If you’re craving a mashup of your favorite cozy banana bread and classic chewy brownies, Banana Bread Brownies are about to become your new obsession. This recipe is the best of both worlds: it captures the sweet nostalgia of banana bread and the dense, fudgy bite of brownies. With ripe bananas infusing every square with incredible flavor and an optional swoosh of creamy frosting, this easy dessert will be the hit of any gathering—or your Netflix night on the couch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Banana Bread Brownies lies in a short list of simple ingredients, each bringing its own personality to the mix. From ripe bananas to a hint of cinnamon, every ingredient has a purpose, and together they create pure dessert bliss.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Ensures every brownie stays moist and rich, with just the right amount of indulgence.
- Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and a touch of crispness to the edges.
- Brown sugar (packed): Deepens the flavor and guarantees extra chewy, soft centers.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together and give your brownies that lovely cake-meets-brownie texture.
- Vanilla extract: A dash goes a long way: vanilla enhances the banana and chocolate flavors.
- Ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 cup): The star of the show—don’t skimp on those beautiful brown spots for maximum flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the bars while keeping them tender.
- Baking powder: Lifts the brownies just enough for a pleasant crumb without overdoing it.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings each flavor to life.
- Cinnamon: Brings subtle warmth, making every bite a bakery-quality experience.
- Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional): Pick your favorite for crunch or extra gooey pockets of chocolate.
- For the frosting (optional): A combination of unsalted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract creates a lush, pourable topper that’s as smooth as it is irresistible.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and give it a good grease or line it with parchment paper. This makes sure your Banana Bread Brownies come out nice and easy, with no sticky situations when it’s slicing time.
Step 2: Combine Your Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is super smooth and luscious. Crack in your eggs, pour in the vanilla, and add your mashed bananas. Keep whisking until everything comes together in a dreamy, fragrant batter.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Combining these dry ingredients separately helps keep your brownies light and evenly baked—no clumps here!
Step 4: Stir Everything Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently fold just until you see no more flour. Over-mixing is the downfall of tender brownies, so take it easy! Now’s the time to fold in those walnuts or chocolate chips if you want an extra layer of texture or chocolatey goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know your Banana Bread Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs sticking to it. Let them cool in the pan—this is the hardest part, but worth the wait!
Step 6: Top with Frosting (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, whip up the simple frosting. Melt your butter in a small saucepan, then whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour this creamy topping over the completely cooled brownies and gently spread it across the surface. Give the frosting time to set before slicing into beautiful squares.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Garnishes
Dress up your Banana Bread Brownies with a handful of chopped walnuts scattered across the top, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can take them from delicious to dazzling, giving a little gourmet twist to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet squares with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert plate that’s classic and comforting. They also work beautifully alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream if you want a fresh, light contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Banana Bread Brownies as part of a brunch spread, stack them high on a pretty cake stand for special occasions, or cut them into bite-sized pieces for a party platter. For something extra fun, turn them into brownie sundaes—just add your favorite ice cream and warm fudge sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to three days—if you can resist that long!
Freezing
To extend their shelf life, wrap the brownies (frosted or unfrosted) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat when the craving hits.
Reheating
If you like your Banana Bread Brownies warm, just pop a square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This works especially well if you froze them—just add a touch more time as needed, and maybe a scoop of ice cream on top!
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for Banana Bread Brownies?
Absolutely! In fact, the browner and spottier, the better—those extra-ripe bananas add maximum flavor and moisture, making for a truly unforgettable brownie.
Can I skip the frosting?
Of course. These brownies are soft and flavorful on their own. The frosting is just an added bonus for those who want that extra touch of sweetness and decadence.
What if I don’t have walnuts or chocolate chips?
No worries! They’re totally optional. You can leave them out, swap in another nut, or even try adding dried fruit for a fun twist.
My bananas aren’t ripe—can I ripen them quickly?
If you’re in a hurry, pop your bananas (peel on) in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until the skin turns black and the fruit softens. Let them cool before mashing, and you’ll be good to go for your Banana Bread Brownies.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check the center with a toothpick: it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Try not to overbake; you want to keep that perfect chewy middle!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new go-to treat, these Banana Bread Brownies are impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Go ahead—give them a try and make your kitchen smell incredible!
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Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful fusion of banana bread and brownies, combining the best of both worlds in one delicious treat. These soft and moist squares are packed with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas and the rich, chewy texture of a brownie. Topped with a luscious frosting, these banana bread brownies are the perfect indulgence for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 cup)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
For the frosting (optional):
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, stirring until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan.
- Prepare frosting: For the optional frosting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the cooled brownies and spread evenly. Let the frosting set before slicing into squares.
Notes
- These banana bread brownies are soft and moist like banana bread but rich and chewy like a brownie.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
