Ultimate Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Are you ready for a dessert that offers the best of both worlds? These amazing banana bread brownies combine the comforting warmth of classic banana bread with the rich, fudgy delight of a perfect brownie. It’s a truly unique treat that’s easy to make and ideal for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Get ready to bake a delicious batch today!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Brownies

u7568358879 Freshly baked banana bread brownies in a rectangu 817f9138 7aa0 4c58 8708 6e24cb048061 3 - Ultimate Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

This recipe for banana bread brownies is a game-changer for any home baker, especially beginners. You’ll quickly discover why they’re such a hit.

Two Favorites, One Treat: Enjoy the comforting flavors of banana bread and the decadent richness of brownies in every single bite.
Perfect for Ripe Bananas: This recipe is the ultimate solution for those very ripe, spotty bananas you have, transforming them into something truly special.
Simple & Straightforward: Sweet Emily’s recipes are always designed to be easy, and these brownies are no exception, perfect for busy parents and new bakers.
Moist & Chewy Texture: Achieve that ideal brownie chewiness combined with the moist crumb you adore from banana bread.
Impress Anyone: Your family and friends will rave about this creative and incredibly delicious dessert that stands out from the crowd.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies

Making delicious banana bread brownies starts with a few simple, everyday ingredients. You likely have most of these in your pantry already, making this recipe incredibly convenient. Gather these items to begin your baking adventure!

¾ cup (3¾oz/105g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (4oz/115g) butter, melted
1 ½ cups (12oz/340g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup (2oz/57g) unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup (3oz/85g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 large (10oz/284g) very ripe bananas, mashed

Notes & Substitutions

Using very ripe bananas is key for the best flavor and sweetness; the darker the spots, the better. Feel free to swap bittersweet chocolate for milk or white chocolate chips if you prefer. You can also add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup, though it might slightly alter the texture.

For gluten-free options, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend can often be substituted, but results may vary slightly.

Essential Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to make these delightful banana bread brownies. Just a few basic kitchen items will do the trick.

8×8 inch (20x20cm) baking pan
Medium mixing bowls (at least 3)
Whisk or hand mixer
Spatula for mixing
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden skewer or toothpick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Freshly baked banana bread brownies in a rectangular baking pan, rich dark chocolate texture with swirls of banana and golden crust edges, slightly cracked glossy top.

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious banana bread brownies. Taking your time with each stage ensures a perfect result every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Then, butter and line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the brownies out later. Set this prepared pan aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well combined, ensuring an uniform distribution.

In a separate, larger mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, room-temperature eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the wet base for your brownie batter.

Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients by adding the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Now, divide this unified batter evenly into two separate bowls.

In one of the bowls, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and then stir in the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate. Mix this until you have a rich, consistent chocolate brownie batter.

In the other bowl, stir in the mashed very ripe bananas until they are fully incorporated into the batter. This creates your delightful banana bread portion.

Now, carefully dollop spoonfuls of the chocolate brownie batter into the prepared pan. Once most of the pan is covered, spoon the banana batter over the chocolate dollops.

Take a butter knife or a wooden skewer and gently swirl the chocolate batter through the banana batter. Do this without mixing them completely to create a beautiful marbled look.

Bake your unique creation for 40-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the banana bread brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies

Achieving the perfect batch of banana bread brownies is easy with a few expert tips from Sweet Emily. These pointers will help you get the best texture and flavor.

Always use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots; they provide natural sweetness and moisture. The process of banana ripening involves the conversion of starch to sugar, making them ideal for baking. Discover more about the science of ripening bananas for baking.
Avoid overmixing the swirled batters to maintain distinct layers and prevent a uniform, muddy color.
Experiment with different chocolate intensities, like dark chocolate chips, for a bolder flavor profile.
Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling toasted chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top before baking.
Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before cutting; this prevents crumbling and gives you clean, neat squares.
Don’t skip the wooden skewer test for doneness; an underbaked brownie will be too gooey, while overbaking makes it dry.
Consider adjusting bake time for varied pan sizes; a smaller pan might need more time, while a larger one might need less.

Serving, Storing, and Variations

Your freshly baked banana bread brownies are versatile and delicious in many ways. You can serve them simply on their own, or dress them up for a more indulgent treat. For a truly decadent experience, serve a warm square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with caramel or fudge sauce. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a lovely finish.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining their moist texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual squares for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply defrost at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the microwave for about a minute.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate batter for a deeper flavor, or a pinch of cinnamon to the banana batter for extra warmth.
You could also sprinkle a simple streusel topping over the top before baking for added texture. If you need more than one batch, simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) pan, adjusting the baking time slightly.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these delicious banana bread brownies offers a delightful combination of flavors. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 16 squares from an 8×8-inch pan.

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Calories	275 kcal
Total Fat	13 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	37 g
Sugars	27 g
Protein	3 g

For detailed nutritional breakdowns of individual ingredients, you can explore comprehensive resources such as the USDA FoodData Central.

Please note: This nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and will vary depending on exact brands and portion sizes. It is provided for informational purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if my bananas aren’t very ripe?

If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can quickly ripen them by baking them unpeeled on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until their skins are black. This will bring out their natural sweetness for the banana bread brownies.

How can I make my brownies fudgier/less cakey?

For fudgier brownies, ensure you don’t overbake them; pulling them out when the skewer has moist crumbs is perfect. Reducing the amount of flour by a tablespoon or two can also contribute to a denser, fudgier texture.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

You can try reducing the granulated sugar by ¼ cup, but be aware it might slightly alter the texture and moisture of the brownies. The ripe bananas do add natural sweetness, but sugar also plays a role in structure.

Are there any gluten-free flour substitutes?

Yes, you can often substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum for the best results, though the texture might be slightly different.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?

For perfectly mashed bananas, simply use a fork in a bowl. You want some small lumps for texture, so don’t mash them too smoothly.

Conclusion

These ultimate banana bread brownies truly are a delightful creation, blending two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. We love how simple they are to prepare, making them perfect for any baker looking for a quick and rewarding project. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and share the joy of this unique dessert with your loved ones. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below!