The Best Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for bananas and chocolate and love the idea of a treat that’s both rich and wholesome, then you are going to adore The Best Banana Bread Brownies Recipe. This delightful mashup combines the moist, fruity goodness of banana bread with the fudgy, decadent texture of brownies, resulting in a snack that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. They are naturally sweetened, wonderfully chocolatey, and surprisingly simple to whip up, making these brownies a go-to for busy days or when you just want to impress friends with something a little outside the usual.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the balance of flavors and textures in this recipe. Everything here is straightforward and purposeful, with each adding its own magic to these banana bread brownies—from the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the rich depth of dark chocolate.

• 2 very ripe bananas (medium, mashed): Provides natural sweetness and moisture that makes the brownies tender and flavorful.
• 2 eggs or 2 flax eggs: Acts as a binder to hold everything together, while keeping it dairy-free and vegan-friendly if using flax eggs.
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Adds a gentle sweetness with a lovely hint of caramel.
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar: Enhances the sweetness with a subtle, rich flavor and helps with texture.
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp almond butter (natural and runny): Gives a nutty richness and creamy texture that complements the bananas beautifully.
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: Offers a deep chocolate intensity, especially if you choose 85-90% dark chocolate for a sophisticated touch.
• 1/3 cup almond flour: Keeps the brownies gluten-free while adding a gentle nuttiness.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca flour: Lightens the batter and ensures a beautifully chewy yet tender crumb.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings that unmistakable chocolate flavor and dark color.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the brownies rise slightly and keeps them from being too dense.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and amps up all the flavors.
• 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract: Adds warmth and complexity to every bite.

How to Make The Best Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you have enough overhang for easy removal of the brownies later. This simple prep step sets you up for effortless baking and cleanup.

Step 2: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash those ripe bananas until smooth and creamy—this will be the base of all your flavor. Then whisk in your eggs (or flax eggs), pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This mix will ensure your brownies have that perfect balance of moistness alongside sweetness.

Step 3: Add Almond Butter and Melted Chocolate

Next, stir in the almond butter and the melted dark chocolate. Make sure both are well incorporated so the batter turns glossy and thick. This step is super important for achieving that luscious, fudgy texture that makes these banana bread brownies unforgettable.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form the Batter

Now you’ll add in the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, sea salt, and your chosen starch (cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca flour). Mix gently but thoroughly to bring everything together into a beautiful, thick batter that’s ready for the oven.

Step 5: Bake and Cool to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your lined pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 26 minutes—pay special attention here. The edges should look set while the center remains soft to keep things moist. Avoid overbaking to preserve that tender, chewy delight. Once out of the oven, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve The Best Banana Bread Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of coconut whipped cream can elevate these brownies to dessert superstar status.

Side Dishes

Serve your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to complement the deep chocolate and banana flavors. Fresh berries on the side can add a pop of tartness that brightens every bite. For a cozy touch, a cup of rich coffee or warm chai tea pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the brownies into different shapes like hearts or triangles for parties, or stack them with layers of sliced banana and chocolate ganache for a mini brownie cake. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for a charming homemade gift option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, pop them in the refrigerator where they will keep fresh for about a week without losing their lovely moist texture.

Freezing

The Best Banana Bread Brownies Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy your brownies warm, simply microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven until gently warmed through. This brings back their fudgy softness and intensifies the flavors as if they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use regular eggs instead of flax eggs?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with either real eggs or flax eggs, so feel free to use whichever you prefer. Flax eggs are a great vegan substitute that keeps things moist and binds the batter nicely.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free since it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour. Just make sure your baking ingredients like cocoa powder and baking soda are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For maximum flavor and natural sweetness, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper the banana, the better the taste and moisture impact in the brownies.

Can I substitute almond butter?

You can try peanut butter or cashew butter, but keep in mind that almond butter has a milder flavor that complements the chocolate and banana best. Also, the texture might vary a little with other nut butters.

Should I add the optional coconut milk frosting?

The frosting is a wonderful addition for extra creaminess and chocolate richness, but the brownies are fantastic on their own too. If you want a little indulgence, mix the chocolate chips with canned coconut milk and chill before spreading on top.

Final Thoughts

There is something so special about The Best Banana Bread Brownies Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s the perfect blend of fruity, nutty, and chocolaty all in one bite, made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Whether you’re baking for a snack, a dessert, or a cozy treat, these brownies deliver memorable flavor and texture every time. I hope you give them a try soon and fall in love with them just like I did!

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