Banana bread brownies are the perfect fusion of banana bread and brownies—moist, chewy, and packed with rich banana flavor. If you love the comforting taste of banana bread and the decadent texture of brownies, this easy homemade recipe is a must-try.
These banana brownies have a soft, cake-like texture but are rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. They’re ideal for using up overripe bananas and can be customized with chocolate chips, nuts, or a brown sugar glaze for extra indulgence.
Ingredients for the Perfect Banana Bread Brownies
To achieve the best flavor and texture, you need the right balance of ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
1. Wet Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas – The riper, the better! Overripe bananas make the brownies moist and naturally sweet.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) – Adds richness and softness to the texture.
- ¾ cup brown sugar – Gives the brownies a deep, caramelized flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness and helps with a soft texture.
- 2 large eggs – Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
2. Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base for structure.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the brownies rise slightly.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Reacts with the bananas for a light, airy texture.
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional) – Adds extra richness to the brownies.
3. Optional Brown Sugar Glaze (For extra sweetness!)
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For extra sweetness, drizzle this caramel-inspired glaze over the brownies.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Banana Bread Brownies
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas & Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips (if using).
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool before adding the glaze.
Step 5: Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze (Optional but Recommended!)
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and milk, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies and let it set before slicing.
Why These Banana Bread Brownies Are So Moist & Delicious
1. The Secret to Soft Brownies
- Using ripe bananas provides natural sweetness and moisture, just like in Carrot Cake Muffins.
- Brown sugar adds deep caramel flavor and softness.
- Butter instead of oil gives richness and a tender crumb.
2. The Perfect Balance of Flavors
Banana flavor blends beautifully with chocolate, but you can also add:
✔ Cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
✔ Peanut butter swirls for extra richness.
✔ Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
he texture of brownies depends on the ratio of fat, sugar, and flour. Using ripe bananas provides natural sweetness and moisture, while brown sugar adds a rich caramel flavor. For a deeper dive into the science of achieving the perfect brownie texture, check out this guide on brownie science.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
1. Why is my banana bread not cooked in the middle?
✅ Possible Causes:
- Oven temperature too high (outer edges cook faster).
- Too much banana or wet ingredients.
- Pan too small (batter too thick).
✅ Fix: Bake at a lower temperature for 5-10 minutes longer.
2. Why are my brownies too dense?
✅ Possible Causes:
- Overmixing the batter.
- Using too much flour.
✅ Fix: Gently fold the ingredients and measure flour correctly.
How to Store & Freeze Banana Bread Brownies
Proper storage ensures that your banana bread brownies stay fresh, moist, and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you plan to eat them within a few days or save them for later, here’s the best way to store and freeze them.
Storing at Room Temperature
If you plan to eat your brownies within 2-3 days, store them at room temperature using these steps:
- Let them cool completely – Storing warm brownies can create condensation, making them soggy.
- Place in an airtight container – This prevents them from drying out.
- Use parchment paper between layers – If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store in a cool, dry place – Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
✅ Shelf Life: Up to 3 days at room temperature.
Refrigerating Banana Bread Brownies
For longer freshness, refrigeration is a great option:
- Follow the same cooling and layering steps as above.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent drying.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
💡 Tip: Before eating, let the brownies sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their softness.
✅ Shelf Life: Up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Banana Bread Brownies
If you want to store brownies for longer periods, freezing is the best option. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Freezing Guide:
- Cool Completely – Let the brownies cool fully before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
- Slice into Portions – Cut the brownies into squares for easy serving later.
- Wrap Each Brownie – Individually wrap each piece with plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
- Double Layer for Protection – Wrap again in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label and Store – Write the date on the bag/container and store in the freezer.
✅ Shelf Life: Up to 3 months in the freezer.
How to Thaw Frozen Banana Bread Brownies
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen brownies:
✔ At Room Temperature: Place the brownies on a plate and let them thaw for 1-2 hours.
✔ In the Microwave: Heat in 10-15 second intervals until soft.
💡 Pro Tip: Warm the brownies slightly and top with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
By following these storage tips, your banana bread brownies will always taste fresh, soft, and delicious, no matter when you eat them!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my banana bread not cooked in the middle?
If your banana bread brownies are raw in the center, it could be due to:
✔ High oven temperature – The edges cook faster than the middle.
✔ Too much moisture – Overripe bananas and excess wet ingredients can affect baking time.
✔ Pan size – Using a smaller or deeper pan makes the batter thicker and takes longer to cook.
Fix: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes. Cover the top with foil if it browns too quickly.
2. Can I put bananas in brownie mix?
Yes! You can add mashed bananas to a store-bought brownie mix to make it more moist and naturally sweet. Reduce the oil or butter slightly since bananas add moisture. This also gives the brownies a subtle banana flavor, making them even more delicious.
3. What are the three types of brownies?
The three main types of brownies are:
✔ Fudgy brownies – Dense, rich, and gooey, with a high fat-to-flour ratio.
✔ Cakey brownies – Light and fluffy, with more flour and baking powder.
✔ Chewy brownies – A balance between fudgy and cakey, often made with a mix of butter and oil.
Banana bread brownies typically have a chewy and moist texture with a hint of banana flavor.
4. Can you freeze banana bread brownies?
Yes! Banana bread brownies freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months. To freeze them:
- Let the brownies cool completely.
- Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
To thaw: Leave them at room temperature for about 1 hour or microwave for 20–30 seconds for a warm, fresh taste.
Conclusion
Banana bread brownies are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the moist texture of banana bread and the rich, chocolatey taste of brownies. This easy homemade recipe is a great way to use overripe bananas while creating a delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with a brown sugar glaze, these brownies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. Plus, they are versatile—you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter for extra indulgence. They store well, making them great for meal prep, and you can even freeze them for later enjoyment. So why wait? Try this banana bread brownie recipe today and treat yourself to a delightful homemade dessert!