Name: Banana Bread Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486094H31M42S
Total time: PT-486094H31M42S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Ripe bananas, mashed; Granulated sugar; Brown sugar; Unsalted butter, melted; Eggs; Vanilla extract; All-purpose flour; Baking soda; Salt; Cocoa powder (for the brownie swirl or batter); Chocolate chips or chunks (optional, for added richness)

Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect fusion of two classic favorites—moist banana bread and rich, fudgy brownies. With a soft and tender crumb, a hint of banana sweetness, and a decadent brownie-like texture, these treats are a comforting indulgence that’s easy to make and always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together the familiar taste of banana bread with the indulgent richness of brownies. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas while making something a little more fun than traditional banana bread. Whether I’m baking for family, a get-together, or just treating myself, these Banana Bread Brownies never disappoint. They’re moist, flavorful, and have the perfect balance of banana and chocolate.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ripe bananas, mashed
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Unsalted butter, melted
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Cocoa powder (for the brownie swirl or batter)
Chocolate chips or chunks (optional, for added richness)

directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a baking dish.
In a large bowl, I mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
I mix in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until everything is well combined.
I beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually mix it into the wet ingredients.
If I’m making a swirl, I divide part of the batter and mix it with cocoa powder to create the brownie portion.
I pour the banana batter into the pan, swirl in the brownie mixture (or mix all together if preferred), and sprinkle chocolate chips on top if I want extra decadence.
I bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
I let it cool before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 to 16 brownies, depending on how I slice them. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake, with a short cooling time before serving.

Variations

I sometimes mix chocolate chips into the batter for extra texture.
When I want a deeper chocolate flavor, I swirl in a bit of chocolate brownie batter.
Adding walnuts or pecans gives a crunchy contrast.
For a touch of spice, I’ve added a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before.
A drizzle of cream cheese frosting on top turns them into an even more indulgent treat.

storage/reheating

I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I need them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months. To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be?

I always use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re sweeter and mash more easily, which adds moisture and flavor to the brownies.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I make sure it has xanthan gum included for the best texture.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

I’ve used vegetable oil or melted coconut oil in place of butter with good results. The texture stays moist, though the flavor changes slightly.

Do I have to add cocoa powder?

Not at all. If I prefer more banana bread than brownie, I skip the cocoa powder or just use a small amount for a light swirl.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adding about 5–10 more minutes to the baking time and checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Brownies are my go-to treat when I’m craving something sweet, comforting, and a little indulgent. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, they’re easy to whip up any day of the week. Whether I enjoy them with a cup of coffee or pack them in lunches, these bars are always a satisfying hit.