Last month, I had a few friends over for a cozy dinner, and as usual, dessert became a topic of passionate debate. My friend Jen swore by banana bread for comfort, while Mike, the brownie purist, wouldn’t budge on his love for rich, chocolatey treats. I figured—why choose? That night, I whipped up something I’d been dreaming about for weeks: banana bread brownies.
The result? Silence at the table. Just the kind that comes when everyone’s too busy chewing to talk. Then came the “Mmm’s.” And the recipe requests. That’s when I knew I had to share this one with you.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Brownies
This recipe is all about merging the best of both worlds: the soft, banana-sweet goodness of banana bread and the fudgy decadence of a brownie. Plus, it uses up those overripe bananas without being the same ol’ loaf your grandma used to make (though we love her for it).
Even better? It’s made with affordable pantry staples. Nothing fancy, just flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 12 squares
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (or reduce slightly if your bananas are super ripe)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup chopped bittersweet chocolate (or chips—whatever’s on hand)
- 2 very ripe bananas, mashed
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies (Simple & Swirl-Worthy)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then split the batter into two bowls.
- To one bowl, stir in cocoa powder and chocolate. To the other, mix in mashed bananas.
- Pour the banana batter into the pan. Dollop spoonfuls of chocolate batter on top.
- Swirl with a butter knife. Don’t overmix—you want that gorgeous marbled look.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.
Budget Tip
You don’t need fancy chocolate. I’ve made this with Aldi chocolate chips and even chopped-up Halloween candy (don’t judge), and it worked beautifully.
Make It Yours: Variations
- Swap in peanut butter chips for a nutty twist.
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts for crunch.
- Want a richer texture? Use brown sugar instead of white (or a combo).
Storage
These banana bread brownies stay moist for up to 3 days in an airtight container—or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just pop one in the microwave when that chocolate craving hits.
Final Thoughts
Banana bread brownies aren’t just a mashup—they’re a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. And trust me, once you make them, you’ll be the one introducing them at every potluck or family dinner.
Banana Bread Brownies – Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make banana bread brownies from scratch?
To make banana bread brownies, you prepare two separate batters—one with mashed bananas and one with cocoa and chocolate—then swirl them together in a baking pan before baking. The result is a marbled, moist dessert with the richness of brownies and the flavor of banana bread. It’s perfect for using up overripe bananas and makes a unique twist on classic treats.
Can I make banana bread in a brownie pan?
Yes, you can absolutely make banana bread in a brownie pan! A standard 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan works well if you want thinner, faster-baking slices. Just keep an eye on the bake time—it’s typically shorter than with a loaf pan. This method is especially useful if you’re going for banana bread brownies or want a snack-style version of banana bread.
Can you make banana bread in a brownie pan instead of a loaf pan?
Definitely. Making banana bread in a brownie pan is a great way to reduce baking time and create more surface area for a slightly crispier top. If you’re aiming for a recipe like banana bread brownies, using a brownie pan enhances the marbling and gives you neat, cuttable squares—perfect for sharing or meal prepping.
What are ‘A Beautiful Mess’ banana bread brownies?
While “A Beautiful Mess” is a popular lifestyle blog, their banana bread brownies are known for being rich, rustic, and easy to make, often incorporating a fudge-like brownie base with mashed bananas swirled in. For a boost, consider adding a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder to the batter—it’s a simple way to enhance nutrition without compromising taste. If you’re inspired by their aesthetic, aim for a marbled look and cozy presentation. Our version of banana bread brownies captures that same spirit—simple ingredients, beautiful results.
Banana Bread Brownies: The Best of Both Worlds (on a Budget)
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Brownies combine the moist, fruity flavor of classic banana bread with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies—all in one irresistible treat. They’re easy to whip up with pantry staples and make a perfect way to use up ripe bananas.
Ingredients
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, melted
1 ½ cups granulated sugar (adjust if bananas are very ripe)
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup chopped bittersweet chocolate or chocolate chips
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
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Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
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Divide the batter evenly between two bowls.
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Into one bowl, stir in the cocoa powder and chopped chocolate. Into the other, stir in the mashed bananas.
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Pour the banana batter into the prepared pan. Add spoonfuls of the chocolate batter over the top.
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Use a butter knife to swirl the batters gently for a marbled effect.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
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Cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares.
Notes
Substitute bittersweet chocolate with semisweet or dark chocolate chips if preferred.
For extra richness, add a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: banana bread brownies, fudgy banana brownies, banana swirl brownies, easy banana dessert, ripe banana recipes