Irresistibly Gooey Banana Bread Brownie Recipe

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Rain tapping gently against your window as the scent of chocolate and caramelizing bananas fills your kitchen. Those spotty bananas on your counter? They’re about to become something magical.

I’ve married two comfort food classics into one irresistible treat – fudgy brownies meet homey banana bread! The result is ridiculously moist squares with crackling tops and that perfectly gooey center that makes you close your eyes with each bite.

These brownies travel beautifully too, whether packed in lunch boxes or wrapped in foil for your next camping trip. The recipe includes both kitchen oven instructions and a clever foil packet method for camp cooking over coals. Nothing beats passing these around a campfire as the chocolate melts just a bit more against warm fingers.

Why You’ll Love this Irresistibly Gooey Banana Bread Brownie

If you’re searching for the perfect comfort dessert that combines two classics into one mouthwatering treat, our Banana Bread Brownies will exceed your expectations. These moist banana brownies blend the warm spiced flavor of banana bread with the fudgy texture of brownies. Our banana dessert recipe is perfect for using up those overripe bananas while creating something truly special that everyone will devour.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Brownie

These banana bread brownies transform your sad, forgotten bananas into a decadent dessert that’s the best of both worlds. The melted butter and brown sugar create that irresistible caramelized flavor that makes these treats so addictive.

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (the spottier, the better!)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark work beautifully)

For camping trips, consider measuring dry ingredients at home and storing them in a sealed container or zip-top bag.

The bananas can be mashed and frozen ahead of time – just thaw before using.

And if you’re really in a pinch, those pre-made banana bread mixes will work too, though nothing beats the homemade version with those pockets of melty chocolate chips.

How to Make this Irresistibly Gooey Banana Bread Brownie at Home

If you’ve been searching for the perfect blend of banana bread and brownies, this hybrid dessert delivers a moist, chocolatey treat that’s remarkably simple to prepare.

Let’s gather our equipment and walk through the straightforward steps to create these irresistible banana bread brownies.

Required Equipment for Cooking at Home

Making these gooey banana bread brownies at home is simple with just a few basic kitchen tools that most home bakers already have on hand.

• Mixing bowls – You’ll need at least two bowls, one for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients.
• 8×8 baking pan – This specific size guarantees the perfect thickness for these brownies to be fudgy in the center.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precise measurements help achieve that perfect balance of banana bread and brownie textures.
• Spatula – A good silicone spatula helps fold in those chocolate chips without overmixing the batter.
• Whisk or fork – For mixing the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
• Oven mitts – Protect your hands when handling the hot pan of freshly baked brownies.
• Cooling rack – Allows air to circulate underneath your creation for even cooling (optional).

Step-by-Step Home Instructions

Making these banana bread brownies at home is the perfect way to master the recipe before adapting it for your outdoor adventures. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create that irresistible combination of banana bread’s warmth and a brownie’s fudgy texture right in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen and Ingredients

Before you get started, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 baking pan. This specific pan size is vital—too large and your brownies will be thin and potentially dry, too small and they mightn’t bake properly in the center.

While your oven heats up, gather all ingredients and mash 3 ripe bananas until they’re smooth but still have a few small lumps. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Those brown spots on the peel? They’re basically nature’s way of saying “use me in banana bread brownies now!”

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar, whisking until the mixture becomes slightly glossy. This is an important chemical reaction—the sugar is partially dissolving in the warm butter, which will contribute to that crackly top we all love in brownies.

Next, add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring until completely incorporated. Finally, fold in your mashed bananas, gently mixing until the wet ingredients come together in a consistent (albeit somewhat lumpy) batter.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This pre-mixing helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour.

Now comes a pivotal moment—add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Can you still see a few streaks of flour? That’s perfect. Overmixing activates gluten, which can make your brownies tough rather than tender. Remember: we want brownies, not bread!

Step 4: Add Chocolate and Bake to Perfection

Gently fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Some bakers like to reserve a small handful to sprinkle on top for a more attractive finished product.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. You want it to come out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean (that means they’re overbaked) and not with wet batter (that means they’re underbaked).

The edges should be pulling away slightly from the pan, while the center remains moist and fudgy.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack if you have one. The cooling process is as important as the baking—it allows the structure to set while maintaining that perfect fudgy center.

