The Best Banana Brownies Recipe for Fudgy Chocolate Bliss

Creamy bananas add unexpected richness to these decadent chocolate brownies that surprise every sweet tooth.

Ripe fruit brings incredible moisture and natural sweetness to classic dessert bars.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the deep cocoa notes blending seamlessly with soft banana undertones.

Pantry staples come together quickly in one mixing bowl for a delightful treat.

Mashing overripe bananas releases complex flavors that complement intense chocolate perfectly.

Home bakers can craft these indulgent squares with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Warm from the oven, these brownies promise pure comfort in every delectable bite.

Essential Ingredients for Banana Brownies

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, moist texture for the brownies.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the brownie's structure.
• Bananas: Add natural sweetness and moisture to the brownie base.

• Flour, Cocoa Powder: Form the foundational dry mix that gives structure and deep chocolate flavor to the brownies.
• Baking Powder, Salt: Help with leavening and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Vanilla Extract, Chocolate Chips: Boost the flavor complexity and add extra bursts of chocolate throughout the brownies.

How to Bake Banana Brownies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and give your 8×8-inch baking pan a quick spray of cooking oil or butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Banana Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until they become best friends and look super smooth. Introduce the eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, stirring until everything blends into a dreamy mixture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently sprinkle them into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix! Tenderly fold in chocolate chips for extra yumminess.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool And Slice

Let the brownies chill in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them set and makes cutting into squares way easier. Slice into delectable squares and enjoy your banana chocolate adventure!

Tips for Perfect Banana Brownies

• Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in your brownies, ensuring a rich, soft texture.
• Swap regular chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate chips to create unique flavor variations that suit different preferences.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of brownies without sticking.
• Check brownies early to prevent overbaking; they should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven to maintain a fudgy consistency.
• For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend without compromising the delicious banana-chocolate taste.

Flavor Variations for Banana Brownies

• Nutty Banana Bliss: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture and rich, earthy flavor.
• Chocolate Banana Swirl: Create a marbled effect by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the batter before baking.
• Tropical Banana Dream: Sprinkle shredded coconut and a pinch of cinnamon into the mix for a warm, island-inspired treat.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top of the cooled brownies for a sweet-salty combination.

Best Pairings with Banana Brownies

• Pair Rich Chocolate with Robust Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the deep chocolate and banana flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience with balanced sweetness and tannins.
• Elevate with Creamy Coffee Accompaniment: Serve warm banana brownies alongside a smooth cappuccino or dark roast espresso, which enhances the chocolate's richness and provides a delightful temperature contrast.
• Create Refreshing Vanilla Ice Cream Match: Top the warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, creamy texture mingle with the dense, fudgy brownie for a decadent dessert combination.
• Add Nutty Whiskey Pairing: Select a smooth bourbon or whiskey with caramel undertones that echoes the banana's sweetness and highlights the chocolate's deep, complex profile.

How to Store Banana Brownies Properly

• Store cooled brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Place brownies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual brownie pieces for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add a few more seconds if needed to restore softness.
• Keep brownies at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Ensure they're protected from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain texture.

FAQs on Banana Brownies

• Can I use unripe bananas for this recipe?

No, always use ripe or overripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Ripe bananas mash easily and provide more moisture to the brownies.

• How do I know if my brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are perfect. If it’s completely clean, they might be overbaked and dry.

• Can I substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate?

Yes, but use unsweetened melted chocolate and reduce butter slightly to maintain the right moisture balance. The texture and intensity might slightly change.

What Makes Banana Brownies So Delicious

• Maximize Overripe Bananas: Transform those mushy, forgotten bananas into a decadent dessert that rescues them from the trash and turns them into a chocolatey treat everyone will love.
• Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Fusion: Combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas for a crowd-winning dessert that satisfies chocolate and fruit lovers alike.
• Quick Baking Adventure: Prepare this recipe with minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious homemade dessert without complicated techniques.
• One-Bowl Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this straightforward recipe that requires just a single mixing bowl, reducing dishes and making the baking process stress-free and enjoyable.

Banana Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Indulgent banana brownies merge classic comfort with rich chocolate decadence, creating a delightful dessert that promises pure pleasure. Moist, fudgy layers combine ripe bananas and cocoa for an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup mashed bananas
• 1 cup sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Whisk melted butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until fully integrated and slightly fluffy.
3. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and ripe mashed bananas into the butter mixture, stirring until smooth and well-blended.
4. Gently sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing.
5. Delicately fold chocolate chips throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
6. Transfer batter to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create an even surface and smooth out any peaks.
7. Slide pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge with minimal, moist crumbs.
8. Remove from oven and let brownies rest in the pan for 15-20 minutes to set and cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

• Swap ripe bananas for overripe ones to enhance natural sweetness and moisture, creating a more decadent brownie texture.
• Consider using dark cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that complements the banana’s subtle taste.
• Gluten-free bakers can substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring the same delightful consistency.
• For a healthier version, replace some butter with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce fat while maintaining a creamy, indulgent feel.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 203 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 87 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg