The Ultimate Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
These fudgy banana bread brownies combine the best of both worlds – rich chocolate brownies with sweet banana bread flavors. They’re incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and loaded with chocolate chips.
Made with simple pantry ingredients, these banana bread brownies are perfect for using up overripe bananas. The result is a decadent dessert that’s somewhere between a brownie and banana bread, with an irresistible chewy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These banana bread brownies are the perfect mashup dessert that satisfies every craving. The rich cocoa powder creates that classic brownie flavor, while mashed bananas add natural sweetness and incredible moisture.
Unlike traditional brownies, these have a tender, cake-like texture from the bananas. They’re also naturally sweetened with bananas, so you can use less sugar than typical brownie recipes.
Key Ingredients
The combination of brown sugar and bananas creates incredible moisture, while cocoa powder delivers that essential brownie flavor. Using melted coconut oil instead of butter makes these slightly healthier without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
Mash your overripe bananas until smooth, leaving just a few small chunks for texture. Mix the wet ingredients first – bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then stir in chocolate chips.
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Baking Tips for Perfect Results
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly to the corners. The batter will be thick but spreadable – this creates the perfect fudgy texture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake, as these continue cooking slightly while cooling.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This allows them to set properly and makes clean slicing much easier.
The Ultimate Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy16
15
minutes30
45
minutesRich, fudgy brownies with sweet banana flavor and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
3 large overripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted coconut oil or butter
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth.
- Stir in melted coconut oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender
Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days
Can substitute butter for coconut oil if preferred
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 254 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Sugars | 24 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
Storage and Serving
These banana bread brownies stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. The banana keeps them incredibly moist, so they actually taste better the next day.
For longer storage, wrap individual brownies and freeze for up to 3 months. They thaw quickly at room temperature or can be warmed in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Recipe Variations
Try adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Fold them in with the chocolate chips for the perfect texture contrast.
For double chocolate lovers, use chocolate chips and add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter. You can also swirl in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter before baking.
Make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The results are just as fudgy and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular bananas instead of overripe ones?
A: Overripe bananas with brown spots are essential for the best flavor and sweetness. Regular bananas won’t provide enough natural sugar or the intense banana flavor these brownies need.
Q: Why are my banana bread brownies too wet or gummy?
A: This usually happens from overmixing the batter or using bananas that are too wet. Mash bananas well, but don’t puree them completely, and fold ingredients gently until just combined.
Q: Can I make these banana bread brownies ahead of time?
A: Yes! These actually taste better the next day as flavors develop. Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze wrapped brownies for up to 3 months.
