Thanks so much for being here—I’m thrilled to share this decadent banana bread brownies twist on two of my absolute favorites, perfect for when you have ripe bananas calling your name! If you love fudgy treats with a fruity flair, this is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes by email 😊
Overview of Recipe Content
What is this recipe and when to make it
This hybrid treat marries tender banana bread with rich, fudgy chocolate brownie vibes—ideal for cozy brunches, afternoon snacks, or after-dinner indulgence.
Why you’ll adore it
It’s moist, chocolaty, intuitive to make, and a creative way to use up overripe bananas.
What you’ll taste
Banana sweetness, warm vanilla, a touch of cocoa bitterness, and optional crunchy walnuts or melty chocolate chips.
Health & seasonal relevance
Bananas add natural sweetness and potassium; perfect as a fall-winter comfort bake.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup all‑purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Tools needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- 8×8″ or 9×9″ baking pan
- Parchment or nonstick spray
- Toothpick or cake tester
Substitutions & additions
- Swap butter for coconut oil.
- Use white sugar instead of brown.
- Add peanut butter swirls, chopped pecans, or mini marshmallows.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease or line your baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth—love that sweet aroma!
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in baking soda, baking powder, salt, flour, and cocoa powder until just blended—you’ll smell that chocolate!
- Fold in mix-ins: Gently stir in chocolate chips and nuts if using—little treasures in every bite.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. For fudgy centers, bake closer to 25 minutes.
- Cool & serve: Let cool slightly before slicing—you’ll see perfect fudgy edges and banana-soft crumbs.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Brownies
- A scoop of vanilla gelato or whipped cream
- A drizzle of salted caramel sauce
- Fresh berries or sliced banana
- Morning coffee, milk, or espresso martini for dessert!
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t overmix—overmixing leads to dense brownies.
- Check early—remove while centers look shiny to keep them gooey.
- Make ahead—bites taste even better the next day as flavors mingle.
- Double the batch—freeze extras and warm slices for quick treats.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Airtight container, up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days; bring to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw or microwave gently.
General Information
Banana bread brownies blend beloved comfort bakes into one blissful square—much like the cozy kitchen memories I cherish from my nonna’s house. You’ll find playful variations online: swirl toppings, sour cream fudging—each version lovely!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use overripe bananas?
Absolutely—very ripe bananas intensify flavor.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly.
Is cocoa powder necessary?
Yes—for that classic brownie taste. You could reduce or skip, but it shifts the flavor.
Can I substitute oil for butter?
Yes—oil gives extra moisture, though butter adds richer flavor.
Should I use baking soda and powder?
Yes, together they give a gentle rise without sacrificing fudgy texture.
Conclusion
Your new favorite treat: Decadent Banana Bread Brownies—easy, comforting, unforgettable. Craving more banana magic? Try my Banana Apple Walnut Cake or Almond Flour Banana Bread next—they’re made with the same love.
Cooked them? Leave a comment or ⭐ review! Snap a pic and share on Pinterest (follow me @poulefrecipe)—I love seeing your creations 💕
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (12 total):
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 kcal | 35 g | 3 g | 11 g | 20 g | 2 g |
Interactive Elements
Let me know below—did you swirl in PB or add extra chips? I’d love to hear your twist! Share photos on Pinterest or tag me on IG @poulefrecipe 🎀
Print
Delightful Chocolate-Packed Banana Bread Brownies!
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent twist on banana bread with fudgy brownie texture—perfect for ripe bananas!
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup flour
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
½ cup walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prep pan.
2. Mix wet ingredients: bananas, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla.
3. Stir in dry ingredients: baking soda, baking powder, salt, flour, cocoa.
4. Fold in mix-ins: chips and nuts.
5. Pour into pan and bake 25-30 minutes.
6. Let cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
Don’t overmix batter to keep fudgy texture.
Bake shorter for gooey centers.
Store in airtight container up to 3 days or freeze extras.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
