Healthy Banana Brownies (with peanut butter)

Get ready to enjoy the incredible texture of these fudgy, chocolatey banana brownies! With every bite, you’ll experience the richness of chocolate and the natural sweetness of banana.

Easy Banana Brownies

My kids LOVE these chocolate banana brownies (and these orange chocolate brownies) even more than traditional brownies that are oftentimes loaded with sugar. These rich, fudgy treats have the perfect amount of sweetness, and the combination of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate chips creates a delicious flavor profile.

You’re also going to love how easy it is to whip up with simple ingredients. It’s a great way to rescue those bananas that are getting past the point of no return.

And if you are like me and always end up with extra ripe bananas, try these delicious healthy banana recipes. Or if you don’t have the energy to make anything, check out my guide on the best way to freeze bananas for later.

And if you’re looking for more chocolate recipes, check out these healthy kid-friendly chocolate snacks!

Ingredients

I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.

• Bananas – be sure to use very ripe or overripe bananas as they will be easier to mash and make the brownies sweeter.
• Natural peanut butter – A delicious way to incorporate healthy fats. Look for one without any added oil or sugar.
• Cocoa powder – be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder. I use Hershey’s
• Pure maple syrup – Thanks to the sweetness of the banana, you don’t need a lot. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
• Chocolate chips – for maximum chocolate flavor. Feel free to use semisweet, dark, or milk chocolate.
• Baking powder – makes the brownies less dense.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Lightly grease an 8 inch square pan and then line with a piece of parchment paper with some overhand on the sides.
2. Mash bananas in a large bowl using the back of a fork or a potato masher. Measure out 1 cup. Combine with the rest of the wet ingredients.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the cocoa mixture. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to refer to the “tips for success” section below.
6. Remove the brownies from the oven. Allow to cool to room temperature on a wire rack before slicing with a knife. It will allow for a cleaner cut.

Substitutions and Variations

• Flour – you can also use oat flour, white whole wheat flour, or whole wheat pastry flour.
• Peanut butter – switch to almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, as well as tahini for nut-free alternatives.
• Add chopped walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.
• Flaky salt – sprinkle over the baked brownies to enhance flavor.
• Spices – try adding cinnamon or pumpkin spice during the fall, orange extract, etc.
• Fruit zest – add lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus kick,

Tips for Success

• Be sure to line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean up.
• Try to mash your bananas really well until nearly or completely smooth
• For softer, fudgy brownies, bake for 18-20 minutes. For firmer brownies bake for 25 minutes, which is what’s pictured above. The denser consistency of firmer brownies can help minimize the mess and make it easier for young kids to enjoy without as much fuss.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these fudgy banana brownies as a kid-friendly snack or healthy dessert with some fresh fruit and milk or yogurt. A dollop of ice cream is always a yes in my book!

I don’t recommend serving these banana brownies or any recipes with cocoa powder until 2 years of age, although small tastes are ok. Even though unsweetened cocoa powder doesn’t contain added sugars, it does contain caffeine, to which babies are more sensitive.

Storage

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. They taste great cold! The brownies will get even fudgier.

You can also freeze for up to 3 months. I recommend flash freezing, which is how I like to freeze muffins too!

More Chocolate Recipes

Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!