Banana Bread Brownie Bars (Printable)
Moist brownie bars swirled with sweet ripe bananas—a perfect fusion of classic banana bread and fudgy chocolate brownies for a decadent crowd-pleasing dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Banana Bread Layer
01 - 1 cup ripe bananas (about 2 medium), mashed
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
08 - 1/4 tsp baking soda
09 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Brownie Layer
10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
14 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
16 - 1/4 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
03 - Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to banana mixture. Stir just until combined. Set aside.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until glossy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
05 - Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
06 - Spread half the banana batter evenly in prepared pan. Spoon brownie batter over top, then dollop remaining banana batter.
07 - Run knife or skewer through batters in swirling motion to create marbled pattern. Do not overmix.
08 - Bake for 28-32 minutes until toothpick inserted near center comes out with few moist crumbs.
09 - Cool completely in pan before lifting out using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 equal bars.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get the best of both worlds without choosing between desserts
- The marble pattern makes them look like you spent hours in the kitchen
- They freeze beautifully for last minute cravings
02 -
- Overmixing the banana layer makes it tough—fold everything gently
- The swirling technique matters more than precision—just marble the batters together lightly
03 -
- Room temperature eggs blend smoother into melted butter preventing that separated look
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for that sweet salty contrast