Banana bread brownies are one of those recipes that take me back to why I started cooking in the first place turning simple ingredients into something comforting and memorable. Hi, I’m Helen, the heart behind Easy Tasty Kitchen. Growing up, I learned in my mom’s kitchen that food was more than just a meal it was love, connection, and time shared together.
That’s why I love recipes like these easy banana bread brownies. They use up ripe bananas, come together quickly, and create a fudgy, chocolatey treat that feels special without being complicated. Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself, this simple banana bread brownies recipe is proof that homemade desserts can be both easy and unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Banana Bread Brownies
These banana bread brownies are rich, fudgy, and perfectly sweet — blending the moist goodness of banana bread with the decadence of brownies. A simple, comforting dessert that’s always a hit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
For extra fudgy brownies, use slightly more banana and be careful not to overbake. Store tightly covered at room temp for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
What Are Banana Bread Brownies?
A Hybrid Dessert — Banana Bread Meets Brownie
Banana bread brownies combine the moist sweetness of banana bread with the rich, fudgy bite of brownies. They’re softer and lighter than a traditional brownie but denser and more indulgent than banana bread — the perfect middle ground.
Why They’re So Popular — Easy Dessert, Family-Friendly Treat
This simple banana bread brownies recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and always a hit. Bananas add natural moisture for a fudgy texture, while chocolate makes them feel extra special. Best of all, they’re a family-friendly recipe you can enjoy as a snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat.
Looking for More Banana Bread Ideas?
Here are a few more of our favorites from Easy Tasty Kitchen:
Core Ingredients & Substitutions
Must-Have Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies
The base of banana bread brownies is simple: ripe bananas, flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder. Bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, cocoa adds richness, and butter gives that classic fudgy texture. Together, they create the best balance of flavor and chewiness.
Smart Substitutions & Healthier Options
Want to make your easy banana bread brownies recipe fit different diets? Swap white flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour, replace some sugar with honey, or use Greek yogurt for extra moisture. Dark chocolate or nut butters can boost flavor while keeping the dessert wholesome. These tweaks turn this family-friendly recipe into a healthier dessert option without losing its fudgy charm.
Step-by-Step Recipe Method
Preparing the Batter
To make banana bread brownies, start by mashing ripe bananas until smooth. Mix them with melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then fold in the dry ingredients — flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir just until combined to keep the brownies moist and tender.
Baking, Cooling & Slicing
Pour the batter into a lined pan and bake at 350°F for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few fudgy crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing — this helps them set and gives you clean, neat squares.
Texture & Flavor Tweaks
Fudgy vs. Cake-Like
The beauty of banana bread brownies is that you can control the texture. For fudgy brownies, use more ripe bananas, a bit less flour, and avoid overbaking. For a lighter, cake-like version, increase the flour slightly and bake a few minutes longer.
Variations & Add-Ins
Make your simple banana bread brownies unique with fun add-ins. Stir in chocolate chips, swirl peanut butter or Nutella, or top with walnuts or pecans for crunch. A drizzle of chocolate ganache or a light glaze can turn this quick dessert into a show-stopping treat.
Baking Tips & Troubleshooting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes when making banana bread brownies is using under-ripe bananas — they don’t add enough sweetness or moisture. Overmixing the batter can also make brownies tough, while overbaking dries them out.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Use room-temperature ingredients, measure flour carefully, and line your pan with parchment for easy removal. Always test doneness with a toothpick — it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. These little steps help you get the best banana bread brownies every time.
Serving, Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Banana bread brownies are great on their own or dressed up. Serve them plain with coffee, top with vanilla ice cream, or add a drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter. Fresh berries or whipped cream also make easy upgrades.
Storage & Freezing
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm briefly in the oven or microwave to bring back that fresh-baked taste.
Why This Recipe Works
The Science Behind Flavor & Texture
The secret to banana bread brownies is balance. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while cocoa and butter create that rich, fudgy bite. The result is a dessert that’s soft yet dense, chocolaty yet not too heavy.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
Unlike some recipes that lean too sweet or too dry, this simple banana bread brownies recipe is foolproof. It uses everyday ingredients, comes together quickly, and consistently delivers moist, fudgy squares. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this version is easy, reliable, and always a crowd favorite.
Conclusion
Banana bread brownies are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With the moist sweetness of bananas and the fudgy richness of brownies, they strike the perfect balance between comfort and indulgence. They’re quick to make, family-friendly, and endlessly versatile — whether enjoyed plain, topped with ice cream, or shared at a gathering.
So, grab those ripe bananas and give this easy banana bread brownies recipe a try. You’ll see why it’s one of the best desserts to keep in your baking rotation.
Discover great ideas like our holiday cookie recipes.
Don’t miss our banana bread recipes for more inspiration.
Check out other easy dessert ideas perfect for busy home bakers.
For more kitchen inspiration and behind-the-scenes cooking tips, follow us on Facebook and check out our Pinterest for even more recipe ideas you’ll love. Never miss a new recipe!
FAQ Section
How long do you bake banana brownies for?
Most banana bread brownies recipes bake at 350°F for about 30–35 minutes. Check with a toothpick — it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that fudgy texture.
How do you keep banana bread brownies moist?
The secret to moist fudgy banana bread brownies lies in using the right ratio of bananas to flour. Too much flour will dry them out, while too little can make them gummy. Using melted butter or even a touch of Greek yogurt helps lock in moisture. Storing them properly is just as important: always cover brownies tightly to prevent air exposure, which causes them to dry out quickly.
What is the number one mistake made when making banana bread?
The top mistake is using bananas that aren’t ripe enough. Overripe bananas add natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor, which are key for easy banana bread brownies.