For clean cuts, wait until the brownies are completely cooled, or even chill them briefly in the refrigerator before slicing. Once you’ve mastered this home version, you’ll be ready to adapt these delicious treats for your next camping adventure, where they’ll taste even better enjoyed under the stars.

How to Make this Irresistibly Gooey Banana Bread Brownie at Camp

These banana bread brownies bring a touch of home-baked comfort to your outdoor adventures, combining the gooey goodness of brownies with the familiar taste of banana bread.

Let’s explore how to prepare this campfire treat with minimal fuss and equipment.

Essential Gear for Campfire Cooking

Making these gooey banana bread brownies at your campsite doesn’t require professional equipment, but having the right tools will make the experience much more enjoyable than struggling with improvised utensils over an unpredictable fire.

• Dutch oven – The hero of campfire baking, this heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid creates an oven-like environment when surrounded by coals.
• Heat-resistant gloves – Protect your hands when handling hot cookware or adjusting coals around your Dutch oven.
• Long-handled tongs – Perfect for arranging hot coals both under and on top of your Dutch oven for even baking.
• Metal spatula – Helps you slice and serve those warm, gooey brownies without leaving half of them stuck to the bottom of the pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Unless you’re a recipe psychic, these will guarantee your brownies turn out consistently delicious every time.
• Mixing bowl – Opt for a lightweight, collapsible silicone bowl that won’t take up precious packing space (optional).
• Wooden spoon – The humble but mighty tool for mixing your batter without scratching your cookware.
• Aluminum foil – Use it to line your Dutch oven for easier cleanup and brownie removal.

Step-by-Step at Camp Instructions

There’s something magical about enjoying warm banana bread brownies while sitting around a campfire. With a bit of prep work at home and some simple campfire cooking techniques, you can transform basic ingredients into a decadent treat that will make you forget you’re miles from your kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients at Home

Measure all dry ingredients (1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt) and place in a sealed container or zip-top bag. In another container, combine the 1/2 cup brown sugar and pre-portion the 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Pack the 1/2 cup butter in a small container that won’t leak during transport, along with vanilla extract in a tiny bottle. If you’re camping for just a day or two, mash the 3 ripe bananas ahead of time and store in a sealed container in your cooler – this saves you from packing whole bananas that might get squished.

Step 2: Set Up Your Campfire Dutch Oven

Prepare your campfire so you have a good bed of hot coals, not active flames. Place your Dutch oven on a flat surface away from the main fire and line it completely with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

This step is vital because nothing ruins a camping dessert faster than trying to scrub burnt banana bread from cast iron while raccoons eye your other food supplies. Preheat the Dutch oven by placing it near (not directly on) hot coals for about 5 minutes with the lid on.

Step 3: Mix the Batter at Camp

Melt the butter in a small pot over the campfire or camp stove. In your mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the brown sugar and stir until well blended.

Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well, then fold in the mashed bananas. The mixture should look somewhat lumpy and smell wonderfully of banana. Pour in your pre-measured dry ingredients and stir just until combined – overmixing will make your brownies tough.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, which will start to melt slightly from the residual heat of the batter.

Step 4: Bake in the Dutch Oven

Pour the batter into your foil-lined Dutch oven, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Place the lid on the Dutch oven and arrange approximately 7-9 hot coals underneath and 12-14 coals on top to create a 350°F baking environment.

This creates heat from all directions, simulating your oven at home. Let the brownies bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, rotating the Dutch oven a quarter turn every 10 minutes to guarantee even baking. The brownies are done when a stick or knife inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the coals using heat-resistant gloves. Let the brownies cool in the Dutch oven for about 10 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.

The cooling process allows the brownies to set up properly, making them easier to cut and serve. Using the edges of the foil, lift the entire brownie out of the Dutch oven and onto a flat surface.

Cut into squares and serve while still warm for that perfect gooey texture, or wrap leftovers in foil for breakfast the next morning—nobody will judge.

Banana Bread Brownie Common Mistakes and Helpful Tips

Even the simplest recipes can sometimes give us trouble, and banana bread brownies are no exception—especially when you’re trying to recreate this cozy treat at a campsite. The good news? Most mishaps come down to a handful of common mistakes that are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.

Overmixing the Batter

We’ve all been there—vigorously stirring the batter thinking we’re doing it right, when actually we’re developing too much gluten and creating tough, dense brownies.

For that perfect tender crumb, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they’re combined, with maybe a few small streaks of flour still visible. Remember, folding in those chocolate chips should only take a few gentle turns of your spatula.

Using Underripe Bananas

Those firm, yellow bananas might look pretty in your fruit bowl, but they’re the arch-nemesis of good banana bread brownies.

Underripe bananas lack the natural sugars and soft texture that make these treats moist and flavorful. Wait until those bananas are speckled with brown spots—or even mostly brown—before mashing them up for your batter. The darker they are, the sweeter and more banana-forward your brownies will be.

Overbaking Until Dry

Nothing’s sadder than dry brownies, and banana bread varieties are particularly vulnerable to this fate.

Many folks leave them in too long, waiting for the center to look completely set, when actually these treats should come out while still slightly underdone in the middle. They’ll continue baking from residual heat after you take them out of the oven.

Look for edges that are just getting golden and a center that’s set but still looks ever-so-slightly moist—the toothpick test should show moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Forgetting to Adjust for Campfire Cooking

When making these at a campsite, treating your Dutch oven exactly like your home oven is a recipe for disaster.

Campfire heat is uneven and unpredictable, requiring more attention and frequent rotation of your Dutch oven. Make sure you have roughly twice as many coals on top as underneath to prevent burning the bottom while leaving the top uncooked.

And don’t forget to check your brownies every 10 minutes or so—campfire baking times can vary dramatically from what you’re used to at home.

Skipping the Cooling Time

I know the temptation to dig right in—those chocolatey, banana-scented brownies seem to call my name the moment they exit the oven.

But slicing too soon results in a gooey mess rather than clean, presentable squares. Give them at least 30 minutes to set up before cutting, even longer if you can manage the wait.

This cooling period allows the flavors to intensify and the texture to stabilize, rewarding your patience with perfectly sliceable treats.

Banana Bread Brownie Substitutions & Variations

The beauty of banana bread brownies lies in their flexibility. Whether you’re camping miles from the nearest grocery store, accommodating dietary restrictions, or simply working with what’s already in your pantry, this forgiving recipe welcomes creative tweaks. The core banana-chocolate magic remains intact even when you color outside the lines a bit.

Flour Alternatives

For those avoiding gluten or simply out of all-purpose flour, several substitutions work beautifully. A one-to-one gluten-free flour blend can replace regular flour with minimal texture changes—just expect a slightly more tender crumb.

Almond flour makes a fantastic alternative for a protein boost and nutty undertone, though you’ll want to use about 1¼ cups since it absorbs less moisture. Either way, these swaps create a treat that’s still wonderfully moist but with its own special character.

Butter Substitutes

No butter in the cooler? No problem. Coconut oil makes an excellent one-to-one replacement that adds a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with the banana.

For a dairy-free option that maintains richness, use the same amount of melted coconut oil or even vegetable oil. Applesauce (½ cup) works for a lower-fat version, though the brownies will be cakier and less rich—perfect for morning campfire breakfasts when you want something a little lighter.

Sugar Swaps

The brown sugar in this recipe contributes both sweetness and moisture, but alternatives can shine just as brightly. Coconut sugar substitutes perfectly at a one-to-one ratio and adds a caramel-like depth that complements the bananas.

Maple syrup (⅓ cup) creates a woodsier flavor profile that feels right at home during outdoor adventures, though you’ll want to reduce the mashed banana by about 2 tablespoons to account for the added liquid. The flavor profiles shift slightly with each variation, creating a brownie that’s truly your own.

Chocolate Variations

The chocolate component invites endless creativity. Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks for a more sophisticated flavor profile with less sweetness.

White chocolate pairs surprisingly well with banana, creating a creamy, vanilla-forward treat. For an extra dimension, try butterscotch chips or even peanut butter chips—the latter creating an almost PB&J effect against the fruity banana backdrop.

During campfire cooking, larger chunks melt into puddles of chocolaty goodness while mini chips distribute more evenly.

Mix-In Magic

Transform the base recipe by folding in ¼ cup of toasted nuts—walnuts and pecans are natural partners to banana, adding crunch and healthy fats.

For tropical flair, add ¼ cup shredded coconut to the batter. Campers might appreciate dried fruit additions like cranberries or chopped dried apricots (⅓ cup), which don’t require refrigeration and add chewy texture contrast.

