Introduction

Banana Bread Brownies combine the best of two beloved desserts into one fudgy, flavorful treat. Packed with ripe bananas and rich chocolate, these brownies offer a delightful twist that banana lovers won’t want to miss.

A close-up view of a square piece of cake with two visible layers; the bottom layer is dark brown with a moist, dense texture mixed with lighter swirls, and the top layer is a lighter brown glaze that is smooth and slightly shiny, covering the entire top of the cake and showing some darker spots underneath. The cake sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface, and the image is well lit to show the details of the moist texture and glossy glaze. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 medium ripe bananas (use overripe for maximum sweetness and moisture)
1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk (or almond milk for lactose-free)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional, dark or white)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet banana mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Gently fold in the milk and chocolate chips (if using) to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter and dot with small pieces of butter for added richness.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch, stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Replace ¼ cup butter with applesauce to reduce fat without losing moisture.
Fold in ½ cup creamy peanut butter before baking for a luscious swirl.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick that enhances chocolate.
Mix in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Use coconut oil and almond milk to make the brownies dairy-free.
Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
Substitute some sugar with finely chopped Medjool dates for natural sweetness.

Storage

Store Banana Bread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to keep them moist and fudgy. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week—bring to room temperature before serving. To freeze, place brownies in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm brownies.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a single square piece of cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. The cake has two visible layers: a dense, dark brown base layer with a slightly crumbly texture mixed with lighter spots, and a lighter beige frosting layer on top that looks smooth and shiny with some darker spots embedded in it. The edges of the cake are slightly rough with visible crumbs. The overall look is moist and rich. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What kind of bananas are best for Banana Bread Brownies?

Overripe bananas with brown spots or fully brown skins are best, as they have the highest sugar content and provide maximum sweetness and moisture for the brownies.

Can I freeze Banana Bread Brownies?

Yes, freeze the brownies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.