If you’re someone who can never decide between a rich, chocolatey brownie or a moist, sweet banana bread, I’ve got the perfect treat for you: Banana Bread Brownies. Yes, you read that right. These are the brownies that bring together the comforting flavors of banana bread with the indulgent goodness of chocolate brownies. You might be thinking, “How could this possibly work?” Well, let me tell you—it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
I first stumbled upon this idea when I was looking for ways to use up some overly ripe bananas that had been sitting on my counter for a little too long. I was craving something chocolatey, but also wanted to take advantage of the sweet, natural flavor of the bananas. After a little experimenting, I landed on the perfect balance of banana bread and brownie. The result? A fudgy, decadent brownie that’s somehow lightened up by the sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas.
The Perfect Combination of Banana Bread and Brownie
These Banana Bread Brownies are dense, but not too heavy, and they’re packed with the flavors of banana and rich chocolate. You get a nice banana flavor in every bite without it being overwhelming, thanks to the mashed bananas blending seamlessly into the batter. And let’s not forget the chocolate chips—because no brownie is complete without them, right?
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple it is. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or special equipment. Everything comes together quickly in one bowl, and the result is a dessert that everyone will rave about. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s walk through how to make these Banana Bread Brownies.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give it time to warm up while you work on the batter. Also, grab your 8×8-inch baking pan, grease it with a bit of butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. A well-prepped pan ensures that your brownies come out looking as good as they taste!
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
Now, let’s get down to the good part: the batter. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips together. You’ll want to do this in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. This step adds that rich chocolate flavor we all love in a brownie.
Once the butter and chocolate are smooth, stir in the granulated sugar. The sugar adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful fudgy texture. After that, beat in the eggs—one at a time. Each egg helps to bind the batter and add a little richness.
Now, we add the magic ingredient: mashed bananas. Use about 2 medium ripe bananas, mash them up, and mix them into the batter. You’ll notice how the bananas give the batter a smooth, almost creamy texture. This is the base of your banana bread flavor, and it’ll help keep these brownies incredibly moist.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. The cocoa powder gives the brownies that signature chocolate flavor, while the baking powder helps the brownies rise just a little bit—giving them that perfect brownie texture. The salt balances everything out and enhances the sweetness.
Once the dry ingredients are ready, slowly add them to the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix here. You want everything just combined, not overworked. The goal is to keep the texture rich and fudgy, so stir gently until you no longer see dry flour spots. If you love extra chocolate (and who doesn’t?), fold in a handful of extra chocolate chips for that extra gooeyness.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Now that your batter is all mixed up, it’s time to pour it into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly, making sure the batter fills all the corners of the pan. This will ensure you get that perfect square shape when you slice the brownies after baking.
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs stuck to it. The key here is not to overbake them—if you wait for the toothpick to come out completely clean, you’ll miss out on that soft, fudgy texture that makes these brownies so special. Trust me, those little moist crumbs are exactly what you want!
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial because if you glaze them too soon, the warm brownies will absorb the glaze, and you won’t get that beautiful, glossy finish.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the brownies are cooling, let’s whip up the simple yet irresistible glaze that’s going to take these Banana Bread Brownies to the next level. The glaze is a simple mixture of powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and adds just the right amount of finishing touch.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk. Add the milk gradually—just a tablespoon at a time—until you reach the consistency you like. If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk, and if you prefer a thinner one, add a little more. A teaspoon of vanilla extract will bring it all together, giving it that signature sweet aroma that’s just irresistible.
Once the glaze is smooth and ready, set it aside for a moment. You’ll be drizzling it over your cooled brownies in just a little bit. The glaze is optional, but it definitely makes these brownies feel extra special. Plus, it adds a glossy, beautiful finish that makes them look as good as they taste.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Here’s where the fun really begins! Once your brownies have completely cooled, it’s time to add that glaze. You can drizzle it on with a spoon or, if you’re feeling a little fancy, use a piping bag to create more controlled patterns. Either way, the glaze will make these brownies look professionally made, and trust me, everyone will be impressed.
