Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist tenderness of classic banana bread with the rich, chocolatey decadence of brownies. This dessert delivers deep cocoa flavor layered with natural banana sweetness and a subtle cinnamon finish. Perfectly soft with slightly fudgy centers, these bars are a banana lover’s dream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Best of Both Worlds – Combines fluffy banana bread texture with dense brownie richness.
- Ultra Moist Crumb – Overripe bananas ensure natural sweetness and tenderness.
- Chocolate Forward – Cocoa powder and chocolate chips deliver bold flavor.
- Easy One-Bowl Method – Minimal prep and no complicated techniques required.
- Perfect for Using Ripe Bananas – A delicious solution for overripe fruit.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert – Great for gatherings, bake sales, or family treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Batter
- 3 medium ripe bananas – Provide moisture, sweetness, and structure.
- ½ cup melted butter – Adds richness and fudgy texture (or coconut oil for dairy-free).
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and supports browning.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Adds caramel-like depth and moisture.
- 2 large eggs – Bind ingredients and create structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Forms the structural base.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Lightens the texture slightly.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- ½ cup cocoa powder – Provides rich chocolate depth.
- ¼ cup milk – Adds moisture and softens crumb.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional) – Adds melty chocolate pockets.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Complements banana and chocolate notes.
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter – Dotted on top for added richness and slight caramelization.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until creamy and fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and cinnamon to ensure even distribution.
Incorporate Dry into Wet
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
Add Milk and Chocolate Chips
Stir in milk and fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Transfer to Pan
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula to smooth the surface.
Add Topping
Dot the top with small pieces of butter to encourage a lightly caramelized finish.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Cool Before Slicing
Allow brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Use Overripe Bananas – Dark, spotty bananas yield maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do Not Overmix – Overmixing develops gluten and can make brownies dense.
- Check at 25 Minutes – Slight underbaking keeps centers fudgy.
- Line the Pan – Parchment paper ensures easy lifting and slicing.
- Room Temperature Eggs – Blend more smoothly into batter.
- Let Them Cool Fully – Cooling allows structure to set properly.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per slice
Moderately indulgent dessert with natural banana sweetness
Perfect Pairings
- Vanilla ice cream for warm brownie contrast
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Cold milk or almond milk
- Fresh berries for balance
Ideal Occasions
- Family dessert nights
- Potlucks or bake sales
- Weekend baking projects
- Holiday dessert spreads
Storage & Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days for longer freshness.
- Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slightly in microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
Creative Variations to Try
- Nutty Crunch Version – Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Peanut Butter Swirl – Swirl peanut butter into batter before baking.
- Dark Chocolate Upgrade – Use dark chocolate chips for deeper flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option – Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too Dense – Avoid overmixing and measure flour accurately.
- Too Dry – Slightly underbake next time or increase banana amount.
- Sinking Center – Ensure baking soda is fresh and evenly mixed.
- Sticky Slices – Let brownies cool fully before cutting.
Why This Recipe Works
Bananas act as a natural moisture agent and sweetener, reducing the need for excessive fat while enhancing tenderness. Cocoa powder provides structured chocolate flavor without overpowering the banana notes. The combination of granulated and brown sugar creates balanced sweetness and a soft crumb. Butter enriches the batter while eggs provide structure. Baking at 350°F ensures even heat distribution for moist centers and slightly crisp edges. At approximately 250 calories per slice, these brownies offer indulgence with built-in fruit-based moisture.
Final Thoughts
Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate fusion dessert for anyone who loves bananas and chocolate. They’re easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and perfectly moist with a fudgy twist. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or as an afternoon treat with coffee, this recipe delivers comfort and sweetness in every bite.
