Banana Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe

Let’s talk comfort food with a twist: the banana peanut butter brownie. It’s like banana bread met a Reese’s cup and had a gooey, chocolatey baby. This isn’t just another dessert it’s the kind of recipe you crave when your bananas are too ripe and your soul needs soothing. I first whipped this up after a long week, desperate to bake but too tired for anything fussy. One bowl, one pan, one heavenly smell coming from the oven later I knew I had found a keeper.

Over the years, I’ve made this banana peanut butter brownie for birthday parties, book clubs, and even just because it was Thursday. It never lasts more than a day, and it’s evolved into my signature “sweet hug” of a treat. Trust me you’ll want to make a double batch.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Peanut Butter Brownie

There’s a lot to adore about this banana peanut butter brownie, from the texture to the taste to the simplicity. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular dessert rotation:

  • Combines three classics: banana bread, brownies, and peanut butter
  • Moist, dense texture with gooey peanut butter swirls
  • Quick to make with pantry staples
  • Great way to use overripe bananas
  • No mixer needed
  • Kids and adults alike go bananas for it

Want more rich brownie inspiration? Check out the Ultimate Banana Brownie for a similar but nut-free option.

Pure Comfort

Few things say comfort like peanut butter and banana, but when you add chocolate to the mix? It’s a triple threat of feel-good flavor. These banana peanut butter brownies are the kind of treat you bake in sweatpants, share with no one, and devour with a fork straight from the pan. Pair with a hot cup of tea, a Netflix binge, or a bubble bath you’ll be melting just like the chocolate chips inside.

Ingredients for Banana Peanut Butter Brownie

Ingredients for banana peanut butter brownie laid out on counter
Simple pantry staples come together for bold brownie flavor

Here’s everything you need for these soft, rich brownies:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

What You Need

You won’t need anything fancy:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spatula
  • 8×8 baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife or toothpick for swirling

Time to Cook Banana Peanut Butter Brownie

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Steps to Make It

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Step 3: Stir in mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Sift in cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in flour, followed by chocolate chips.
Step 6: Pour the batter into your pan and smooth the top.
Step 7: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter across the top and swirl using a knife.
Step 8: Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Cool for 20 minutes before slicing.

Peanut butter being swirled into banana brownie batter before baking
The magic step swirling peanut butter into rich banana brownie mix

Make It Perfect

  • Use very ripe bananas the spottier, the sweeter
  • Don’t overmix the batter once flour is added
  • Use a warm knife for clean slicing
  • Chill brownies before cutting if you want sharp edges

Mix It Up

Want to tweak this banana peanut butter brownie to match your mood?

  • Use almond or cashew butter for a twist
  • Swirl in Nutella instead of peanut butter
  • Add crushed peanuts or walnuts for crunch
  • Try dark chocolate chunks instead of chips
  • Layer in some sliced bananas for an extra punch

You can also try flavor ideas from these Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars they offer amazing texture inspiration.

Perfect Partners

These brownies pair beautifully with:

  • Vanilla bean ice cream
  • Peanut butter drizzle
  • A glass of cold milk
  • Espresso or strong coffee
  • Salted caramel sauce

Busy Day Hero

Only have a few bananas left and no time for banana bread? This banana peanut butter brownie has your back. It’s a one-bowl, no-fuss, kid-friendly lifesaver that comes together fast with basic ingredients.

Work Ahead

Yes, you can make this in advance:

  • Store unbaked batter in the fridge overnight
  • Freeze baked brownies for up to 3 months
  • Wrap and label them for future “sweet emergencies”

Save Some For Later

Here’s how to keep leftovers fresh (if there are any!):

  • Room temp: 3 days in an airtight container
  • Fridge: 5–7 days
  • Freezer: 2–3 months (wrap individually in foil or plastic)

Everyone’s Happy

These banana peanut butter brownies are a total crowd-pleaser. Bring them to potlucks, bake sales, or birthday parties, and you’ll come home with an empty pan. They’re just sweet enough to feel indulgent without being over the top.

Hosting a brownie bar night? Include these alongside the Best Brownie Cheesecake Recipe for a show-stopping combo.

Good For You Too

No, we’re not pretending this is a superfood, but here’s the truth: bananas = potassium and fiber, peanut butter = protein, and there’s no oil, no frosting, and only one bowl. Let’s call it a feel-good indulgence with better-for-you benefits.

Easy Clean Up

One bowl, one spatula, one pan. That’s it. Line your pan with parchment, and you’ll have almost nothing to clean. Perfect for weeknights when you want dessert without the drama.

Switch It Up

There’s endless flexibility with this base:

  • Make it vegan: flax eggs + vegan butter
  • Make it gluten-free: 1:1 GF flour blend
  • Make it sugar-free: use monk fruit sweetener
  • Add protein powder: sub 1/4 cup flour for vanilla protein

You can also use some tricks from our Edible Eggless Cookie Dough post to make a swirl-in topping that’s no-bake friendly.

Simply Perfect

This banana peanut butter brownie isn’t fancy or fussy it’s just everything you want in a bite: soft, gooey, rich, and real. It hits the banana bread craving and the brownie craving all in one glorious mouthful. And best of all? It’s made with love and pantry basics.

FAQs for Banana Peanut Butter Brownie

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but stir it well first. If it’s too oily or runny, it won’t swirl properly.

Can I skip the chocolate chips?
Totally! But you might miss that extra burst of chocolatey goodness.

Can I use a loaf pan instead of an 8×8?
You can, but increase bake time by 5–10 minutes and test the center carefully.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How ripe should my bananas be?
Spotted and soft almost overripe. That’s when the flavor is best.

Conclusion for Banana Peanut Butter Brownie

There you have it the only banana peanut butter brownie recipe you’ll ever need. It’s fast, flexible, packed with flavor, and wildly addictive. Whether you’re treating guests, baking for family, or just in need of a solo sweet treat, this brownie is ready to be your new go-to. Easy, delicious, and loved by all.

Want more layered chocolate inspiration? Check out how to nail texture and flavor balance with our Brownie Cheesecake Guide or explore creative baking with Chocolate Truffle Cake with Egg.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

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Fudgy banana peanut butter brownies with melted chocolate chips

Banana Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe


  • Author: Rita
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 brownies 1x

Description

A rich and gooey banana peanut butter brownie made with ripe bananas, cocoa powder, creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla.


Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Add mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract and stir until combined.
Sift in cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda, and mix until fully incorporated.
Gently fold in the flour until just combined, then stir in the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter and swirl using a knife or skewer.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Natural peanut butter can be used, but stir thoroughly to avoid separation.
For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter as a substitute.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: banana peanut butter brownie, peanut butter brownies, banana cocoa brownies, easy banana dessert

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