Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe because it perfectly combines two of my favorite treats into one incredible bite. The moist banana bread vibe meets rich, chocolatey brownies, resulting in a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Every time I make these, the smell alone fills my kitchen with warm, inviting scents that make it impossible to wait for the first slice. If you’re craving something uniquely delicious yet easy to whip up, this recipe is definitely a keeper in my book.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

What really makes this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe exciting to me is the beautiful mix of flavors and textures. The sweet, ripe bananas bring a subtle fruity softness that balances out the deep cocoa flavor of the brownies. I find that the cinnamon adds a gentle warmth without overpowering anything, and the walnuts give a nice crunch that contrasts the tender crumb perfectly. It’s such a cozy flavor profile that I’m happy to enjoy anytime snack or dessert.

Beyond the taste, I love how straightforward this recipe is to put together. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the steps are clear and approachable, even if you’re not an experienced baker. Plus, I find this recipe so versatile — it’s perfect for serving at family gatherings, casual potlucks, or just as a sweet treat to brighten a weeknight. Honestly, the combination of ease and amazing results makes it stand out as one of my go-to favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, creating the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and texture without any fuss. I always appreciate having simple, easily available items that come together to make something so special.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure necessary for these brownies to hold their shape while staying tender.
• Cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and depth, key to brownie perfection.
• Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just the right amount for a soft crumb.
• Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, spicy note that complements the bananas beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming flat.
• Butter, melted: Brings richness and a luscious texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens naturally, balancing the cocoa bitterness and banana flavor.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture and structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds subtle aromatic depth that lifts the entire flavor profile.
• Mashed ripe bananas: Provide natural sweetness and moisture, making these brownies uniquely soft.
• Chocolate chips: Bring melty pockets of chocolate throughout, making every bite indulgent.
• Walnuts: Add crunch and a nutty contrast, enhancing texture and taste.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps ensure easy removal and cleanup later.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed — this ensures an even distribution of flavors.

Step 3: In a larger bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until they form a smooth mixture. This creates the base for your brownie batter.

Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Whisk vigorously for about one minute — this step incorporates air for a lighter texture.

Step 5: Fold in the mashed bananas gently using a spatula. The bananas bring moisture and sweetness, so be careful not to overmix here.

Step 6: Slowly add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture and fold them together until just combined. Be patient and avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.

Step 7: Stir in half of the chocolate chips and walnuts, distributing these mix-ins evenly throughout the batter for delightful little surprises.

Step 8: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Then, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and walnuts on top — this adds a gorgeous, textured finish that’s as delicious as it looks.

Step 9: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick near the center — it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing to let the flavors settle and the brownies firm up.

Servings and Timing

This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe makes about 16 hearty servings, perfect for sharing or saving some for later. Prep time is around 15 minutes, so you can get everything mixed up without stress. The baking takes 30 to 35 minutes, followed by some cooling time which I always recommend for the best texture — plan for about 10 to 15 minutes cooling before slicing. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 50 to 60 minutes from start to finish.

How to Serve This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

When I serve these brownies, I love to keep things simple to highlight their rich flavor and luscious texture. They’re wonderful on their own, but I often pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for something extra special. Adding fresh berries on the side brings a bright contrast that balances the chocolaty richness really well.

Presentation-wise, sprinkling a little powdered sugar on top adds a charming touch, especially if you’re serving guests. Sometimes I drizzle melted chocolate or even a caramel sauce for a decadent finish. For beverages, I find a nice glass of cold milk always hits the spot, but you can also serve them with coffee, tea, or even a dessert wine like a ruby port to complement the flavors beautifully.

This recipe is ideal for family dinners, holiday celebrations, potlucks, or casual weekend treats. I love serving it slightly warm, just coming out of the oven, for that melty chocolate effect, but it also tastes delicious at room temperature. Just cut into uniform squares or slightly larger bars depending on your crowd and occasion.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy most about this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is how adaptable it is. For example, swapping walnuts for pecans or skipping nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version works beautifully. If you love extra chocolate, you can add a handful of white chocolate chips or swirl in some peanut butter for a rich twist.

If you need to make this vegan or gluten-free, I’ve had success using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan margarine alternative without losing flavor or texture. The bananas help keep everything moist, so these swaps are generally forgiving.

For a different cooking method, I’ve even tried making these in muffin tins for individual servings—just reduce the bake time to about 18 to 22 minutes. You get perfect little brownie bites that are great for lunches, parties, or grab-and-go snacks.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for up to 3 days this way, remaining soft and flavorful. If you want to store them for longer, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the container helps preserve moisture.

Freezing

This Banana Bread Brownies Recipe freezes really well. I like to cut them into individual squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them all in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy one, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm it up.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming a brownie for about 15 seconds in the microwave if you want it soft and gooey. Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes wrapped in foil to keep the moisture locked in. Avoid reheating too long or at too high a temperature to prevent drying out or losing that wonderful chewy texture.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas in this recipe?

Absolutely! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana Bread Brownies will be. Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots work perfectly since they mash easily and impart intense natural sweetness.

Is there a way to make these brownies more fudgy?

If you prefer fudgier brownies, try reducing the flour slightly or increasing the butter by a tablespoon or two. You can also experiment with adding an extra egg yolk for richness. Just be mindful of baking time so they don’t become undercooked.

Can I substitute the cocoa powder with melted chocolate?

You can, but you’ll need to adjust the fat content accordingly since melted chocolate has more fat than cocoa powder. If using melted chocolate, reduce the butter slightly and keep an eye on the texture of your batter. Generally, sticking with cocoa powder keeps the recipe simpler and just as delicious.

Are the walnuts necessary, or can I leave them out?

No problem if you’re not a fan of nuts! The walnuts add great crunch and flavor, but leaving them out won’t affect the overall structure or taste too much. You can also swap them for other nuts or seeds if you prefer.

Can this recipe be made in a larger pan?

Yes! If you want a thinner brownie, you can bake it in a larger pan like 9×13 inches, but reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes and keep a close watch to avoid overbaking. The texture and flavor will remain just as wonderful.

Conclusion

I hope you’ll give this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe a try soon — it’s truly one of my favorite ways to enjoy the best of both banana bread and brownies. The comforting flavors, easy prep, and impressive results always impress everyone who tries them. Once you make these, I bet they’ll become a staple for your baking adventures too!

Print