Banana Bread Brownies Recipe – Moist, Fudgy, and Easy to Make at Home

Introduction

Banana bread brownies bring together the moist richness of banana bread with the chewy, fudgy texture of brownies. Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe bananas swirling with the indulgent notes of chocolate, filling your kitchen as these treats bake in the oven. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth but also warms your soul.

Perfect for using up overripe bananas, banana bread brownies are ideal for anyone who loves baking but wants something a little different. They’re great for casual get-togethers, weekend snacks, or even as a breakfast treat with your morning coffee. You don’t need to be an expert baker to make them, and they turn out beautifully with just a bit of care. The flavor is deep, rich, and slightly nostalgic—like banana bread took a walk on the wild side and came back with a chocolatey grin.

These brownies are a delightful hybrid dessert that balances the softness of banana cake with the dense texture of classic brownies. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s one of those comfort desserts that everyone falls in love with after the first bite.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need for this banana bread brownies recipe. Each ingredient includes an approximate calorie count per portion to help you keep track.

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (Approx)
Ripe bananas (mashed)	2 medium	210
All-purpose flour	1 cup	455
Granulated sugar	3/4 cup	580
Unsalted butter (melted)	1/2 cup	810
Eggs	2 large	140
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	12
Baking powder	1 tsp	2
Salt	1/4 tsp	0
Cocoa powder	1/4 cup	50
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	1/2 cup	400

Total estimated calories (entire batch): Approximately 2,659
Per serving (1 of 12 pieces): Around 222 calories

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your brownies come out clean and easy to cut.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Add the melted butter, sugar, and eggs. Mix until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the texture soft.

4. Divide and Add Chocolate

Split the batter into two equal parts. In one half, stir in the cocoa powder and chocolate chips. This creates the brownie layer. Leave the other half as the banana bread layer.

5. Layer the Batters

Pour the banana batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Then pour the chocolate batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect.

6. Bake

Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.For more delicious ideas, don’t miss Chocolate Chip Banana Bread which pairs perfectly with this recipe.

7. Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Adding your own twist to banana bread brownies is half the fun. Here are a few creative ways to customize this dessert:

Add Nuts
Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Fold them into the chocolate batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.

Use Dark Chocolate
For a richer taste, replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks. It deepens the chocolate flavor without making the dessert overly sweet.

Try Peanut Butter
Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter before baking for an extra indulgent touch. Banana, chocolate, and peanut butter make a heavenly trio.

Make It Gluten-Free
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

Lower the Sugar
Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup if your bananas are very ripe. They bring natural sweetness that can offset the need for added sugar.

Nutritional Information

Each square of banana bread brownie offers a nice balance between indulgence and nutrition, especially compared to traditional brownies.

These values are approximate and may vary based on the exact brands and measurements used. For a lower-calorie version, use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the butter and reduce chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread brownies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. You can dress them up or keep them simple depending on the occasion.

Casual Snack
Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. They make a perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Dessert Plate
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup for a decadent dessert.

Brunch Treat
Pair with fresh fruit and yogurt on a breakfast platter. Their banana base makes them brunch-appropriate.

Lunchbox Goodie
Wrap individual pieces in parchment for an easy lunchbox addition. They stay moist and delicious for days.

Party Platter
Cut into bite-size squares and serve on a tray. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze banana bread brownies?
Yes, they freeze very well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.

Do I have to use chocolate chips?
Not at all. You can skip them, use white chocolate chips, or add caramel chunks if you like. The base recipe works well with or without mix-ins.

What type of bananas work best?
Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal. They’re sweeter and mash easily, giving your brownies better flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), vegan butter or coconut oil, and dairy-free chocolate chips to make it completely vegan.

Why are my brownies dry?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. Check for doneness around the 25-minute mark. The center should be set but still slightly soft.

Conclusion

Few things feel as rewarding as pulling a warm pan of banana bread brownies from the oven. The gentle sweetness of ripe bananas paired with rich cocoa and gooey chocolate chips creates a flavor that’s both cozy and crave-worthy. It’s a recipe that makes you feel like a baking pro even if you’re just getting started in the kitchen.