Peanut Butter Banana Brownies

You ever find yourself rummaging through the pantry late at night, craving something sweet, fudgy, and just a little bit sinful… but then remember you’re trying to eat a little cleaner? That used to be me, staring at those overripe bananas on the counter, thinking, “Please let there be a way to turn you into brownies.”

Well friend, there is. And let me tell you—it’s a game changer.

These Peanut Butter Banana Brownies are your answer to craving something rich and fudgy without the sugar crash or guilt trip. Just like my indulgent Baileys Brownies for grown-up nights, or fun M&M Brownies for when you want a colorful crunch, these are the perfect blend of flavor and feel-good ingredients. Want something more nostalgic and light? You’ll love these Cake Batter Blondies too!

They’re totally flourless, and depending on your mix-ins, they can be 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and even vegan. I’m talking about the kind of treat that feels indulgent but is made with ingredients you can actually pronounce. Oh, and they’re kid-approved—my niece calls them “chocolate banana bars with peanut butter hugs.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple and clean—these Peanut Butter Banana Brownies use just a handful of real, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2–3 ripe bananas – The riper, the better! Look for deep yellow with brown spots. These add natural sweetness and moist texture.
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter – I recommend unsweetened, creamy or crunchy works. Want a swirl? Save a tablespoon for the top.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – This gives the brownies that rich, chocolatey depth.
• 2 large eggs or 2 flax eggs – For binding. Flax eggs keep it vegan.
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey – Choose your sweetener based on your dietary needs (maple keeps it plant-based).
• 1/4 tsp salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda – Helps with a little rise and airiness.
• Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, oat flour, almond flour, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm twist.

Love easy recipes with minimal ingredients? These Cake Batter Blondies also come together in a flash with simple pantry staples.

Tips for Best Results:

• If you’re going for extra fudgy texture, use just two bananas and add a tablespoon of melted coconut oil.
• Want a protein boost? Add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder—just reduce cocoa slightly.
• Using chunky peanut butter? It adds a bit of crunch and texture to every bite.

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Brownies (Step-by-Step)

These brownies are so easy, you’ll feel like you’re cheating—one bowl, no mixer, and just 10 minutes of prep. Here’s how I make mine:

1. Prep your pan and oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This helps with clean removal and easy cutting.

2. Mash your bananas

• In a large bowl, mash 2–3 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth but still a little chunky. You want them creamy but not pureed.

3. Add the wet ingredients

• Stir in 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey), and 2 eggs or flax eggs.
• Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Mix in the dry ingredients

• Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp baking soda.
• Stir just until combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the brownies tender and fudgy.

5. Fold in mix-ins (optional)

• If using chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a bit of oat or almond flour, gently fold them in now.
• Want a swirl? Save a tablespoon of peanut butter and dollop it on top before baking. Use a knife to create a swirl pattern.

6. Pour and bake

• Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
• Bake for 22–28 minutes, depending on your oven.
• You’ll know they’re done when the top is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

7. Cool, slice & devour

• Let them cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes—this helps them firm up and get that fudgy texture.
• Slice into squares, and try not to eat the whole batch in one sitting (no judgment if you do).

If you’re into brownies with fun mix-ins, these M&M Brownies are another super simple one-bowl wonder.

Tips for Best Results

Want that perfectly gooey center and rich peanut butter swirl? Here are my go-to tricks for making these Peanut Butter Banana Brownies taste bakery-level amazing—even without the flour or fuss.

🥜 Choose the Right Peanut Butter

• Natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt) works best for that smooth, clean texture.
• Avoid peanut butters with added oils or sugars—they can make the batter oily or overly sweet.
• Creamy gives a classic finish, but chunky adds bite and a little crunch. I love doing half creamy, half chunky!

🍌 Banana Ripeness Is Key

• The browner the peel, the sweeter and softer the banana.
• Aim for bananas with at least 50% brown spots—these blend easier and add moisture.

🍫 For Ultimate Fudginess

• Slightly underbake them. Pull them out when the center is just set, but the edges are firm.
• Let them cool completely before slicing—this gives them time to set and get dense.
• Want extra decadence? Stir in 1/4 cup chocolate chips or add a tablespoon of coconut oil to the batter.

🌀 Perfect Swirls Every Time

• Dollop reserved peanut butter on top in five spots.
• Use a toothpick or butter knife to gently swirl—don’t overdo it or it’ll blend in.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for that salty-sweet finish.

Variations to Try

These brownies are like a blank (chocolatey) canvas—you can tweak them a dozen ways and they’ll still taste amazing. Whether you’re baking for dietary needs or just feel like switching things up, here are my favorite twists:

🌱 Make Them Vegan

• Swap out eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).
• Stick with maple syrup instead of honey.
• Use dairy-free chocolate chips if you’re adding those in.

🌾 Gluten-Free Swaps

• They’re naturally flourless, but if you want a cakier texture, try adding:
  • 2–3 tbsp oat flour for structure
  • Or almond flour for a nuttier flavor
• Don’t use coconut flour—it’ll dry them out unless you tweak other liquids.

🍫 Add-Ins for Fun & Texture

• Stir in dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or chopped walnuts for bite.
• Swirl in raspberry jam or caramel sauce for a flavor surprise.
• Sprinkle hemp hearts or chia seeds on top for a nutrient boost (and a bit of crunch!).

🌿 Flavor Twists

• Add ½ tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for cozy fall vibes.
• A dash of espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor (trust me—it’s magic).
• Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for something new.

These brownies are super customizable—just like the Cake Batter Blondies, which are endlessly adaptable too!

Storing & Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Brownies

These brownies are just as amazing the next day (if you have any left!). Here’s how to store them so they stay gooey, rich, and ready to grab when that sweet craving hits.

🕒 How to Store at Room Temp

• Let the brownies cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
• Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Tip: add a slice of bread to the container—it helps keep them moist!

❄️ How to Freeze Them

• Slice the cooled brownies into squares.
• Wrap each piece in parchment or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To enjoy: thaw at room temp for 30 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds for that warm, fudgy texture.

🔥 Reheating Tips

• For that just-baked gooey center, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
• Want a melty peanut butter moment? Drizzle a little extra on top before reheating.

FAQs About Peanut Butter Banana Brownies

More Banana + Peanut Butter Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re as obsessed with the peanut butter + banana combo as I am, you’re going to love these next-level treats. They’re just as easy, wholesome, and crave-worthy as today’s brownies:

Final Thoughts – You Need to Try These!

I can’t tell you how many times these Peanut Butter Banana Brownies have saved me from a snack attack—and made me look like a kitchen hero with barely any effort. They’re everything I want in a dessert: rich, fudgy, naturally sweet, and secretly kinda healthy.

If you give these a try (and I really hope you do), be sure to make extra—they disappear fast! And here’s a tip from one brownie lover to another: save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you’ll always have it handy. You never know when those overripe bananas and peanut butter are going to call your name. 🥜🍌💛