Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert obsession. These Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate hybrid treat, perfectly combining the rich, fudgy density of a classic brownie with the moist, comforting flavor of ripe banana bread. This is the recipe you’ve been searching for—a straightforward, no-fuss guide to creating a truly show-stopping dessert that solves the age-old question: “Should I make brownies or banana bread?” Now, you don’t have to choose.
We’ve crafted this recipe to be as simple as possible without sacrificing a single bit of flavor or texture. The result is a beautifully swirled masterpiece with a decadent chocolate base and a tender, fragrant banana topping. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon snack to a potluck-stealing dessert.
What Are Banana Bread Brownies?
Banana Bread Brownies, sometimes called “brookies,” are a layered or swirled dessert bar. They consist of two distinct batters baked together in one pan. The bottom layer is a rich, chocolatey brownie batter, providing a dense and fudgy foundation. The top layer is a classic banana bread batter, which brings moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable banana flavor. When baked, the two batters create a perfect balance of textures and tastes for a truly unique and delicious experience.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Brownie Recipe
- The Best of Both Worlds: You get the intense chocolate hit from a brownie and the sweet, comforting taste of banana bread in every single bite. It’s a match made in dessert heaven.
- Incredibly Moist & Fudgy: Overripe bananas add incredible moisture that keeps these brownies tender for days, while the brownie base delivers that deep, fudgy texture every chocolate lover craves.
- Simple, Everyday Ingredients: No need for a special trip to the store. This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, like flour, sugar, eggs, and of course, those spotty bananas on your counter.
- Visually Stunning: The beautiful swirl of dark brownie and light banana bread batter makes these treats look as good as they taste. They’re guaranteed to impress!
The Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin.
For the Brownie Batter:
- Unsalted Butter: Melted to create that signature fudgy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to a shiny, crackly top.
- Eggs: Act as a binder and add richness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural foundation for the brownie layer.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use a quality brand for the deepest, most robust chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla Extract & Salt: These are essential flavor enhancers that balance the sweetness.
For the Banana Bread Batter:
- Ripe Bananas: The spottier, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, providing maximum flavor and moisture.
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the banana bread its structure.
- Brown Sugar: Complements the banana flavor with its molasses notes.
- Baking Soda & Salt: Leavening and flavor enhancement.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible swirled brownies. We’ll make each batter separately before combining them for the perfect bake.
Making the Brownie Batter
- Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to act as handles. This will make removing the brownies a breeze.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
Making the Banana Bread Batter
- Mash the Bananas: In a separate medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining for texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, and brown sugar to the mashed bananas and stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Again, do not overmix.
Creating the Perfect Swirl & Baking
- Layer the Batters: Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Next, drop dollops of the banana bread batter over the brownie layer. Finally, add spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter in the gaps.
- Swirl and Bake: Use a butter knife or a skewer to gently swirl the batters together. Don’t overdo it—just a few passes are enough to create a beautiful marbled effect. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool Completely: This is the hardest part! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For the cleanest cuts, it’s best to chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Fudgiest Brownies
- Don’t Overbake: The key to a fudgy texture is to pull the brownies from the oven when they are slightly underdone. The residual heat will continue to cook them as they cool.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the batter emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother, more uniform texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Packing the flour can make your brownies dry. For another easy and delicious recipe, try these 3-ingredient banana brownies.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative! For a different kind of baked treat, check out this recipe for a delightful peanut butter cake.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir a half cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into either or both batters for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Go Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the banana bread batter for a delightful crunch.
- A Hint of Spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the banana bread batter to warm up the flavors. If you’re a fan of cookies, you might also enjoy these bakery-style chocolate chip cookies.
How to Store Your Brownies
Store your banana bread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Because of the moisture from the banana, they are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, though this may alter their fudgy texture slightly. For an indulgent dessert component, consider this chocolate mousse filling which can be used in a variety of treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely! Feel free to stir about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into either the brownie or banana bread batter before layering them in the pan.
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen bananas. Just be sure to thaw them completely at room temperature and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding them to the batter.
For perfectly clean slices, allow the brownies to cool completely first. For best results, chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Use a large, sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean between each cut.
Your brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist, fudgy crumbs clinging to it, but no wet batter. It’s better to slightly underbake them to ensure a fudgy texture.
For a deep, rich chocolate flavor, use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. If you’re adding chocolate chips, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best to balance the sweetness of the banana bread.
The Best Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Banana Bread Brownies: The Ultimate Fudgy & Moist Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare the Banana Bread Batter: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Stir in the melted butter, egg, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, and stir until just incorporated.
- Layer and Swirl: Pour about 2/3 of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the banana bread batter on top. Add the remaining brownie batter in the gaps. Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together once or twice.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and slicing.
Notes
Let the brownies cool completely before slicing for clean, perfect squares. Chilling them briefly can help.
Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to either batter for extra texture and flavor.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this Banana Bread Brownies recipe! It’s the perfect way to satisfy two cravings at once and is sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation. If you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share a picture of your beautiful swirls on Pinterest!
