Easy Banana Brownie Recipe

If banana bread and a fudge brownie had a baby, it would be this Banana Brownie. This recipe is the ultimate solution for those spotty bananas sitting on your counter when you crave something decadent rather than breakfast-y. Max calls these "monkey chocolate squares" because they are packed with fruit but taste like pure candy. They are dense, unbelievably moist, and covered in a silky chocolate ganache that bridges the gap between a cake and a truffle.

Save it For Later

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Banana Brownie
• How To Make Banana Brownie
• What Pairs Well With Banana Brownie
• Banana Brownie Variations
• Equipment
• Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
• Top Tips for Best Banana Brownie
• Banana Brownie Frequently Asked Questions
• A Perfect Hybrid Dessert
• Related
• Banana Brownie

Why You Will Love This Banana Brownie

This recipe takes the best qualities of two classics: the moist, dense crumb of banana bread and the rich, chocolatey intensity of a brownie. By replacing some of the fat with mashed bananas, you get a treat that feels lighter but stays fudgy for days. The texture is somewhere between a cake and a brownie—soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth. Plus, the fresh banana slices on top add a creamy, fresh contrast to the dark chocolate glaze.

How To Make Banana Brownie

To get the look exactly like the photo, we start by making a rich batter using melted butter, cocoa powder, and plenty of mashed ripe bananas. We bake it in a square pan until just set (do not overbake!). Once cooled, we spread a glossy chocolate ganache over the surface. The finishing touch is arranging fresh banana slices on top right before serving, creating a beautiful presentation that tells you exactly what flavors are inside.

Banana Brownie Ingredients

The Fudgy Base

• 3 medium overripe bananas (mashed smoothly, approx. 1 cup)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (folded into the batter)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

The Chocolate Ganache

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup heavy cream (hot)

The Garnish

• 1 fresh, firm banana (sliced into coins)

Save it For Later

Step by Step Method

Mash and Mix

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas until they are very smooth.
• Whisk in the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

• Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mixture.
• Gently fold with a spatula until no white streaks remain.
• Fold in the ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra pockets of gooiness.

Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Frost and Decorate

• Place the chocolate chips for the ganache in a small bowl. Pour the hot heavy cream over them. Let sit for 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
• Spread the warm ganache over the cooled brownies.
• Slice the brownies into squares.
• Right before serving, slice a fresh banana into coins and place 2–3 slices on top of each square.

Save it For Later

Max’s Reaction: "It tastes like chocolate banana bread but way better because of the frosting. I ate the banana slices off the top first!"

What Pairs Well With Banana Brownie

These brownies are rich and sweet, so a cold glass of milk is the traditional pairing. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of peanut butter whipped cream. For a warm drink, a hot latte or a cappuccino balances the sweetness of the bananas perfectly.

Banana Brownie Variations

3 Ingredient Banana Brownies

• For a super simple, flourless version, mix 3 mashed bananas, ½ cup cocoa powder, and 1 cup peanut butter. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. It’s denser but delicious.

Walnut Crunch

• Fold ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. The crunch pairs beautifully with the soft banana texture.

Peanut Butter Swirl

• Dollop 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter on top of the batter before baking and swirl it with a knife for a marble effect.

Vegan Option

• Substitute the egg with a "flax egg" (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoon water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut cream for the ganache.

Save it For Later

Equipment

• 8x8 Square Baking Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk and Spatula
• Sifter (for cocoa powder)

Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips

Storage Tips That Keep It Fresh

Store the brownies (without the fresh banana topping) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have already added the fresh banana slices, store them in the refrigerator, as the fruit will brown and spoil faster.

Make Ahead Strategy

These brownies taste even fudgier on the second day. You can bake them a day in advance and frost them the next morning.

Fresh Topping Tip

The fresh banana slices on top should be added immediately before serving. If they sit out too long, they will oxidize (turn brown). You can brush them with a little lemon juice to keep them bright longer.

Banana Brownie Frequently Asked Questions

A Perfect Hybrid Dessert

This recipe is a game-changer for banana lovers. It feels like a fancy dessert but uses humble pantry staples. If you are looking for more decadent dessert mashups, you must try our Black Forest Cake Roll for a fruit-and-chocolate classic, or the creamy Biscoff Cookie Butter Cheesecake. For sheer chocolate indulgence, the Hot Fudge Brownie Cheesecake is another must-bake.

Share your Banana Brownie! Tag us @HannahCooking with #BananaBrownie; we’re dying to see your version and hear about your homemade kitchen stories!

⭐️ Rate this Banana Brownie recipe and let us know what twists or ingredients you used!

Related

Looking for other recipes like Banana Brownie? Try these: