Banana Bread Brownies: The Mashup You Didn’t Know You Needed

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Imagine biting into something so good it makes you question why banana bread and brownies ever existed separately. These Banana Bread Brownies are the lovechild of two classic desserts, and they’re here to ruin all other baked goods for you. Moist, fudgy, and packed with banana flavor, they’re the ultimate cheat code for using up those sad, overripe bananas on your counter.

No fancy skills required—just a bowl, a spoon, and zero patience. Ready to upgrade your dessert game? Let’s go.

Why This Recipe Slaps

Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate dessert hybrid.

They combine the moist, tender crumb of banana bread with the rich, fudgy density of brownies. The bananas add natural sweetness and keep them ridiculously soft, while the chocolate ensures you don’t accidentally mistake these for health food. Plus, they’re easier to make than either banana bread or brownies alone.

Win-win-win.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 overripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
• 1/2 cup melted butter (or oil, if you’re feeling ~healthier~)
• 1 cup sugar (brown or white, we’re not picky)
• 1 egg (the glue holding this chaos together)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (because flavor matters)
• 1 1/2 cups flour (all-purpose, unless you’re gluten-free—see alternatives)
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (the darker, the better)
• 1 tsp baking soda (for lift, not for your next science experiment)
• 1/2 tsp salt (to balance the sweetness, not your life)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but let’s be real—it’s not optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 baking pan. Or line it with parchment paper if you hate scrubbing dishes.
2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until they’re as smooth as your excuses for eating three brownies in one sitting.
3. Add melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla to the bananas. Mix until combined—no need to overthink it.
4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.Overmixing = tough brownies, and nobody wants that.
5. Fold in chocolate chips if you’re smart (which you are).
6. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Or don’t, and embrace the gooey mess.We won’t judge.

How to Store These Bad Boys

Store leftovers (lol, as if) in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Microwave frozen brownies for 15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked magic.

Why You Should Make These Immediately

Besides being stupidly delicious, these brownies are easy, versatile, and crowd-pleasing.

They’re perfect for breakfast (don’t @ me), dessert, or that 3 PM slump when coffee just isn’t cutting it. Plus, they use up bananas that would otherwise end up in the trash. Mother Earth approves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using underripe bananas: They lack sweetness and flavor.Wait for the spots, people.
• Overmixing the batter: This leads to dense, tough brownies. Stir until just combined—no more.
• Overbaking: These should be fudgy, not dry. Start checking at 25 minutes.
• Skipping the chocolate chips: Why would you do this to yourself?

Swaps and Substitutions

No butter?

Use coconut oil or applesauce. Gluten-free? Swap in a 1:1 GF flour blend.

Vegan? Use a flax egg and dairy-free chocolate chips. Out of cocoa powder?

You’re basically making banana bread, but we won’t stop you.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. They’ll work just fine.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely.

Use a 9×13 pan and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.

Why did my brownies turn out cakey?

You overmixed the batter or overbaked them. Next time, stir less and pull them out earlier.

Can I add nuts?

Sure, if you’re into that kind of thing. Walnuts or pecans work well.

How do I make these extra gooey?

Underbake them slightly (by 2–3 minutes) and add extra chocolate chips.

You’re welcome.

Final Thoughts

Banana Bread Brownies are the dessert equivalent of a mic drop. They’re easy, delicious, and solve the age-old problem of sad, overripe bananas. Whether you’re a baking pro or a kitchen disaster, this recipe won’t let you down.

Now go forth and bake—your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.