Chocolaty Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

The Perfect Banana Bread Brownies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories often spark when I whip up these delectable banana bread brownies that blend nostalgic comfort with decadent chocolate richness.

My grandmother’s kitchen inspired this unexpected twist on classic treats.

Ripe bananas create a magical moisture that transforms ordinary brownies into something extraordinary.

Unexpected ingredients dance together, creating layers of deep flavor and tender crumb.

Chocolate chips melt into pockets of gooey goodness, promising a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Baking this recipe connects you to a warm, indulgent experience that satisfies serious sweet cravings.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible delicacy.

How to Store Banana Bread Brownies the Right Way

  • Store banana bread brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled brownies in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep brownies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help retain moisture and prevent staleness.
  • Cover brownies loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve their soft texture and fresh flavor.

Banana Bread Brownie FAQs

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect because they’re sweeter and softer, creating a more intense banana flavor and helping to keep the brownies moist.

  • How do I know if my banana bread brownies are properly mixed?

Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense brownies instead of a tender, soft texture.

  • Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to use one that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

  • Is it necessary to use sour cream in the recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt if needed.

What Makes Banana Bread Brownies So Addictive

  • Create Comfort in Every Bite: Transform classic banana bread into decadent brownies that deliver rich, moist indulgence with a delightful twist.
  • Bake with Minimal Fuss: Combines simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
  • Customize Your Delight: Flexible recipe allows easy additions like chocolate chips or walnuts, letting you personalize the brownies to match your taste preferences or pantry ingredients.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Offers a perfect balance of banana sweetness and brownie texture that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dessert for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients That Bring Banana Bread Brownies Together

Main Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Sweet and soft bananas that provide natural moisture and rich flavor to the brownies.
  • Butter: Softened butter that helps create a tender and rich texture in the baked dessert.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth of flavor and help create a moist brownie.
  • Eggs: Binding agents that provide structure and help hold the brownie together.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary base that gives structure to the banana bread brownies.
  • Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps the brownies rise and become light.
  • Salt, Ground Cinnamon: Flavor enhancers that add depth and warmth to the overall taste.
Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Chocolate Chips, Chopped Walnuts: Delicious additions that provide extra texture and flavor to the banana bread brownies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract, Sour Cream: Ingredients that contribute moisture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the brownies.

Baking Banana Bread Brownies the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang slightly over the edges for easy brownie removal later.

Step 2: Mash Bananas Smoothly

Take those ripe bananas and transform them into a silky smooth mixture. Use a fork or potato masher to create a creamy banana base that will give your brownies incredible moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Create Fluffy Sugar Mixture

Grab your mixer and blend softened butter with brown and granulated sugars. Whip this combination until it becomes light and airy, creating a foundation for wonderfully tender brownies.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Pour in vanilla extract and sour cream, blending until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

This prevents any pesky lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

Step 6: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Stir carefully to avoid overmixing, which can make brownies tough.

Step 7: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

If desired, fold in:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped walnuts

Distribute these tasty additions evenly throughout the batter.

Step 8: Spread and Settle Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring consistent baking.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – a few moist crumbs mean you’ve hit brownie paradise.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan for about an hour. Use the parchment paper to lift out the entire batch, then slice into delectable squares.

Tips to Nail the Texture and Flavor

  • Select Perfectly Ripe Bananas: Use overripe, dark-spotted bananas for maximum natural sweetness and deeper banana flavor, which enhances the overall richness of the brownies.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and only until ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender, soft brownie texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Let bananas drain excess liquid before mashing to prevent overly wet batter and ensure dense, fudgy brownie consistency.
  • Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with mix-ins like toasted pecans, dark chocolate chunks, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the brownie's complexity and personal touch.

Delicious Variations on Banana Bread Brownies

  • Nutty Banana Blondie Bars: Replace chocolate chips with toasted pecans and add a maple glaze for a rich, earthy flavor profile that complements the banana's sweetness.
  • Chocolate Swirl Banana Brownies: Create a marbled effect by swirling melted dark chocolate through the batter, adding depth and visual appeal to the classic recipe.
  • Cream Cheese Banana Brownie Swirl: Blend softened cream cheese with a bit of powdered sugar and swirl into the batter before baking, creating pockets of tangy richness.
  • Tropical Banana Brownie Fusion: Mix in shredded coconut and a splash of rum extract, then top with a light pineapple glaze for a vacation-inspired dessert experience.

What Goes Well with Banana Bread Brownies

  • Sip Caramel Macchiato: Complement the rich banana and chocolate flavors with a creamy caramel macchiato, whose sweet undertones and espresso depth enhance the brownie's warmth.
  • Pair Toasted Pecan Ice Cream: Top the warm brownie with a scoop of toasted pecan ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast and nutty undertone that echoes the walnuts in the recipe.
  • Match Cinnamon Chai Latte: Select a spicy cinnamon chai latte that mirrors the ground cinnamon in the brownies, offering a harmonious blend of sweet and aromatic notes that elevate the dessert's complexity.
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Chocolaty Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Chocolaty Banana Bread Brownies Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Banana Bread Brownies merge classic comfort with rich chocolate decadence, creating a delightful dessert that blends two beloved treats. Moist banana-infused layers and fudgy chocolate notes promise a deliciously memorable experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

main ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

wet ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

dry and additional ingredients:

  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the brownies.
  3. Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
  4. Whisk in eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla extract and sour cream, ensuring a smooth and well-integrated wet mixture.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to eliminate any lumps and distribute leavening agents evenly.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana-wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
  7. If using, gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for added texture and flavor.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly with a spatula to ensure consistent baking and an even surface.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect moisture.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour before lifting out the parchment and cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Select extra-ripe, soft bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and deeper flavor development in the brownies.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense brownies; stop stirring as soon as dry ingredients are just incorporated for a tender, delicate texture.
  • Customize the recipe by swapping walnuts with pecans or adding shredded coconut for different flavor profiles and textural interest.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the brownie’s soft, moist consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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