Easy Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

If you find it impossible to choose between classic banana bread and the chewy bliss of brownies, Easy Banana Bread Brownies will steal your heart (and your cravings). This irresistible treat brings together the moist banana-rich flavor you know and love with the fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of brownies—all in one pan. Whether you need a sweet snack for a cozy afternoon, a bake-sale winner, or a simple dessert for friends, these banana bread brownies deliver a slice of joy every time. Get ready for a baking adventure that’s as fun and comforting as it is delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Banana Bread Brownies lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building irresistible flavor and the perfect brownie texture, so don’t skip or swap unless you’re up for a little kitchen experimenting!

• Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient! The riper, the better—think lots of brown spots for the sweetest, most flavorful brownies.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the classic brownie structure and just enough heft to keep the bars moist yet sturdy.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps to create that crave-worthy chewy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel notes and deepens the flavor profile, making the brownies extra special.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter keeps the brownies soft and ensures every crumb is ultra-tender.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add a bit of fluffiness to balance the fudgy chew.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors—it’s that subtle background note that makes a big impact.
• Baking Powder: Gives the brownies just a gentle lift so they’re not too dense.
• Salt: Enhances the banana and buttery flavors—don’t skip this tiny powerhouse.
• Chopped Walnuts (optional): For a nutty crunch, add a generous handful or leave them out for a purely smooth bite.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): A dusting on top makes these brownies extra pretty for serving.

How to Make Easy Banana Bread Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the paper to keep the brownies from sticking. Gather every ingredient before you start mixing—the key to smooth, stress-free baking is to have everything ready!

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Grab your ripest bananas and mash them in a large bowl until smooth. Don’t worry if a few small lumps remain—they add bursts of banana flavor in every bite of these Easy Banana Bread Brownies.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk well until the mixture is glossy and silky, with the sugars mostly dissolved. This will form the dreamy, flavorful foundation for your brownies.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution, preventing any bitter or flat spots in your brownies.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. If you’re using walnuts, fold them in now. Avoid overmixing—just a few streaks of flour are okay, and your brownies will stay perfectly tender.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Don’t overbake! The key to moist, fudgy brownies is pulling them out at just the right moment.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let your Easy Banana Bread Brownies cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift them out onto a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing into squares. Now comes the hardest part—trying not to eat them all at once!

How to Serve Easy Banana Bread Brownies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar instantly transforms each square into bakery-worthy treats. If you’re feeling a bit extra, drizzle with a little chocolate or caramel sauce, or scatter a few extra handfuls of toasted walnuts on top for crunch and color.

Side Dishes

Easy Banana Bread Brownies are fabulous on their own, but they also shine next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a tangy Greek yogurt for a not-too-sweet breakfast treat. For a party platter, pair them with fresh berries or slices of juicy orange—absolute crowd-pleaser!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dessert into an experience: layer brownie squares with chocolate pudding and banana slices for a brownie-banana parfait. Or, use small cookie cutters to cut brownies into fun shapes for kids’ parties or spring gatherings. For the ultimate treat, try turning them into ice cream sandwiches—simply sandwich your favorite frozen scoop between two pieces of these Easy Banana Bread Brownies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They’ll stay wonderfully moist and flavorful—sometimes they’re even better the next day because the flavors have more time to mingle!

Freezing

To freeze, slice the brownies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer to a resealable bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, ready whenever your sweet tooth strikes.

Reheating

If you love a warm, gooey treat, pop a brownie square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds (or in a low oven for a few minutes) to bring back that just-baked magic. Serve with your chosen garnishes and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Easy Banana Bread Brownies?

Absolutely! Thawed frozen bananas work beautifully. Just drain off any excess liquid after thawing for the best texture.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use two 8×8-inch pans, or bake in a single 9×9-inch pan for thicker brownies (they’ll need a bit more bake time). Watch for doneness and adjust as needed.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely—chocolate chips take Easy Banana Bread Brownies to the next level. Stir in up to a cup for pockets of melty chocolate goodness.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution for best results, and check the rest of your ingredients for potential gluten sources.

Do the brownies taste more like banana bread or brownies?

The balance is what makes Easy Banana Bread Brownies so special: they’re richer and chewier than banana bread, but lighter and fruitier than your standard brownies. It’s the best of both worlds!

Final Thoughts

If you love easy, crowd-pleasing bakes that make your whole kitchen smell like comfort, these Easy Banana Bread Brownies are about to become your new go-to treat. Gather your ripe bananas and let the magic happen—don’t be surprised if this dreamy hybrid quickly becomes your most requested recipe!

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