in your Banana Bread Brownies.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle—overmixing can make the brownies tough, and we’re after that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to stir them in.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—this helps them set and makes slicing a breeze.

Step 6: Add the Glaze (Optional)

If you love a little extra sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a silky glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled Banana Bread Brownies for a bakery-worthy finish.

How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies

Garnishes

Dress up your Banana Bread Brownies with a drizzle of glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of extra walnuts or chocolate chips on top. For a truly special touch, add a few banana slices or a pinch of cinnamon right before serving.

Side Dishes

These brownies are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter for parties, or stack them high with skewers for a fun dessert tower. You can even serve them warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra-decadent dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Banana Bread Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm, popping them in the fridge can extend their shelf life a little longer.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked magic, warm a brownie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you’ve already glazed them, reheat gently to avoid melting the topping. Warm brownies are especially delightful with ice cream!

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bread Brownies?

Absolutely! Thaw your frozen bananas first and drain off any excess liquid before mashing and adding to the batter. This works perfectly and helps prevent food waste.

Do I have to add walnuts or chocolate chips?

Nope! Both are optional. The Banana Bread Brownies are delicious with or without mix-ins, so feel free to customize based on your cravings or allergies.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Look for the edges to be set and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with just a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet, give them a few more minutes, but don’t overbake—moisture is key!

Can I double the recipe?

You sure can! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time as needed (start checking at 30 minutes). This is a great option for feeding a crowd.

Are Banana Bread Brownies suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This recipe contains no meat or fish products, making it a wonderful vegetarian dessert option for gatherings or everyday snacking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is impressive, Banana Bread Brownies are here to deliver. With their moist crumb, rich flavor, and endless serving possibilities, they’re bound to become a new staple in your kitchen. Give them a try next time you have ripe bananas—your taste buds will thank you!

Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and optionally studded with walnuts or chocolate chips, this easy-to-make dessert offers a delicious twist on traditional banana bread. Finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze, these brownies are ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying familiar banana flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Brownies

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Optional Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients are fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed.
Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Add Optional Add-ins: Stir in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare Optional Glaze: If desired, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies before slicing and serving.