Growing up, one of my favorite memories was sitting in my grandmother’s warm kitchen while the snow gently fell outside. She’d bake the most incredible banana bread brownies—soft, fudgy, and infused with the rich aroma of ripe bananas and melted chocolate. It was her answer to winter blues and, to this day, my go-to when I crave something sweet and comforting. Today, I’m sharing this nostalgic recipe with you, blending the heartiness of banana bread with the decadent indulgence of brownies.
This fusion of two beloved treats is a match made in heaven: moist banana bread meets dense, chocolaty brownies. Whether you’re curled up by the fire or hosting a holiday get-together, this dessert will steal the show. Let’s bake!
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Brownies
- Moist & rich: The overripe bananas make these brownies incredibly soft and tender.
- Deep chocolate flavor: Melted chocolate and cocoa powder give them a fudgy, brownie-like decadence.
- Perfect for winter: Ideal for cozying up with a hot cocoa or sharing during festive gatherings.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples you likely already have at home.
- Quick to make: Only 15 minutes of prep time!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Banana Bread Brownie Base:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Brownie Swirl:
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 40 mins
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2️⃣ Make the Banana Bread Batter
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold until just combined (don’t overmix!).
3️⃣ Prepare the Brownie Swirl
- Melt the chocolate chips and butter together (microwave for 30-second bursts, stirring in between).
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
4️⃣ Layer & Swirl
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Dollop the brownie batter over the top in spoonfuls.
- Use a knife or skewer to create gentle swirls, blending the two batters.
5️⃣ Bake
- Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Brownies
- Use overripe bananas: The spottier, the better! They’ll add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overbake: For fudgy centers, pull them out when they’re just set.
- Add nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Serve warm: They’re divine when slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Variations to Try
- Salted caramel drizzle: Top your brownies with homemade caramel and a pinch of sea salt.
- Nut butter swirl: Peanut butter or almond butter swirled on top creates a fantastic combo.
- Espresso kick: Add 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a mocha vibe.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Brownies
- A steaming mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream.
- Spiced chai latte or classic black coffee for a café-style treat.
- Vanilla ice cream or cinnamon whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Winter
The deep chocolate notes paired with the comforting flavor of bananas make this the ultimate winter dessert. It’s warm, hearty, and fills your kitchen with a nostalgic aroma that will have everyone gathering around the table.
Banana Bread Brownies
Equipment
- 1 8×8-inch baking pan Lined with parchment paper
- 1 Mixing bowls One large and one medium
- 1 Whisk or hand mixer For blending batters
- 1 Spatula To fold and swirl the batter
- 1 Knife or skewer For creating the brownie swirl pattern
Ingredients
- Banana Bread Batter:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 medium bananas
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 egg large
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- Brownie Swirl:
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg large
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- 2️⃣ Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Add melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
- 3️⃣ Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold until just combined.
- 4️⃣ In a separate bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter. Stir in cocoa powder, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- 5️⃣ Pour banana batter into the prepared pan and smooth out.
- 6️⃣ Spoon brownie batter on top in dollops. Swirl gently with a knife.
- 7️⃣ Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- 8️⃣ Cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions about Banana Bread Brownies
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for structure, or add ½ teaspoon separately if needed.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Just warm them up before serving!
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake them in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on them.
Dry brownies are often due to overbaking. For fudgy centers, remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding to the batter.