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 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.
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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
- Lightly grease an 8 inch square pan and then line with a piece of parchment paper with some overhand on the sides.
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the cocoa mixture. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to refer to the "tips for success" section below.
- 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!
Healthy Brownies
Ingredients
Dry
- ½ cup all purpose flour (or oat flour or white whole wheat flour)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (30g)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Wet
- 1 cup mashed banana (240g)
- ½ cup peanut butter (125g)
- 2 eggs
- 3-4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8 inch square pan and then line with a piece of parchment paper with some overhang on the sides.
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the cocoa mixture. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- 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.
Notes
- For softer, fudgy brownies, bake for 18-20 minutes. For firmer brownies bake for 25 minutes.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. They taste great cold! The brownies will get even fudgier.
Teri says
Great way to use bananas!
I made a batch right before my son got home from school and his first bite he exclaimed “DELICIOUS!” Can’t wait to serve for an easy breakfast or snack and so glad they freeze well! Another batch of ripe bananas saved!
Min says
I LOVE it!! Thank you for sharing!
Lily says
Is it ok if I leave out the peanut butter? I have a batch of overripe bananas and my kid loves brownies, just not peanut butter.
Min says
Peanut butter is a key ingredient for these. Maybe try with almond butter?
Lyndsey Beckhardt says
An amazing brownie recipe! Super fudgy texture that is so great!
Min says
Yay! I love fudgy brownies too!
Christianne says
Made them with sunflower butter for a nut free guest. They got devoured!
Min says
Oh I'm SO glad! Thanks for sharing!!
Sarah says
Hello! May I check what age onwards can chocolate chips be recommended for? How old are your kid when you gave this to them? Thank you!
Min says
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends holding off on added sugars until 2 so I would wait until then if possible. Although I think little taste here and there is fine especially if there are older siblings. I recently developed this recipe and my daughter is 2.5, and she loves it :).
Jocelyn Cruz says
Loved how easy and simple it is to make ☺️ had riped bananas and luckily I saw the vid on insta so I went ahead and did it! Smells so yummy in sure my little one and the whole fam will love this!☺️💕
Min says
Yay!!! I hope your family will love these brownies as much as we do!!
Nikki says
Hi Min, is there any substitute for peanut butter? The schools in Canada don't allow any kind of nuts due to allergies. Wondering what substitutes can I use with your recipes that uses peanut butter. Thank you!!
Min says
Hi! You can try sunflower seed butter! I do highly recommend trying with peanut butter or almond butter to enjoy these brownies at home 🙂
Melissa Dinh says
Has anyone tried these with an egg replacement of any kind?
Ale AF says
Loved making these !! Great way to use ripe bananas and to have a healthy, fun treat on hand! I added sprinkles!
Min says
Oh wow! That was fast! Just shared this recipe several hours ago :). Thank you for such a positive feedback! Love the addition of sprinkles.
Emily says
Can you recommend a gluten free flour substitute? I know about the gluten free flour blends but wasn’t sure if almond flour or coconut flour or a specific one would be good here .
Min says
I would first try oat flour. The two flours you mentioned may work but I can't say certain as I haven't tried and the brownies may turn out super fudgy, which may not be a bad thing if you prefer that.
Isa says
I love all your recipes! I can’t wait to try this one 😍
Min says
Aww thank you for being here and for trying out my recipes! Hope you enjoy this one too!!