Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe bananas, warm brown sugar, and just a hint of cinnamon wafting from your oven—Banana Bread Brownies have a way of filling your kitchen with pure comfort. These delightful bars are the best of both worlds, blending the moist, fruity charm of banana bread with the irresistible fudgy bite of a traditional brownie. They’re simple to make, perfect for sharing, and absolutely guaranteed to win hearts at any gathering or as a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of basic pantry staples comes together to create unbeatable texture and flavor in every bite. Each ingredient in Banana Bread Brownies has a special role, working behind the scenes to ensure your bars are moist, tender, and wonderfully decadent.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings richness and keeps the brownies ultra-moist throughout.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel flavor and enhances that chewy, brownie-like texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the brownies a light, pillowy crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brightens the flavor and adds a sweet, comforting note.
- Ripe bananas (2 medium, mashed): The stars of the show, giving moisture, sweetness, and of course, that classic banana flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Lends structure without weighing the brownies down.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough lift to keep the bars soft but not cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and lets the banana and brown sugar flavors shine.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a cozy background note that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Fold in for crunch, nutty flavor, and extra texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For luscious pockets of melty chocolate surprise in every bite.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step makes it easy to lift the finished brownies out in one piece and helps with even baking. It might seem small, but a well-prepped pan means no sticking and picture-perfect squares!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Mix until everything is well blended and you can smell that fabulous banana aroma. This creates the moist, flavorful base of your Banana Bread Brownies.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures even distribution, so you don’t end up with clumps of baking soda or bursts of cinnamon. The dry blend is key for a soft, fluffy interior.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—once everything is just combined, stop! This gives you those tender, melt-in-your-mouth Banana Bread Brownies everyone raves about.
Step 5: Stir in Extras
If you’re using walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, gently fold them in now. They add both flavor and texture, but you can always leave them out for a classic, simple bar. Either way, you can’t go wrong—make Banana Bread Brownies your own!
Step 6: Bake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re set. Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into decadent squares.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar looks elegant, but for extra indulgence, drizzle your squares with melted chocolate or a swoop of cream cheese glaze. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a few extra chocolate chips on top also creates a bakery-worthy finish to your Banana Bread Brownies.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for dessert, or serve with fresh berries and hot coffee for a comforting afternoon snack. Their balanced sweetness makes them versatile for both casual and dressed-up occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the brownies on a pretty cake stand, arranging them in mini cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats, or assembling a brownie sundae bar for a party. Banana Bread Brownies are delicious on their own, but they also shine as part of a larger dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay moist and flavorful for several days, making them just as irresistible on day three as they are fresh from the oven.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When your sweet tooth strikes, just pull one out and let it come to room temperature or give it a quick warm-up.
Reheating
For that oven-fresh experience, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. This revives their gooey, tender texture and makes the chocolate chips, if used, perfectly melty once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bread Brownies?
Absolutely! Just thaw the bananas first, drain any excess liquid, and mash as usual. Frozen bananas are actually perfect for baking as they become sweeter and softer after freezing.
Do Banana Bread Brownies taste more like banana bread or brownies?
They really are the best of both worlds—moist and rich like banana bread, but with the dense, satisfying chew of a brownie. Expect a subtle banana flavor, a hint of cinnamon, and a sweet, fudgy texture that’s unique and crave-worthy!
What nut and chocolate options work best in this recipe?
Walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts add a lovely crunch, while semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips melt beautifully. Feel free to mix them up or skip for a classic version—Banana Bread Brownies are super flexible.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center after 25 minutes. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry them out—moist brownies are the goal!
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on the center and check with a toothpick for doneness.
Final Thoughts
If you love sharing something truly special from your kitchen, you have to give Banana Bread Brownies a try. They’re incredibly easy, utterly delicious, and sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Bake a batch and watch them disappear—these are bound to become a new household favorite!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect fusion of banana bread and brownies with these moist and flavorful Banana Bread Brownies. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted butter and brown sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and mashed bananas, mix until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gently fold into wet mixture.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in nuts and chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Spread batter in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For added decadence, consider drizzling with cream cheese glaze or melted chocolate.
- Store in an airtight container for moist brownies that last several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
