If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably faced the classic dilemma of what to do with overripe bananas. Well, let me introduce you to the magic of my banana brownie recipe, a decadent, fudgy treat that combines the best of banana bread and brownies in one irresistible bite. This banana brownie recipe is a quick weeknight dessert and a crowd-pleaser for potlucks or family gatherings. It perfectly balances the natural sweetness and moistness from bananas with the rich, chocolatey depth of classic brownies.
The beauty of this banana brownie recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Not only does it help reduce food waste by using bananas that might otherwise be tossed, but it also offers a healthier alternative to traditional brownies. The bananas naturally replace some of the fat and sugar without compromising the texture or flavor. Plus, this recipe is so easy to customize that it fits a variety of dietary preferences and cravings.
Whether you’re baking for a family snack or looking for a healthier dessert option, this banana brownie recipe is your new go-to. Ready to dive in?
Table of contents
The Secrets Behind the Magic
What makes this banana brownie recipe stand out from other chocolate or banana treats? First, it’s the perfect marriage of two beloved classics: the moist, fruity softness of banana bread with the dense, fudgy richness of brownies. The ripe bananas infuse the batter with natural sweetness and moisture, cutting down on the need for added sugars and butter. This results in a brownie that’s tender but not cakey, chewy but not dry.
Secondly, this recipe incorporates cocoa powder alongside melted dark chocolate, creating a deep, layered chocolate flavor. The balance between the bitter cocoa and the sweetness from bananas and brown sugar is just right, not too sweet, not too bitter. Plus, using whole wheat flour or gluten-free alternatives means you can adjust it to fit your dietary needs without losing that essential fudgy texture.
Another reason this recipe works is the magic of a few simple ingredients, eggs, flour, sugar, and baking powder, that come together with the bananas to form a batter that bakes into the perfect consistency. You won’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques; a basic mixing bowl and a spatula are all it takes.
Finally, the recipe’s versatility makes it a winner. You can throw in walnuts for crunch, swirl in peanut butter for richness, or add chocolate chips for extra gooey pockets. The banana brownie recipe welcomes your creativity while remaining reliably delicious every time.
Recipe Card
Banana Brownie Recipe
Cuisine: Modern fusionDifficulty: Easy12
servings15
minutes30
minutes220
kcalA luscious and moist banana brownie recipe blending ripe bananas and chocolate for a decadent dessert twist. Perfect for family gatherings or indulgent nights in.
Ingredients
1 box brownie mix (18-20 oz)
2 ripe bananas (mashed)
1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, mashed bananas, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free brownie mix.
- The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nail This Banana Brownie Recipe Every Time
- Add Extra Banana Flavor: Swirl mashed banana on top of the batter before baking for an extra touch.
- Boost the Chocolate Factor: Sprinkle cocoa powder or extra chocolate chips over the top before baking.
- Measure your cocoa powder carefully: Too much cocoa powder can dry out the batter, so stick to the recommended amount. Also, use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness balance.
- Use a Brownie Box Mix with Bananas for Cookies: Turn this batter into cookies by dropping spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Top it Off: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for ultimate indulgence.
Variants of the Banana Brownie Recipe:
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Banana Brownies
For those who love a little melty chocolate surprise in every bite, adding semi-sweet chocolate chips is a no-brainer. Simply fold in ½ to 1 cup of chips into your batter before baking. The chips soften and create gooey pockets of chocolate that beautifully complement the banana’s sweetness.
2. Walnut or Pecan Banana Brownies
If you enjoy a crunchy contrast, tossing in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans works wonders. Not only do nuts add texture, but their slightly bitter, toasted flavor balances the sweetness of the banana. Toast the nuts lightly before mixing them in to deepen their flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Banana Brownies
To keep this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Many blends have xanthan gum added for structure, so your brownies will stay tender yet hold together nicely. This makes the recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. Vegan Banana Brownies
You can easily make this banana brownie recipe vegan by replacing eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes) and using dairy-free chocolate chips or cocoa powder. Use coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil instead of butter for a perfect dairy-free treat.
FAQs
Yes! Replace each egg with 1/4 cup mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for a moist, egg-free version.
Ripe bananas are recommended for sweetness and flavor, but if using less ripe ones, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the batter.
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes.
Your New Favorite Banana Brownie Recipe Awaits!
I hope this banana brownie recipe has inspired you to bake a batch of rich, moist, and naturally sweet brownies that will satisfy any chocolate or banana craving. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, perfect for quick weeknight baking or special occasions when you want a homemade treat without fuss.
If you like these brownies, we are sure you will love the delicious Brookie Recipe!
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