These Banana Bread Brownies are the ultimate fusion of two all-time favorites: the rich, dense indulgence of a brownie and the soft, comforting warmth of banana bread. They come together in one pan with minimal effort and deliver maximum flavor—perfect for when you’re craving a sweet treat that feels both familiar and exciting. The bananas keep the texture incredibly moist, while the addition of sour cream or Greek yogurt gives each bite a creamy richness. Chocolate chips add melty pockets of decadence, balancing beautifully with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.
Perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, a potluck contribution, or even a casual weekend brunch, these bars are universally loved by kids and adults alike. They’re also a great way to use up overripe bananas sitting on the counter. Whether you serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge, these Banana Bread Brownies are sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Optional: chopped walnuts for topping
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
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Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
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Fold in chocolate chips.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
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Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
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Optional: Sprinkle with chopped walnuts before baking for added crunch.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 215 kcal | Servings: 9 squares
Why Banana Bread Brownies Are a Must-Try Treat
There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about banana bread—the warm aroma, the moist texture, and the subtle sweetness of overripe bananas. Similarly, brownies are a classic dessert that almost everyone loves for their rich, fudgy consistency and deep cocoa flavor. Now imagine combining the two into one incredibly satisfying dessert: Banana Bread Brownies. This fusion brings the best of both worlds into a single bite—moist, tender, sweet, and chocolatey with just the right balance between lightness and indulgence.
Banana Bread Brownies have taken social media and food blogs by storm for good reason. This hybrid dessert has quickly become a modern favorite, especially for home bakers looking to try something beyond traditional banana bread. With its simple ingredients, quick prep time, and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s no wonder that this treat has earned a spot in many kitchens across the globe.
The Origins of Banana Bread Brownies
While banana bread itself dates back to the early 1930s in the United States—gaining popularity during the Great Depression when no food went to waste—brownies have an even earlier origin, tracing back to the late 19th century. It was only a matter of time before creative bakers thought to blend these two beloved recipes. The result? A mashup dessert that satisfies both cravings in one square.
Banana Bread Brownies don’t adhere to traditional dessert boundaries. They’re often baked in square or rectangular pans like classic brownies but have the tenderness and banana-rich flavor of banana bread. Some versions even include a frosting layer or a cream cheese swirl, but the most universally adored version keeps it simple: mashed ripe bananas, butter, sugar, and chocolate chips baked until golden brown.
Healthier Than You Think
While desserts aren’t typically known for being health-conscious, Banana Bread Brownies can actually be one of the better options when you’re looking for a treat that isn’t overly indulgent. Bananas are the key ingredient here—and they do more than just add flavor. They’re rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. Their natural sweetness also means you can cut down on refined sugar without sacrificing flavor.
Another healthy swap commonly made in this recipe is the use of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Greek yogurt in particular adds creaminess while also boosting the protein content and cutting down on fat. And let’s not forget that this recipe can be customized easily for dietary needs—gluten-free flour, dairy-free chocolate chips, or even a sugar substitute for those looking to reduce sugar intake.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
One of the best aspects of Banana Bread Brownies is their versatility. They’re incredibly forgiving for beginner bakers yet satisfying enough for dessert connoisseurs. You can serve them warm or chilled, add nuts for crunch, or swirl in peanut butter or Nutella for an extra treat. They store well for days and even freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Compared to traditional banana bread, these brownies bake faster and slice more neatly—making them ideal for sharing at potlucks, parties, school lunches, or office gatherings. They’re also less dense than brownies, so you can enjoy a generous square without feeling weighed down.
Another reason these banana brownies shine is how quick they are to whip up. You only need one bowl for mixing, and there’s no need for a mixer. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that transforms overripe bananas into something special in just about 30 minutes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Banana Bread Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a versatile, shareable dish that fits seamlessly into nearly any occasion. Need a quick brunch option? Pair them with a cup of coffee. Hosting a dinner party? Serve them as a light dessert with vanilla ice cream. Looking for a weekday snack? They’re wholesome enough to enjoy with an afternoon tea or as an after-school treat for kids.
They’re also a wonderful option to make in bulk. Because of their soft texture and moisture retention, they don’t dry out quickly. You can bake a tray on Sunday and enjoy them all week long without worrying about spoilage. Wrap individual pieces for lunchboxes or store slices in an airtight container for a grab-and-go bite.
Kid-Approved and Family-Friendly
Banana Bread Brownies are a hit with kids, thanks to their sweet flavor and chocolatey appeal. Unlike store-bought snacks, you know exactly what’s going into these homemade treats. You can sneak in extra nutrition by adding flaxseeds, whole wheat flour, or even a handful of shredded zucchini for moisture and fiber—without anyone noticing.
They’re also a great opportunity to get kids involved in the kitchen. From mashing bananas to stirring in chocolate chips, this is a perfect beginner-friendly recipe for little helpers. The satisfaction of baking a sweet, soft dessert together only adds to the experience.
Customizable to Your Taste
Another major perk of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily tweak it based on what you have in the pantry or how indulgent (or healthy) you want to go. For instance:
- Add-ins: Chopped walnuts, pecans, shredded coconut, or toffee bits
- Toppings: A drizzle of melted dark chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a cinnamon glaze
- Mix-ins: Swirls of peanut butter, almond butter, or cream cheese
- Health boosts: Use coconut sugar instead of white sugar, swap butter for avocado or applesauce, or mix in oats for a heartier texture
These endless customization options make Banana Bread Brownies a go-to recipe you’ll never get bored of.
Loved by the Internet
In recent years, Banana Bread Brownies have gone viral across platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram. Videos of gooey squares being sliced or pulled apart to reveal melty chocolate chips rack up millions of views. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, it’s easy to see why people are obsessed. This treat hits all the right notes: fast, familiar, flavorful, and utterly photogenic.
Final Thoughts
Banana Bread Brownies are more than just a clever fusion—they’re a practical, delicious way to bring together simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this treat brings a sense of warmth and satisfaction that never goes out of style. It’s a modern twist on two beloved classics that’s easy to bake, share, and savor.
So next time your bananas start turning brown on the counter, skip the usual loaf. Bake up a pan of Banana Bread Brownies instead—you won’t regret it.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Brownies are the perfect blend of cozy comfort and rich indulgence, bringing together the best elements of two classic favorites in one irresistible dessert. With their ultra-moist texture, deep banana flavor, and gooey chocolate chips, they offer a deliciously satisfying bite every time. Whether you’re baking for a weekday treat, a family gathering, or simply to use up those ripe bananas sitting on the counter, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results. Easy to customize, quick to prepare, and impossible to resist—these banana brownies are sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.