Have a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter and no idea what to do with them? Don’t toss them just yet! Instead, turn them into something irresistible, banana brownies.
This recipe blends the indulgent, fudgy goodness of traditional chocolate brownies with the moisture of bananas.
If you’re looking for an easy, foolproof recipe that combines the richness of chocolate and the sweetness of bananas, these banana brownies will quickly become your go-to dessert.
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In this article, you’ll discover step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and answers to common questions to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly every time. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Banana Brownies
Each bite melts in your mouth.
Perfect for beginners and quick to whip up.
Overripe bananas finally have a delicious purpose.
The blend of ripe bananas and decadent chocolate brings a perfect harmony of sweetness and richness.
Ingredients for This Recipe
- Overripe Bananas: These are the true highlight, bringing natural sweetness and flavor to the dish! I recommend using bananas that are really ripe. The riper, the better.
- Unsalted Butter and Chocolate Chips: For me, melting butter with chocolate chips is the secret to creating a rich, smooth chocolate base that really brings the brownies to life.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: A blend of these two sugars is a must. The granulated sugar gives a nice sweetness, while the brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor and helps keep the brownies moist. I find this combo is just right, not too sweet, but perfectly balanced.
- Large Eggs: they are a must for binding everything together and adding structure. I prefer to use eggs at room temperature for the best outcome.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is a flavor booster! I recommend using pure vanilla extract, as it gives a richer, more natural flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This ingredient is essential for depth. Cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without making it overly sweet. You can’t have chocolate brownies without cocoa powder, trust me on this one!
- All-Purpose Flour: This serves as the base ingredient, giving structure and texture to your brownies. I recommend sifting the flour to avoid any lumps and ensure the batter stays smooth.
- Baking powder: You don’t need much, just a little bit does the work! It helps give your brownies a slight lift without making them too cakey. This is especially important if you want that perfect, fudgy consistency.
- Salt: A pinch of salt does wonders.
- Chocolate Chips (Optional) – If you’re a fan of extra gooey brownies, I recommend folding in some chocolate chips into the batter. It adds little pockets of melty chocolate in every bite, making these banana brownies even more irresistible.
How to Make Banana Brownies
Begin by turning your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat fully. Next, fetch an 8×8-inch baking pan. Grease it lightly and line it with parchment paper to make removing the brownies super easy later.
Put your unsalted butter and preferred chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl, preparing them for melting. Heat the mixture in 20-second increments, giving it a good stir after each one, until it’s fully melted and smooth. Make sure to let them cool for a few minutes.
Grab two overripe bananas, the softer, the better, and mash them thoroughly in a bowl using a fork or a potato masher. Aim for a smooth, lump-free texture.
Now, add your cooled butter and chocolate mix to the mashed bananas. Then Mix in the sugar (granulated & brown), two eggs, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Stir it thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
In your second bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, sifting them together. Slowly fold this into your wet ingredients. Be gentle here, you want nice and fudgy brownies, right?
If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in chocolate chips for some extra texture and flavor. It’s totally up to you! For me I love that!
Gently pour your batter into the prepared pan (with parchment paper), spreading it out evenly to create a smooth, uniform layer. Put it in the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes until it’s perfectly cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!). Let the brownies sit in the pan and cool for about an hour before taking them out.
Once they’ve cooled enough, transfer them to a wire rack. After they’ve fully cooled, slice them into squares, and you’re ready to enjoy!
My Tips
- Choose the Right Bananas: The more overripe, the better. Brown spots indicate sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, rubbery brownies. Mix just until combined.
- Use Quality Cocoa Powder: High-quality cocoa enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Toothpick tip: Simply insert one into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with moist crumbs, your brownies are ready.
Love a classic brownie but want something extra special? My Heavenly Hash Brownies take things up a notch with pecans, marshmallows, and melted chocolate!
Make Banana Your Brownies Gluten-Free
Did you know you can easily make these banana brownies gluten-free? Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply want to try something new, making gluten-free banana brownies is a breeze.
Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Check the Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Enhance with Almond Flour: For a slightly nuttier, richer flavor, try substituting a portion of the gluten-free flour with almond flour. It pairs beautifully with the banana and chocolate flavors, giving your brownies a unique twist!
How to Customize Your Banana Brownies
- Mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a delightful crunch
- Add more chocolate chips or swirl in melted chocolate for a gooey treat.
- Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, or espresso powder to enhance the flavor.
- Top with caramel, peanut butter, or melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
If you’re looking for another easy and fruity recipe, you should try my no-bake banana split cake, it’s simple and sure to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Store Banana Brownies?
Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. For even longer freshness, store them in the fridge, and they’ll stay delicious for up to a week.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Yes! Make sure the bananas are fully thawed, drain off any extra liquid, and mash them just like you usually do.
What Makes These Brownies Different from Regular Ones?
The mashed bananas add natural sweetness, moisture, and a slightly fruity undertone, making them unique and irresistible.
Can I Freeze Banana Brownies?
Yes! Individually wrap each brownie square in plastic wrap and store them in a container that’s safe for the freezer. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
The Best Banana Brownies: Easy Recipe in Simple Steps
Ingredients
- 2 overripe bananas about 200g
- ½ cup unsalted butter 115g
- ½ cup chocolate chips 90g
- ½ cup granulated sugar 100g
- ½ cup brown sugar 100g
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 50g
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour 90g
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Begin by turning your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat fully. Next, fetch an 8×8-inch baking pan. Grease it lightly and line it with parchment paper to make removing the brownies super easy later.Â
- Put your unsalted butter and preferred chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl, preparing them for melting. Heat the mixture in 20-second increments, giving it a good stir after each one, until it’s fully melted and smooth. Let them cool a bit.
- Take your overripe bananas and mash them up well in a bowl using a fork or potato masher.
- Now, add your cooled butter and chocolate mix to the mashed bananas. Then Mix in the sugar (granulated & brown), two eggs, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir it thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- In your second bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, sifting them together. Gradually incorporate this into your wet ingredients.
- Throw chocolate chips if you want, for some extra texture and flavor. It’s totally up to you! For me I love that!Â
- Gently pour your batter into the prepared pan (with parchment paper), spreading it out evenly to create a smooth, uniform layer.Â
- Put it in the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes until it's perfectly cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!).Â
- Let the brownies sit in the pan and cool for about an hour before taking them out. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Quality Cocoa Powder: High-quality cocoa enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Swirl in peanut butter, caramel, or Nutella for a creative twist.
- Choose the Right Bananas: The more overripe, the better. Brown spots indicate sweetness.
