Bananas sitting on the counter and staring at you? Don’t toss them yet. Here’s your excuse to turn those spotted beauties into Banana Brownies that taste like a cross between rich chocolate fudge and banana bread. This is where comfort food and creativity shake hands. When I first made these, my kitchen smelled like a bakery that knew exactly what I needed that day. The sweetness of the bananas keeps the brownies moist, and the chocolate? Well, let’s just say it adds the ‘don’t even think about sharing’ factor. If you’ve ever looked for a banana bread brownies recipe that doubles as one of those easy banana recipes you can make with zero fuss, this is the one. From banana dessert recipes easy enough for beginners to recipes banana bread fans swear by, this little bake checks all the boxes. So grab those bananas and let’s make dessert memories together.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Banana Brownies Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Banana Brownies
- 4) How to Make Banana Brownies
- 5) Tips for Making Banana Brownies
- 6) Making Banana Brownies Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Banana Brownies
- 8) Try these Dessert Recipes next!
- 9) Banana Brownies
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- These banana brownies balance the rich depth of chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas.
- The recipe works perfectly with ripe bananas that are almost too soft for eating.
- You can prepare the batter in less than 20 minutes and bake them in about half an hour.
- They taste even better on the second day when the flavors mellow together.
2) Easy Banana Brownies Recipe
I’ve always believed that the best desserts come from using what you already have at home. That’s where banana brownies save the day. Every time I see those bananas turning spotty on my counter, I know what’s coming. A tray of fudgy squares that feel like a warm hug after a long day.
This recipe blends the comfort of banana bread with the richness of brownies, which is why it’s one of my favorite banana dessert recipes. It’s not just dessert. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people into the kitchen asking what’s in the oven.
You only need simple ingredients, no fancy tools. Melted butter, sugar, an egg, vanilla, bananas, flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa, and maybe a handful of chocolate chips if you feel generous. Easy banana recipes like this prove that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated.

3) Ingredients for Banana Brownies
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and keeps the brownies tender. It gives the base that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Sugar: Regular white sugar balances the bitterness of cocoa and highlights the bananas’ natural sweetness.
Egg: One large egg binds everything together, giving structure without making the brownies heavy.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavors and ties chocolate with banana smoothly.
Mashed Bananas: Ripe bananas are the heart of this recipe. They add moisture and sweetness, plus they keep the brownies soft for days.
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough flour to hold things together without losing that fudgy bite.
Baking Powder: Helps the batter lift slightly while still staying dense enough to feel brownie-like.
Salt: A small pinch of salt sharpens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the brownies their deep chocolate edge.
Chocolate Chips (optional): Extra chocolate means extra joy. Stir some in if you want more pockets of melted goodness.

4) How to Make Banana Brownies
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 pan and line with parchment so the brownies lift out easily.
Step 2. Whisk the melted butter and sugar in a bowl until they blend into a smooth base. Add the egg and vanilla next.
Step 3. Stir in the mashed bananas. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps, they’ll bake into the batter.
Step 4. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa. Fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently.
Step 5. Add chocolate chips if you’re using them. Spread the batter into the pan evenly.
Step 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Step 7. Cool the brownies before slicing. This waiting step is hard but worth it. The flavors settle, and the texture sets perfectly.

5) Tips for Making Banana Brownies
One tip that changed how I bake brownies is to underbake slightly. Pulling them out when the center looks just set keeps them chewy. Overbaked brownies are dry, and nobody wants that.
If you want extra flavor, add a handful of walnuts or pecans for crunch. Some people even swirl in peanut butter for a richer twist. This is one of those recipes banana bread lovers often adapt with their own touches.
Don’t forget to use bananas that look too ripe to eat raw. That’s when they’re sweetest and mash into the batter smoothly. Under-ripe bananas won’t bring the same flavor or texture.
6) Making Banana Brownies Ahead of Time
Banana brownies hold up well if you prepare them a day before. In fact, I think they taste better after resting overnight. The banana flavor deepens, and the chocolate softens into the crumb.
If you want to bake ahead, let them cool completely, then wrap the tray in foil or plastic. You can even cut them into squares and layer with parchment for easier grabbing later.
For special occasions, bake them the night before. That way, you remove stress from the day itself, and you get dessert waiting for you already prepared. It’s one of those banana bread recipes that becomes even more practical the more you bake it.
7) Storing Leftover Banana Brownies
Leftovers rarely last, but if they do, keep them in an airtight box on the counter for up to three days. They stay soft and rich without needing refrigeration.
If you want to keep them longer, move them into the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for a week this way. Some people even freeze slices for up to two months, which works surprisingly well.
To bring frozen brownies back to life, just thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave. Warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? That’s the kind of banana dessert recipes easy moments I live for.
8) Try these Dessert Recipes next!
9) Banana Brownies

Banana Dessert Recipes Easy Brownies You’ll Love
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the mashed bananas until fully combined.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool before slicing into squares and serving.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 square | Calories: 180 | Sugar: 18 g | Sodium: 65 mg | Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 4.5 g | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Fiber: 2 g | Protein: 2 g | Cholesterol: 20 mg
Written by Linda from Cook Daily Recipe.


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