If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting embrace of chocolate, this Banana Brownies Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with rich cocoa and a touch of chocolate chips, these brownies offer a wonderfully fudgy texture and a flavor that feels both classic and a little bit special. Whether you’re baking for a casual snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe delivers warmth, depth, and that unbeatable homemade charm in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Brownies Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create an irresistible treat. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s lending moisture, sweetness, or that flawless chocolatey richness you expect from a great brownie.
- 2 ripe bananas mashed: These add natural sweetness and keep the brownies soft and moist without extra fat.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted: Adds richness and a silky texture to the batter.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides classic sweetness and helps create a perfect crumb.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed: Gives a hint of deep, caramel-like flavor and extra moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter together and give the brownies structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances every other flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor, rich and slightly bitter for balance.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary foundation to hold everything.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just a touch of lift to keep the brownies tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For even more chocolate bursts and a little extra indulgence.
How to Make Banana Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s hot and ready. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so your brownies won’t stick and are easier to slice later. This little prep work makes all the difference for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your mashed ripe bananas and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a rich, velvety base that gives your Banana Brownies Recipe their signature moistness. Next, add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing everything until it feels silky and uniform.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to avoid any clumps. Then gently stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to combine will keep the brownies tender and fudgy rather than dense.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
If you’re using chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold them in gently. These little pockets of melted chocolate add an irresistible texture and an extra chocolate punch that perfectly complements the banana flavor.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Pour your luscious batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye out for that perfect texture: a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it but not wet batter. Then, resist the urge to slice immediately—let the brownies cool fully for clean squares and the best texture.
How to Serve Banana Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple toppings like a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream make these brownies shine. Fresh sliced bananas on top can echo the flavors inside while a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds a touch of luxury to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Banana Brownies with a hot cup of coffee or a cozy glass of cold milk for a complete treat time experience. A bowl of fresh berries or a light fruit salad also works beautifully to balance the richness with some fresh, tangy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not transform this Banana Brownies Recipe into a layered dessert? Cut the brownies into cubes and layer them in a glass with whipped cream and banana slices for an impressive trifle-style dessert. Or serve squares on a rustic wooden board alongside nuts and fresh fruit for a charming and informal gathering spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your cooled banana brownies in an airtight container to keep their tender texture intact. Stored at room temperature, they remain delicious for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days if you want to extend their lifespan.
Freezing
Banana brownies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them the perfect make-ahead treat for unexpected guests or busy days.
Reheating
To enjoy your Banana Brownies Recipe fresh from the freezer, unwrap the desired portion and warm it gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This quick heat-up brings back the fudgy, gooey texture that makes these brownies so loved. Alternatively, letting them thaw at room temperature also works well.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in this Banana Brownies Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar, but the brownies may lose a bit of their moistness and caramel undertone that brown sugar provides.
Do I need to peel the bananas before mashing for this recipe?
Absolutely! Make sure to peel and only mash the ripe banana flesh. The peel is not edible and would affect the texture and taste.
What if I don’t have parchment paper for lining the baking pan?
You can grease the pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment paper helps with easier removal and cleaner edges—definitely recommended if you have it.
Can I make this Banana Brownies Recipe vegan?
With a few ingredient swaps like using flax eggs instead of regular eggs and vegan butter, you can certainly create a vegan-friendly version that still tastes fantastic.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe—brown spots or even mostly brown skins indicate the perfect stage for mashing.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Brownies Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings together the cozy comfort of chocolate and the wonderful natural sweetness of bananas in every bite. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Go ahead and try making it soon—you’ll want to share this one with friends again and again!
Print
Banana Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist and fudgy brownies enhanced with the natural sweetness and flavor of ripe bananas. These easy-to-make banana brownies combine cocoa and chocolate chips for an irresistible homemade dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the mashed ripe bananas together with the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Sugars and Eggs: Incorporate the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the banana and butter mixture. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the batter is smooth.
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and no lumps. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to add extra pockets of melty chocolate throughout the brownies.
- Transfer and Smooth Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the lined baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares and serving. This cooling helps the brownies set for clean cuts.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and enhanced flavor.
- For extra fudgy brownies, reduce the baking time by 1 to 2 minutes and watch closely.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
