Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
If you adore banana bread but are craving something with a chewier, denser texture, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe. It’s like marrying the best parts of banana bread and a luscious blondie into one irresistible treat. Moist, packed with banana flavor, and with optional mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips, these brownies are pure joy in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe uses simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that come together harmoniously to create comfort in every bite. Each item plays a crucial role—from the mashed bananas bringing natural sweetness and moisture, to the cinnamon adding a warm hint of spice.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup): The star ingredient offering moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Adds richness and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the natural banana taste.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together for the perfect chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a lovely aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base that provides structure without making the brownies dense.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the brownies rise slightly and keeps them tender.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens flavor nuances.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon, optional): Introduces a warm, cozy spice note that complements the bananas beautifully.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup, optional): For added crunch and a nutty contrast.
- Chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies.
- For frosting (optional): Butter (2 tablespoons), milk (¼ cup), powdered sugar (1 cup), vanilla extract (½ teaspoon) — an easy glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease up an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make sure your brownies slide out easily after baking. This prep step saves you from any sticking or crumbling later on.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This creates a luscious, sweet, and fragrant base for your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. This blends the leavening and spices uniformly so that each brownie bites carries that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture and stir gently until everything is just combined — don’t overmix, or your brownies may become dense. If you like, fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips to bring extra texture and bursts of flavor to every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your rich batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan — this helps them set up to a perfect chewy consistency.
Step 6: Add the Optional Frosting
If you want to elevate your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe even further, melt butter and stir in milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it simmers. Remove from the heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, then spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Let it set before slicing.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
While these brownies are delightful on their own, a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add an enticing visual appeal and exciting texture contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can also make them feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a serving of fresh berries. The cold creaminess and tartness complement the dense, sweet brownies and make the dessert experience more dynamic and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a party or make a layered dessert by combining brownie squares with yogurt and fruit in parfait glasses. Serve bite-sized squares on a platter alongside coffee or tea for an inviting snack spread that everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Banana Bread Brownies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their moist texture. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration will keep them fresh for about a week, though they might firm up a bit.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies easily by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or by placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop a brownie square in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives the softness and intensifies the inviting banana aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend that is intended for baking to make the Banana Bread Brownies Recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute to maintain the texture.
Do I have to use chocolate chips and nuts?
Not at all! Both chocolate chips and nuts are optional and can easily be omitted if you prefer a simpler, pure banana flavor. Or, feel free to swap for your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit or seeds.
What does baking soda do in this recipe?
Baking soda helps the brownies rise slightly and develop a tender crumb. It works with the acidity from the bananas to create a soft yet chewy texture, an essential part of this unique Banana Bread Brownies Recipe.
Can I make these into muffins or cupcakes?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the baking time to around 15-20 minutes and use a muffin tin lined with paper cups. This is a fun twist that makes these banana treats even more portable and shareable.
Is the frosting necessary?
The frosting is totally optional but highly recommended if you want an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess. It adds a lovely finishing touch, but the brownies themselves are delicious enough to stand on their own.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a banana lover or just looking for a new twist on traditional brownies, this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is a keeper. The blend of moist banana goodness with chewy, dense texture creates an inviting dessert or snack that feels both nostalgic and excitingly new. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen like it has in mine!
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies are a delightful fusion of moist banana bread and chewy blondies, packed with rich banana flavor and optional chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Perfect as a dessert or snack, they bake up tender and can be topped with a creamy vanilla frosting for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Frosting (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture and stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips if you choose to include them, distributing evenly through the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting or slicing.
- Prepare frosting (optional): In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, then remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost brownies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies and allow it to set before slicing into squares.
Notes
- This recipe is a hybrid between banana bread and dense blondie-style brownies, resulting in moist, chewy bars with intense banana flavor.
- Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Optional add-ins like nuts and chocolate chips add texture and flavor but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- Frosting is optional and adds a creamy vanilla sweetness that complements the banana flavor nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
