If you have a soft spot for fudgy, chocolatey desserts but want to sneak in some wholesome goodness, this Brownies with Banana Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the rich depth of cocoa with the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas, these brownies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and a touch of healthfulness. The bananas not only add a subtle fruity flavor but also keep the brownies incredibly tender and moist, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Brownies with Banana Recipe uses a handful of simple, kitchen-staple ingredients that each play a vital role in the final texture and flavor. From the richness of melted butter to the bright notes of vanilla, every component has its moment to shine.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient adding natural sweetness and moisture, perfect for tender brownies.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives richness and a silky crumb to the brownies.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the banana’s sweetness with a clean sugary bite.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel undertone and extra moistness.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, cozy notes.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep chocolate intensity.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives just a touch of lift, so brownies are perfectly dense yet soft.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds gooey pockets of melty chocolate throughout.
How to Make Brownies with Banana Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your brownies come out clean and intact after baking.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy. Then add your mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s fully combined and creamy—this will be the luscious base of your brownie batter.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures there aren’t any lumps and helps distribute your leavening evenly for the perfect brownie texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be gentle and mix just until everything comes together—overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, and we definitely want soft and tender here.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Bake
Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The slight underbake helps give you that fudgy texture everyone loves.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cooling time is essential for the brownies to set properly and to bring out their full flavor.
How to Serve Brownies with Banana Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple touch of elegance, dust the brownies with powdered sugar or cocoa powder just before serving. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the warm, fudgy texture and temperature contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with fresh berries or a vibrant fruit salad to balance the richness with some freshness and acidity. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk is always a perfect companion to brownies, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Brownies with Banana Recipe into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy party snacking. You can also sandwich them with peanut butter or cream cheese frosting for a fun twist. For a festive occasion, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top and sprinkle with chopped nuts or banana chips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days—perfect for quick dessert cravings or lunchbox treats.
Freezing
You can freeze brownies for up to 2 months by wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This is a great way to keep your batch handy without any sacrifice in flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy brownies warm, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Adding a little scoop of ice cream on top while they’re warm makes for an irresistible dessert treat.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in this Brownies with Banana Recipe?
Yes, since bananas add natural sweetness, you can reduce the granulated and brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet brownie. Just keep in mind it might alter the texture a little, making it slightly less moist.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips? Can I substitute?
Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind white chocolate will change the overall chocolate flavor quite a bit.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend 1:1 to make it suitable for gluten-free baking with good results.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this Brownies with Banana Recipe?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut can bring great texture and complement the banana and chocolate flavors beautifully. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking.
Why do bananas make brownies more moist?
Bananas have a high moisture content and natural sugars, which contribute to a tender crumb and keep brownies soft longer. They essentially act like a natural fat and sweetener combined, enhancing the fudgy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Brownies with Banana Recipe is a wonderful way to combine the cozy richness of classic brownies with the natural sweetness and moisture of bananas, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and a little bit different. It’s super easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to brighten any day with its chocolatey goodness. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy every delicious, fudgy bite!
Print
Brownies with Banana Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist and fudgy brownies made with ripe bananas for natural sweetness and extra moisture. These banana brownies combine the rich flavor of cocoa and chocolate chips with the wholesome goodness of bananas, making them a perfect homemade dessert that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add bananas and eggs: Stir in the mashed bananas, then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and the batter is uniform.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and evenly distribute the leavening.
- Fold dry into wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the brownies.
- Add chocolate chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly through the batter for pockets of melty chocolate.
- Transfer to pan and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares and serving.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and allow them to set as they cool.
- You can add chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chunks to the batter for additional texture and flavor.
- Use very ripe bananas to maximize natural sweetness and moisture in the brownies.