These mix-ins not only add texture but turn a simple brownie into a more substantial treat that can fuel a day of hiking or swimming.

What to Serve with Banana Bread Brownie

While these banana bread brownies are absolutely divine on their own, pairing them with complementary flavors and textures can transform a simple campsite breakfast into a memorable outdoor feast.

The beauty of these pairings is that they’re purposefully simple, requiring minimal prep and equipment—because who wants to fuss with complicated cooking when there’s wilderness to explore?

Hot Coffee or Cocoa

There’s something magical about the combination of warm, gooey banana bread brownies and a steaming mug of something delicious.

The slight bitterness of coffee creates a perfect counterpoint to the sweet, chocolaty goodness of the brownies, while hot cocoa doubles down on the chocolate notes for true indulgence.

Pack instant versions for super-easy morning prep, or go all out with a French press if you’re feeling fancy at the campsite.

Fresh Fruit Skewers

Bright, juicy fruits offer a revitalizing contrast to the dense, sweet brownies, creating a breakfast that feels slightly more virtuous.

Thread chunks of pineapple, strawberries, and grapes onto skewers before leaving home, or simply bring whole apples and oranges that need no refrigeration.

The natural acidity in fruit helps cut through the richness of the brownies, cleansing the palate between decadent bites.

Crispy Bacon

The salty crunch of bacon alongside sweet, moist banana bread brownies creates that irresistible sweet-savory combination that makes taste buds sing.

The textural contrast between the chewy brownies and crisp bacon adds another dimension to the experience.

It’s ridiculously simple to cook over a morning campfire or camp stove, and the aroma of sizzling bacon might just be the most effective way to coax sleepy campers from their tents.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For those evening campfire desserts (because who says brownies are just for breakfast?), nothing beats a warm banana bread brownie topped with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.

The cold creaminess against the warm brownie creates temperature and texture magic in your mouth.

Store ice in a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice packs, planning to enjoy this treat early in your camping trip before your cooling capabilities diminish.

FAQ for Making this Irresistibly Gooey Banana Bread Brownie

Got questions about whipping up these banana bread brownies at your campsite? I’ve gathered the most common head-scratchers about this crowd-pleasing treat that perfectly bridges the gap between banana bread and brownie goodness.

How ripe should my bananas be for the best flavor?

The riper, the better! Those spotty, almost-black bananas that look past their prime are actually perfect for this recipe.

They’re sweeter and mash more easily, giving your brownies that intense banana flavor that makes them irresistible. If camping for several days, bring bananas at different ripeness stages so they’ll be perfect when you’re ready to bake.

Can I make this recipe without an oven while camping?

Absolutely! The recipe mentions using a Dutch oven with coals both above and below for about 25 minutes.

Place about 7-9 coals underneath and 12-14 on top of the lid for an even 350°F baking temperature. No Dutch oven? You can also wrap portions in heavy-duty foil and place them near (not directly on) hot coals for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally.

How do I store leftover brownies at the campsite?

In the unlikely event you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container once completely cooled.

They’ll keep for about 2 days at a cool campsite without refrigeration. If you have a cooler with ice, they’ll last up to 4 days. For longer trips, consider freezing pre-cut portions before leaving home, then allowing them to thaw naturally at camp.

Can I prepare the batter at home to save time at the campsite?

While it’s best to mix the batter just before baking, you can certainly prepare the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) in a zip-top bag and the wet ingredients (except eggs) in another container.

Keep the egg separate until you’re ready to bake, then combine everything at the campsite. Alternatively, the make-ahead suggestion of baking completely at home and just reheating over campfire coals works wonderfully for super easy camping treats.

More Cozy Camping Breakfast Ideas

Beyond these delicious banana bread brownies, we’ve gathered several other breakfast recipes that’ll make your camping mornings something to look forward to.

Try our camping banana bread cooked in orange peels over the campfire, or our banana cocoa squares that use similar ingredients to the brownies but with extra cocoa powder for chocolate lovers.

Both recipes store well and need minimal equipment.

Final Thoughts

Camping breakfasts can truly transform your outdoor experience, and these banana bread brownies offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

We hope you’ll try this recipe on your next adventure! Whether you prepare them in advance or bake them fireside in a Dutch oven, these gooey treats will start your morning right and keep everyone energized for the day’s activities.

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