Chocolate Banana Bread (Doctored Brownie Mix)

If you’re in the mood for chocolate and you’ve got some overripe bananas on hand, this is the perfect recipe for you! You can merge those two tasty items into one delectable Chocolate Banana Bread!

How do I Doctor a Brownie Mix?

There are a variety of ways you can doctor a brownie mix. I have a great recipe for Mint Chocolate Brownies that will make you swoon. Of course, you can also use a brownie mix to make cookies, like I did with my Stuffed Brownie Cookies.

Today, however? I wanted chocolate. It’s raining here in South Texas and I’m stranded inside all day, on book deadline. I happened upon an Easy Banana Brownies recipe from my friend Julie at Back to my Southern Roots. She made some chocolate banana brownies.

Bingo!

As always, I decided to mix things up a bit. Instead of baking mine in a square pan, I decided to do something completely different and use my handy dandy bundt pan. In doing so, I ended up with slices of banana bread brownies.

Talk about a fun idea!

Is this Recipe a Bread, Cake, or Brownie?

Technically, a brownie is a cake with only a portion of the milk (or water) added. You can take any cake mix and turn it into brownies by cutting back a little on the liquids.

What makes this particular recipe more of a bread than a brownie is the lack of liquid altogether. I didn’t see the need to add milk or water because the bananas add all of the moisture you will need.

Call it what you will–cake, brownie, or bread. . .but you’ll definitely be calling this recipe delicious!

Ingredients for Brownie Mix Banana Bread

You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a quick peek at what you’re going to need. These are simple ingredients you probably have on hand in your kitchen.

FOR THE BANANA BREAD

• brownie mix (plain)
• melted butter
• large eggs
• large mashed bananas
• mini chocolate chips
• chopped pecans

FOR THE GLAZE

• chocolate chips
• heavy cream

FOR THE TOPPING

• mini chocolate chips
• chopped pecans

How to make this Luscious Banana Brownie Recipe

This is a simple recipe, one that comes together so quickly, you won’t believe it!

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spray your bundt pan (or loaf pan) with nonstick spray.

Place butter in a large bowl and microwave for 30 seconds or until it’s slightly melted.

Mash two large bananas into the melted butter.

Add eggs to the butter mix and combine well.

It’s time to stir in the brownie mix. You can use an electric mixer if you like (or a stand mixer with paddle attachment) but I opted to do mine by hand with a large serving fork. (If you’ve been following me for any length of time you know I have a thing for these large serving forks. I use them for everything.)

Stir in your chocolate chips and pecans. I decided to go with mini chips because larger ones don’t do well in cake and breads. They tend to float to the top or bottom instead of spreading out. (Check out that brownie texture!)

Pour brownie batter into prepared baking pan.

Place your banana bread into the oven on the middle rack.

Bake for 45 minutes or until bread pulls away from the edges of the pan.

When banana bread is done baking remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

Make Your Glaze

While your Chocolate Banana Bread is baking, make your glaze. This is a simple ganache glaze that comes together so easily.

Place one cup of chocolate chips to a small bowl.

Add heavy whipping cream.

Place bowl in microwave and heat in 30-second increments until they chocolate and cream can be stirred into a smooth ganache. (This should take 30 – 60 seconds total.) Set aside.

When cake cools, turn it out onto the wire rack. (Allow it to loosen from the pan on its own.)

Allow banana bread to cool for 10 – 15 minutes and coat with chocolate glaze. (You might need to rewarm your glaze if it’s been sitting too long.)

Sprinkle the top of the banana bread with mini chocolate chips and chopped pecans.

Slice and serve (warm or at room temperature).

To store, place in an airtight container. This bread does better in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 3-4 days.

See this recipe at

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What to Expect from this Delicious Chocolate Banana Bread

I was so delighted with this easy recipe! First of all, it came together easily and quickly. And even though it took 45 minutes to bake, it was worth the wait.

I was startled at how strong the banana scent was when it came out of the oven. I expected the chocolate to be the star but those bananas too me by surprise!

Unlike a traditional banana bread, this one has a strong chocolate flavor, but that’s a good thing. . .a very, very good thing. This chocolate banana bread is rich, dense, and packed full of flavor and texture.

Questions People are Asking About Chocolate Banana Bread

Is banana bread healthy?

Let’s look first at the benefits of bananas. According to healthline.com:

Bananas contain many essential nutrients and may benefit weight loss, digestion, and heart health. The article then goes on to list 11 benefits of eating bananas. Now, I’m not saying these brownies are healthy, but the addition of bananas does add extra nutrients.

Can I add oats to this recipe?

Absolutely. Substitute oats for half of the flour. This will add extra texture to your recipe and increase the health benefits.

Does it matter if I use fudgy or cake-like brownie mix?

No, it’s just a matter of personal preference. Just remember that bananas add extra moisture so if you use fudgy brownies you’ll need to make sure they’re thoroughly baked.

Can I make a gluten free version of this recipe?

I haven’t tried it but Food Network has a full article titled How to Substitute Gluten Free Flour for Regular Flour. I would start there.

Can I turn this recipe into muffins instead of bread?

Absolutely. Use an ice cream scoop to scoop into paper liners.

Other Banana Recipes from Out of the Box Baking

I’m crazy about bananas, so I’ve got a ton of other recipes you might enjoy. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Baking with Bananas (10 Easy Recipes): This is my go-to list when I over overripe bananas that need to be used.
• Classic Banana Bread with Walnuts: A simple but delicious traditional banana bread recipe–quick and easy!
• Easy Cake Mix Banana Muffins: I love a good doctored cake mix and this is a simple but tasty one!
• Banana Berry Cake: This one starts with a boxed cake mix and has the addition of bananas and light, tasty berries!
• Easy Bananas Foster Cinnamon Rolls: These are messy. . .but luscious! The bananas foster will make you swoon!
• Old-Fashioned Banana Bread with Mayonnaise: I know, I know. Mayonnaise. . .in banana bread? (Stick with me here!) It’s true. This is my go-to recipe for classic banana bread.
• 20 Amazing Ways to Use Ripe Bananas: This post is loaded with ideas to use up those overripe bananas. (You’re welcome!)

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Learn more about doctored cake mixes, the theme of this blog. 

For the master list of all doctored cake mix recipes on this site, visit Doctored Cake Mix Recipes, Master List. 

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See this recipe at

Full Plate Thursday 

Weekend Potluck

Sunday LinkUp

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About the Author

Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 150 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.