Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Walnuts
Easy banana bread brownies deliver a moist, rich, and fudgy treat. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and know the secret to perfect texture. Crispy edges and melty center. Try this version with walnuts for extra crunch. Check out my Bakery Style Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies for more sweet treats. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Bakery Style Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies and Creamy Dill Pickle Ranch.
Why This Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Walnuts Is Pure Comfort
- moist and fudgy texture
- easy to make from scratch
- perfect for any time of day
- useful tips for success
What You'll Need for Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Walnuts
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
📝 Ingredient Notes
- mashed bananas: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- vegetable oil: May substitute with melted coconut oil or butter for a richer flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Silicone Mixing Bowl — Non-stick and easy to clean for perfect batter consistency. → See on Amazon
- Baking Pans — Durable and non-stick for even baking and easy removal. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Walnuts
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Combine: Add mashed bananas, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let brownies cool completely before cutting. Add walnuts or chocolate chips on top if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Walnuts
- Best technique: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Common mistake and fix: Overmixing can make brownies dense. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Storage tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Serving suggestion: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Storing & Reheating Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Walnuts
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare up to 2 days in advance.
Freezing Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Walnuts
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Best substitution: Substitute buttermilk with 1/4 cup milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar.
- Make-ahead: Brownies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Scaling: Double or halve the recipe as needed for different serving sizes.
- Troubleshooting: If brownies are too dry, add a bit more oil or buttermilk next time.
Want to level up this recipe?
Digital Kitchen Scale — Ensures accurate measurements for perfect results every time. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Walnuts
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Combine: Add mashed bananas, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let brownies cool completely before cutting. Add walnuts or chocolate chips on top if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Best substitution: Substitute buttermilk with 1/4 cup milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar.
- Make-ahead: Brownies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Scaling: Double or halve the recipe as needed for different serving sizes.
- Troubleshooting: If brownies are too dry, add a bit more oil or buttermilk next time.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Walnuts FAQs
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
Overmixing or not using enough banana can make brownies dry. Use very ripe bananas and mix just until combined for best results.
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Use 1/4 cup milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar. This mimics buttermilk’s acidity and adds moisture.
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for a fudgy texture.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Banana Bread Brownies with Walnuts and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
