Banana brownies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate flavor with the subtle sweetness of ripe bananas. These decadent treats are easy to make and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with their chewy texture and deep chocolatey goodness. A must-try for any banana lover or brownie enthusiast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes the classic brownie and elevates it with the addition of bananas, which adds moisture and a lovely natural sweetness. The result is a perfectly balanced dessert that’s rich yet light, with a soft texture that melts in your mouth. The use of semi-sweet chocolate chips further enhances the chocolate flavor, making every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and bakes up in no time.
Ingredients
-
⅔ cup mashed banana (about 2 medium bananas)
-
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
-
½ cup (3 oz., 85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs, room temperature
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
⅓ cup (30 g) Dutch-processed or unsweetened cocoa powder
-
¼ teaspoon baking powder
-
½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
-
½ cup (3 oz., 85 g) additional chocolate chips or chunks
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper along the bottom and two sides.
-
Mash 2 medium bananas until smooth, leaving only a few lumps. Measure out ⅔ cup of the mashed banana.
-
In a heat-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat the mixture until fully melted and combined, either using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between heating intervals.
-
Stir in the granulated sugar just to combine. Return the bowl to the microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir to fully incorporate the sugar. Let the mixture cool to warm (about 5 minutes).
-
Whisk in the eggs, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth and glossy. The batter should fall in ribbons from the spatula.
-
Stir in the flour until fully combined. Gently fold in the additional chocolate chips or chunks.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–40 minutes, checking with a toothpick starting at 30 minutes. The brownies are done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
-
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour at room temperature. Then refrigerate for another hour to fully set.
-
Once set, remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice and serve.
Servings and Timing
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 30 minutes
-
Cooling Time: 2 hours
-
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
-
Servings: 16 brownies
Variations
-
Nutty Banana Brownies: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture that complements the rich chocolate and banana flavor.
-
Vegan Version: Swap the eggs for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and left to sit for 5 minutes) and use dairy-free chocolate chips and butter alternatives.
-
Banana Split Brownies: Top the cooled brownies with sliced bananas, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a banana split-inspired dessert.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Once cooled completely, store the brownies in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for 7-10 days.
-
Reheating: To enjoy warm brownies, simply reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. These bananas will add a natural sweetness and moisture to your brownies.
Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
Can I make these banana brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies store well and can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container.
What kind of chocolate chips should I use for these brownies?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the best for this recipe, but feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, checking at around 40 minutes.
Can I add other fruits to the brownies?
You can try adding berries like raspberries or strawberries, but make sure the fruit isn’t too wet to avoid altering the brownie’s texture.
How can I make the brownies more chocolatey?
For a more intense chocolate flavor, add an extra ¼ cup of cocoa powder or a handful of dark chocolate chips.
Why are my brownies not fudgy?
If your brownies turned out cakey instead of fudgy, they may have been overbaked. Keep an eye on the baking time and check for moist crumbs on your toothpick.
Can I freeze the banana brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze well. Slice and wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Banana brownies are an easy and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich, fudgy texture and sweet banana flavor, they’re a great twist on the classic brownie. Whether you enjoy them as a simple snack, a dessert with ice cream, or served with whipped cream, these banana brownies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
Print
Banana Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fudgy and chewy Banana Brownies are made with ripe mashed bananas, rich chocolate chips, and a deep chocolate flavor. A perfect dessert for any occasion, these brownies are easy to make and simply irresistible.
Ingredients
⅔ cup mashed banana
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
½ cup (3 oz., 85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup (30 g) Dutch processed or unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (3 oz., 85 g) additional chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper along the bottom and two sides.
Mash the bananas until mostly smooth with few lumps. Measure out ⅔ cup of mashed banana.
In a heat-safe bowl, add the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat until fully melted and combined, either using a “bain marie” or in the microwave (30 seconds at a time, stirring in between).
Stir in the granulated sugar just to combine, then return the bowl to the microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir until the sugar is fully incorporated, and allow the mixture to cool for 5 minutes.
Whisk in the eggs, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth and glossy. The batter should fall like a ribbon when lifted with a spatula.
Stir in the flour until well combined, then fold in the additional chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, it’s done. If it comes out wet, bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Allow the brownies to cool at room temperature for at least one hour, then refrigerate for another hour to fully set.
Once cooled, remove from the pan using the parchment paper overhang, slice, and serve.
Notes
Serve: These brownies are delicious served with vanilla ice cream, freshly whipped cream, or more sliced bananas.
Store: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature or 7-10 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time:: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
