I’ve baked a lot of banana bread in my life, but these banana bread brownies hit different. They’ve got that tender, moist crumb of your favorite 1 banana bread recipe but with the extra indulgence of a rich brownie layer. It’s the best of both worlds for anyone who’s ever looked at overripe bananas on the counter and thought, “We can do better than just banana bread.” What I love about this banana bread brownies recipe is the balance of familiar comfort with a fun twist. Banana bread recipes usually lean wholesome, while brownies lean decadent. Here, you mash the two together, literally, and you get a dessert that makes the whole house smell like Sunday morning. It’s simple, cozy, and—let’s be real—it’s the kind of bake that disappears from the pan faster than you expect. So, whether you’re flipping through recipes banana bread fans adore, experimenting with new banana recipes, or just want something a little different, this recipe has your back. It’s still banana bread at heart, but the chewy edges and fudgy bite make it feel extra special. Trust me, once you try it, plain banana bread won’t feel quite enough anymore.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
3) Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies
4) How to Make Banana Bread Brownies
5) Tips for Making Banana Bread Brownies
6) Making Banana Bread Brownies Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Banana Bread Brownies
8) Try these Desserts next!
9) Banana Bread Brownies
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Banana bread brownies bring together the best parts of banana bread and fudgy brownies.
They are quick to prepare and bake in under an hour.
You can make them nutty, chocolatey, or simple based on what you like.
They store well and taste even better the next day.

2) Easy Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

I have baked banana bread so many times that I’ve lost count, but banana bread brownies still feel like a little surprise on the table. The recipe takes the cozy flavor of banana bread and tucks it into a chewy square with the heart of a brownie. The first time I tried this, I wondered why I ever limited bananas to just bread. This dish proves they can go further. Twice in the same bite you get comfort and sweetness. It’s the kind of treat that makes people pause after the first forkful.

The fun of this recipe is how it feels easy and familiar but with an edge. When you smell them baking, the air feels rich like Sunday mornings. The balance works. The texture from mashed bananas pairs with the structure of flour and eggs, and then chocolate chips tip it into indulgent territory. This is not a recipe that hides what it is. It’s bold, clear, and satisfying.

So if you’re looking through banana dessert recipes and hoping for something that steps past the usual, this is it. It blends comfort with decadence, and once you serve it, the squares don’t last long on the plate. People take one, then circle back, because the flavors keep calling them. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen again and again.

3) Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownies

Unsalted Butter gives these brownies richness and keeps the crumb tender. Melted butter mixes smoothly with sugar and bananas, creating a base that holds everything together.

Granulated Sugar sweetens the batter without making it heavy. It balances the natural fruit sugar from ripe bananas, keeping the flavor bright.

Eggs bring structure and hold the batter firm as it bakes. Two large eggs are enough to bind the mix and keep the squares stable once cooled.

Vanilla Extract adds warmth. Even a teaspoon changes the tone of the dessert and gives depth that complements the banana flavor.

Ripe Bananas are the heart. About two or three mashed bananas keep the texture soft. The flavor is deep, and the natural sweetness helps replace some sugar.

All Purpose Flour provides structure. It makes the brownies hold form when sliced and gives the crumb its bite.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda help the batter rise. Without them, the squares turn dense. With them, you get a light but moist base.

Salt balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavors. Even a pinch makes the chocolate taste stronger and the bananas brighter.

Chopped Walnuts bring crunch. They’re optional, but they cut through the sweetness and add texture.

Chocolate Chips make the squares indulgent. Every melted pocket of chocolate reminds you why brownies exist.

4) How to Make Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease or line a rectangular baking dish so the batter slides out after baking. Preparation here makes serving smooth later.

Step 2. In a large bowl whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. The mixture should look glossy and pull together as one. This step sets the foundation.

Step 3. Beat in eggs and vanilla until the texture looks thick and uniform. The batter should move as one mass, ready for bananas.

Step 4. Mash ripe bananas until no lumps remain. Fold them into the wet ingredients. Their sweetness and moisture shift the batter from simple to distinct.

Step 5. Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir only until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing makes the squares tough.

Step 6. Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips. This is where you add crunch and richness. Stir gently so the batter keeps its air.

Step 7. Spread batter evenly in the pan. The top should look smooth, with chips and nuts scattered through.

Step 8. Bake for about half an hour. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few crumbs but not wet batter.

Step 9. Let the pan cool before slicing into squares. The waiting feels hard, but it matters. The squares set as they rest.

5) Tips for Making Banana Bread Brownies

Don’t skip ripe bananas. Bananas with brown spots bring the strongest flavor. If your bananas look too firm, let them sit out a day or two. The deeper the flavor, the better the dessert.

Don’t overmix once the flour goes in. Stirring too much knocks out air and leaves the squares dense. A light hand keeps them soft and tender.

Line your pan with parchment if you can. It makes lifting the brownies easier and leaves less mess behind. Cleanup matters when you want to get to eating fast.

If you want more chocolate, scatter chips on top before baking. They melt into shiny pools that catch the light when you slice. Small touches like this make the brownies look bakery ready without much work.

6) Making Banana Bread Brownies Ahead of Time

I often bake a batch at night and keep them for the next day. The flavor deepens as the bananas settle, and the chocolate firms up just enough to keep shape. It feels like they age well overnight, almost like they needed time to find balance.

If you plan ahead, cover the pan tightly once cooled. This keeps air from drying the squares and helps the texture stay moist. When I do this, the brownies stay tender for days without losing charm.

You can even freeze them. Wrap each square and tuck them into a freezer bag. When you want one, let it sit on the counter. In an hour you’ll have a square that tastes fresh, almost like it just came from the oven.

7) Storing Leftover Banana Bread Brownies

Leftovers rarely last long in my house, but if you have some, store them right. Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for three days. They stay soft and sweet without losing their edge.

If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the fridge. The cold makes the chocolate chips firm and adds a new bite to each square. It’s a different experience but just as good.

For longer storage, freeze them. They thaw well and taste close to fresh. A quick warm up in the microwave brings back that just baked feel.

8) Try these Desserts next!

9) Banana Bread Brownies