If you have ever dreamed of combining the luscious richness of chocolate with the natural sweetness and moisture of bananas, then this Brownies with Banana Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. These brownies are perfectly fudgy, incredibly flavorful, and have the added bonus of a subtle fruity twist thanks to ripe bananas. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or looking to impress friends with a unique dessert, this recipe balances indulgence and simplicity in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor of these brownies. Every element plays an essential role, from the luscious bananas that keep the brownies moist, to the cocoa powder that provides that deep chocolate essence.
- 2 ripe bananas mashed: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted: Adds richness and a silky texture, perfect for fudgy brownies.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while lending a slight crunch to the crumb.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed: Introduces a hint of caramel flavor and enhances the chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind all ingredients together smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall aroma and flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers the unmistakable chocolate depth without overpowering the banana.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, giving the brownies their body and bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough to provide a gentle lift for tender bites.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into gooey pockets of chocolate within every slice.
How to Make Brownies with Banana Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring a perfect bake. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make removing your brownies a breeze. This prep step is essential for a smooth baking process with no frustrating clean-up mishaps.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Then, add the mashed ripe bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix all these wet ingredients thoroughly until you have a luscious, unified batter that smells heavenly.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only removes lumps but evenly distributes these dry components to guarantee a homogenous batter. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing. Remember that slight lumps won’t hurt — overworking the batter could toughen these fudgy brownies.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips and Bake
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips last, folding them into the batter so each bite becomes a chocolatey delight. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center: it should come out with a few moist crumbs, never completely dry or wet.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, resist the temptation to dive in immediately! Let your brownies cool completely in the pan to allow them to set properly. This resting time helps the edges firm up slightly while keeping the inside perfectly fudgy. Once cooled, cut into nine equal squares and get ready to enjoy the magic you just created!
How to Serve Brownies with Banana Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your brownies by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra decadence. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can introduce a fresh contrast, brightening each bite with a hint of acidity or creaminess that pairs beautifully with the chocolaty banana flavor.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk, balancing the rich chocolate and sweet banana notes. For a more grown-up pairing, try a cup of robust coffee or even a smooth espresso to complement the deep cocoa flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your brownies warm in a small bowl topped with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and skewer them onto cocktail sticks for a fun party treat that’s easy to share and eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these brownies stay deliciously moist and fudgy for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack or an after-dinner treat whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these brownies later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen brownies, thaw them briefly at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Warming brings back that freshly baked feel with gooey chocolate chips and soft interiors perfectly restored.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in the Brownies with Banana Recipe?
Absolutely! Since bananas add natural sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly to suit your taste. Just keep in mind that sugar also affects texture, so cutting it too much might alter the fudginess.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots because they are softer and sweeter, which contributes to moisture and flavor. If your bananas are underripe, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Yes! You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the texture. The brownies might be slightly different but still delicious.
How fudgy are these brownies compared to traditional brownies?
These Brownies with Banana Recipe yield brownies that are fudgy and moist but with a slight fruity softness due to the bananas. They won’t be as dense as classic brownies with no fruit, but they’re satisfyingly rich and tender.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans work wonderfully for added crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with shredded coconut, dried fruits, or extra chocolate chunks for your own twist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Brownies with Banana Recipe enough if you’re craving a dessert that balances indulgence with wholesome flavor. The ease of preparation combined with the delightful fudgy texture and naturally sweet banana undertone makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whip up a batch today and watch everyone’s faces light up with each fudgy, chocolaty bite.
Print
Brownies with Banana Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously fudgy and moist brownies made with ripe bananas for natural sweetness and added moisture. These banana brownies combine the rich taste of cocoa and chocolate chips with the softness of bananas, making a delightful twist on classic brownies perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add bananas, eggs, and vanilla: Stir in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and remove lumps.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make brownies tough.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for added richness and texture.
- Pour and spread batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- For extra richness and crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts to the batter.
- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moist texture.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
