A decadent fusion of banana bread’s moist sweetness and fudgy brownie richness! These brownies are packed with ripe banana flavor, chocolatey goodness, and a subtle cinnamon kick—perfect for banana lovers and chocolate fans alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Fudgy : The perfect balance of banana bread’s softness and brownie’s decadence.
- No-Fuss : Ready in under an hour with pantry staples.
- Customizable : Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a streusel topping!
- Kid-Approved : A healthier twist with bananas and whole-grain flour (optional).
Ingredients (Makes 16 Brownies)
For the Brownies:
- 2 ripe bananas , mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted (or coconut oil for vegan)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 3/4 cup + 1/4 cup oat flour for a moist texture)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
For the Streusel Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C) . Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add melted butter , sugar , eggs , vanilla , baking soda , cinnamon , and salt . Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour , cocoa powder , and any optional toppings (nuts or chocolate chips).
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined (overmixing leads to dryness).
- Optional streusel : Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nuts in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the batter.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes , until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (avoid overbaking for fudgy texture).
Step 6: Cool & Slice
- Let cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Perfect Brownies
- Ripe Bananas : Use spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Cocoa Quality : Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Fudginess : Add 2 tbsp of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra richness.
- Toothpick Test : Brownies should still look slightly underdone in the center—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Customization Ideas
- Nutty Crunch : Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Caramel Swirl : Mix caramel sauce into the batter before baking.
- Vegan Option : Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) and coconut oil.
- Gluten-Free : Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Nutrition (Per Brownie)
- Calories : ~200
- Fat : 10g
- Carbs : 25g
- Protein : 3g
Why It’s a Winner
These Banana Bread Brownies are a crave-worthy hybrid—soft, chocolaty, and studded with banana’s natural sweetness. They’re the ultimate dessert for banana bread fans who crave a chocolate fix!
Pro Secrets
- Banana Hack : Add a pinch of salt to the mashed bananas to enhance sweetness.
- Double the Moisture : Top with a banana cream cheese frosting (mix 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar).
- Make Ahead : Freeze brownies for up to 1 month—thaw at room temperature.
Final Touches
- Garnish : Dust with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Serve with : Vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Your New Favorite Indulgence! These brownies are a cozy, nostalgic treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Let us know how you like them—tag us in your photos! 🍌✨
Enjoy! 🍰