Banana Bread Brownie Bars (Printable)

Swirled layers of sweet banana bread and rich chocolate brownies create this decadent treat perfect for any occasion.

# What You'll Need:

→ Banana Bread Layer

01 - 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 medium)
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 overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
03 - Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing. Set aside.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until mixture appears glossy and smooth.
05 - Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips evenly.
06 - Spread half the banana batter evenly in prepared pan. Spoon brownie batter over top, then dollop remaining banana batter across the surface.
07 - Run a knife or skewer through batters in circular motions to create marbled pattern—do not overmix layers.
08 - Bake 28–32 minutes until toothpick inserted near center comes out with moist crumbs. Center should be set but slightly fudgy.
09 - Cool completely in pan before lifting out using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 equal bars for clean, even portions.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get the comfort of banana bread with the indulgence of fudgy brownies in every single bite
  • The marble pattern makes these look like you spent hours on them when theyre actually deceptively simple
02 -
  • Let these cool completely in the pan before slicing or they will fall apart on you
  • The toothpick test is tricky because of the two batters. Aim for moist crumbs, not completely clean.
03 -
  • Room temperature eggs incorporate better and prevent the melted butter from seizing up
  • If your bananas arent quite ripe enough, bake them in their skins at 350°F for 15 minutes to sweeten them up

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