Chocolate Banana Brownies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love baking Chocolate Banana Brownies because they combine the richness of chocolate with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Each bite is a heavenly experience, and they quickly became my go-to recipe for satisfying my chocolate cravings. With their fudgy texture and bright banana flavor, these brownies are perfect for any occasion. I often find myself whipping up a batch when I have overripe bananas sitting on my counter, and they vanish almost as quickly as I can make them!
When I first decided to bake these Chocolate Banana Brownies, I honestly wasn’t sure how the flavor combination would turn out. I can say now, after multiple batches, that the combination is a match made in dessert heaven. The bananas not only add natural sweetness but also create an incredibly moist texture that I can’t resist!
One of the best tips I can share is to use very ripe bananas—those with plenty of spots and even a little brown. They pack the most flavor and sweetness, making your brownies decadent and rich. I also love to sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for an extra crunch!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor complemented by sweet bananas
- Fudgy texture that offers a delightful mouthfeel
- A quick and easy recipe perfect for any skill level
Understanding Key Ingredients
The combination of ripe bananas and cocoa powder is what sets these brownies apart. The ripe bananas not only add natural sweetness but also provide moisture, leading to a fudgy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate flavor. When selecting bananas for this recipe, ensure they are very ripe, with brown spots on the skin, as this indicates optimal sweetness and flavor development.
Using both granulated and brown sugar enhances the complexity of the brownies. Granulated sugar contributes to structure, while brown sugar introduces moisture and a subtle caramel flavor. If you need to reduce sugar, consider substituting a third of the sweeteners with applesauce or a sugar alternative, but this may alter the final texture slightly.
Baking Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect brownie texture relies heavily on the mixing technique. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated; overmixing can lead to denser brownies. You can tell when the batter is ready when you no longer see dry flour or cocoa, but it should still be somewhat lumpy. This ensures that the brownies remain fudgy and moist.
The baking time is crucial—check your brownies between 20 to 25 minutes, using the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so it's better to underbake slightly than to overbake for the ultimate fudgy result.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chocolate Banana Brownies
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
Combine dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add nuts
If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips into the batter! These brownies also freeze well
- simply store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Chocolate Banana Brownies store exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep. Once cooled completely, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; just make sure to slice them before freezing for easy thawing.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the brownies in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until heated through. This will refresh their fudgy texture and enhance the chocolate flavor.
Delicious Variations
While the classic version is delightful on its own, feel free to experiment with mix-ins. Consider adding dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey burst, or swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor. Dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries, can add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the brownies.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder can elevate the chocolate flavor, creating a more sophisticated treat. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend will work well, while still producing a rich, moist brownie.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use less sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste, but keep in mind that reducing it too much may affect the texture.
→ What can I use as a substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
→ How do I store the brownies?
Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
→ Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, peanut butter swirls, or even dried fruit for additional flavor.
Chocolate Banana Brownies
I absolutely love baking Chocolate Banana Brownies because they combine the richness of chocolate with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Each bite is a heavenly experience, and they quickly became my go-to recipe for satisfying my chocolate cravings. With their fudgy texture and bright banana flavor, these brownies are perfect for any occasion. I often find myself whipping up a batch when I have overripe bananas sitting on my counter, and they vanish almost as quickly as I can make them!
Created by: Freya Cooper
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
Chocolate Banana Brownies
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips into the batter! These brownies also freeze well
- simply store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g