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans on top. Not only do they add a little crunch, but they also pair perfectly with the banana and chocolate flavors. If you’re a fan of more chocolate (who isn’t?), feel free to sprinkle some extra chocolate chips over the glaze as well. It’s completely optional, but it makes these brownies even more irresistible.
Once garnished, slice the brownies into squares, and you’re ready to serve! These Banana Bread Brownies are perfect for a cozy afternoon treat, a party dessert, or just when you want to indulge in something special.
Storage Tips
These brownies are so good, I’m sure they won’t last long. But just in case you have some leftovers (or you’re lucky enough to have some saved for later), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them, and they should keep for about a week. Either way, they’ll stay delicious and fudgy for several days. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQ Section: All Your Banana Bread Brownie Questions Answered
I know you’re probably eager to start baking, but before you do, let’s address some of the most common questions that come up when making these Banana Bread Brownies. These brownies are so delicious and simple to make, but it’s always nice to have some extra tips and answers to make sure everything goes smoothly.
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen bananas on hand, just thaw them out before mashing. In fact, frozen bananas tend to have a slightly more intense banana flavor and can actually help make your brownies extra moist. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
2. Can I substitute the butter with something else?
If you want to make this recipe dairy-free or lighter, you can use a plant-based butter substitute. You could also try using vegetable oil or even unsweetened applesauce to replace the butter. While the texture and flavor might differ slightly, these alternatives will still yield delicious results.
3. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The key is to check with a toothpick or a cake tester. Insert it into the center of the brownies—if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), they’re done! Don’t worry if a couple of crumbs stick; they’ll add to the fudgy texture. If you wait for the toothpick to come out completely clean, you may end up with dry brownies, and we definitely don’t want that!
4. Can I add nuts to the brownie batter?
Yes! If you love a little crunch with your banana bread brownies, feel free to fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or any nuts of your choice into the batter before baking. Nuts add great texture and a wonderful contrast to the soft, chocolatey brownies. Just be sure not to overmix the batter when adding them.
5. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Definitely! These brownies store well and actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. You can bake them a day in advance, and they’ll still be fresh and delicious. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer storage.
6. Can I make the glaze without powdered sugar?
While powdered sugar creates the smooth texture and sweetness that makes the glaze so good, you can try substituting it with a small amount of granulated sugar or brown sugar. Keep in mind that the texture and consistency might change, and you may need to experiment with the amount of milk to achieve the right glaze consistency.
7. Can I make these Banana Bread Brownies without the glaze?
Absolutely! The brownies are fantastic on their own, so if you prefer to skip the glaze or just want a lighter dessert, you can leave it out. The banana and chocolate flavors are so rich and satisfying that they don’t need any extra topping. If you do want a topping but prefer something less sweet, you could try a simple dusting of powdered sugar or even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion: Time to Try These Banana Bread Brownies!
These Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves both banana bread and brownies. With their rich chocolatey goodness and the subtle sweetness of ripe bananas, they’re a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or just craving something delicious, this recipe is perfect for satisfying those sweet tooth cravings.
So go ahead—give this recipe a try! I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together and how much flavor you get with such simple ingredients. And when you do, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments or let me know if you made any tasty variations. These Banana Bread Brownies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation!
Banana Bread Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect fusion of two beloved treats—rich, fudgy brownies and moist, flavorful banana bread. The decadent chocolate base is enhanced with the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas, creating a soft and indulgent texture.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional:
- Crushed walnuts or pecans for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Make the Brownie Batter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Add the mashed bananas and mix until the batter is smooth and well blended.
3️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in additional chocolate chips if desired.
4️⃣ Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter). Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
5️⃣ Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies using a spoon or piping bag. Optionally, sprinkle crushed nuts or additional chocolate chips on top for decoration. Slice into squares and serve.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
Notes
- The ripe bananas provide a moist, flavorful twist on classic brownies, blending the best of banana bread with rich chocolate.
- Feel free to mix in walnuts or pecans for an extra crunchy touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 servings
