The moment you pull these banana bread brownies from the oven, your kitchen will be filled with the sweet, comforting aroma of ripe bananas mingling with the rich, warm scent of butter and vanilla. It’s like a cozy hug for your senses, inviting you to dive in. As the brownies cool, the golden top forms a slight crust, and when you cut into them, you’ll be met with a fudgy, slightly chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The edges crisp up just enough to give you that satisfying bite, while the center stays soft and gooey.
What makes this recipe extra special is how it captures the best of both worlds. You get the moist, banana-flavored depth you love from banana bread, but in a brownie form that’s decadently rich and indulgent. The best part? You can customize the texture and flavor to your liking. Add a handful of chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch, or swirl in some chocolate chips for an extra layer of gooey goodness. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make, but feels like a treat every time you take a bite.
And let’s talk about the versatility—banana bread brownies are perfect for any occasion. Need a sweet snack to munch on during a Netflix binge? They’ve got your back. Want to bring something unique to a party? These are guaranteed to be the star of the dessert table. And don’t be surprised if they vanish before you even get the chance to grab a second piece! They’re that irresistible.
Now that you’re familiar with the deliciousness that’s about to unfold, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that come together to create these perfect banana bread brownies. Each one plays a vital role in giving the brownies their rich flavor, moist texture, and irresistible appeal.
Key Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies
Mashed Bananas
The heart and soul of this recipe! The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, creating that signature banana bread flavor while ensuring the brownies stay wonderfully soft and fudgy.
Sugar
This is what adds the sweetness and helps with the caramelization of the top crust. It balances out the banana’s natural sweetness and contributes to the decadent texture.
Butter (softened)
Butter is the secret to rich, melt-in-your-mouth brownies. It imparts a silky, indulgent texture while also adding depth to the flavor with its creamy, slightly nutty undertones.
Eggs
Eggs are essential for binding everything together. They give the brownies structure and help achieve that moist, fudgy texture we all crave. Plus, they add a subtle richness to the flavor.
Vanilla Extract
This little splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and complexity to the sweetness of the bananas and sugar. It’s a must-have to round out the taste profile.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides the foundation for the batter, giving the brownies structure and helping everything hold together. It helps balance the moisture from the bananas, ensuring they aren’t too gooey.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is the leavening agent that helps these brownies rise slightly, giving them that perfect balance of density and fluffiness. It also helps neutralize any acidic flavors from the bananas.
Salt
A pinch of salt is all it takes to elevate the flavors. It enhances the sweetness and richness while balancing out the natural sugars from the bananas and the sugar.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds a warm, spiced depth to the brownies, making every bite feel comforting. It’s subtle but definitely elevates the overall flavor, giving it that cozy, fall-like vibe.
Chopped Walnuts (optional)
These add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft, sweet texture of the brownies. If you love a bit of texture contrast, walnuts are the way to go!
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
- STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper.
- STEP 2: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth and no large chunks remain.
- STEP 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- STEP 4: Add the mashed bananas to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
- STEP 5: Crack the two eggs into a small bowl, then add them to the banana mixture along with the vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
- STEP 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
- STEP 7: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- STEP 8: If you’re using walnuts, fold them into the batter gently with a spatula.
- STEP 9: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure it is level.
- STEP 10: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- STEP 11: Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the banana bread brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- STEP 12: After cooling for 10 minutes, transfer the brownies to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
- STEP 13: Serve the banana bread brownies once they have cooled completely, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Banana Bread Brownies
Top with a Scoop of Ice Cream
Banana bread brownies are already indulgent, but why not take them over the top? A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is the perfect pairing. The creamy, cold texture against the warm, fudgy brownie creates a blissful contrast that’s absolutely irresistible. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top for some extra decadence!
Serve with Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream
For a slightly lighter (but still totally delicious) option, serve your banana bread brownies with a handful of fresh berries—think strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side, and you’ve got a dessert that feels a little fancy but still cozy and comforting.
Enjoy with a Hot Cup of Coffee or Tea
There’s something about enjoying a warm, fudgy brownie alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea that feels like the perfect afternoon treat. The deep flavors of the coffee complement the banana and cinnamon in the brownies, while the tea offers a delicate balance to the richness. Trust me, it’s the kind of pairing you’ll keep coming back to!
How do you like your banana bread brownies? Any fun twists you’ve tried? I’d love to hear about it!
How to Store Banana Bread Brownies
To keep your banana bread brownies fresh and delicious, it’s all about storing them properly. After they’ve cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay wonderfully soft and fudgy, just as they were when they first came out of the oven. If you want to preserve them for a little longer, popping them in the fridge is a great option. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, and they’ll last for up to a week.
If you want to extend their shelf life even further, freezing your banana bread brownies is a great way to enjoy them at a later date. Simply wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds for that just-baked goodness.
Whichever way you choose to store them, you can rest easy knowing your banana bread brownies will stay delicious and ready to indulge in whenever the craving hits!
Conclusion
Well, there you have it—banana bread brownies that are as comforting as they are irresistible! From the rich, fudgy texture to the warm banana flavor, this recipe is the perfect combination of two beloved treats. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because you need a little something sweet, these brownies are bound to become a go-to favorite.
The best part? You can easily make them your own by adding a few extras like chocolate chips or walnuts, and they’ll still turn out perfectly every time. They’re simple enough to whip up but feel like a real treat. So, next time you find yourself with a bunch of ripe bananas, you know exactly what to do!
I’d love to hear how your batch turns out or if you decide to get creative with any variations. Did you try something new, or maybe pair them with a fun topping? Drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts or if you need any tips while making them! I’m always happy to chat about all things baking—and, of course, these banana bread brownies. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet, gooey bite!
Banana Bread Brownies
Description
Banana Bread Brownies combine the best of both worlds: the rich, moist texture of banana bread with the fudgy goodness of brownies. Every bite bursts with sweet, ripe bananas and a hint of vanilla, creating a perfectly comforting treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper.
-
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth and no large chunks remain.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add the mashed bananas to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
-
Crack the two eggs into a small bowl, then add them to the banana mixture along with the vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
-
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
If you're using walnuts, fold them into the batter gently with a spatula.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure it is level.
-
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
-
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the banana bread brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
-
After cooling for 10 minutes, transfer the brownies to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
-
Serve the banana bread brownies once they have cooled completely, and enjoy!
Note
- For best texture, use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- If you prefer a sweeter version, increase sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Walnuts can be swapped with chocolate chips for added richness.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid dense brownies.
- Let the brownies cool completely to ensure clean slices.
