Try banana brownies! This easy recipe combines the rich, fudgy taste of brownies with a touch of sweet banana flavor. It’s a perfect way to use ripe bananas and makes a delicious treat.
What Exactly Are Banana Brownies?
Banana brownies are a twist on classic brownies, combining the flavors of chocolate and banana into one irresistible treat. Think of them as brownies with a fruity boost: the ripe bananas give these brownies a naturally sweet flavor and moist texture, while the chocolate provides a rich, indulgent taste. It’s a treat that offers the best of both worlds and appeals to chocolate and banana lovers alike.
A Brief History of Banana Brownies
The classic brownie has been a beloved dessert in America since the early 20th century, but adding bananas to brownies is a more recent invention. This variation likely came about as a creative way to use overripe bananas, allowing bakers to reduce waste while adding natural sweetness and moisture to traditional brownies. Over time, banana brownies gained popularity for their unique flavor and rich texture, turning into a fun, innovative twist on an old favorite.
Why We Love This Banana Brownies Recipe
- Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the bananas, these brownies are incredibly moist and dense.
- Balanced Sweetness: The natural sugars in bananas help keep the brownies from being overly sweet.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy equipment, and it’s quick to put together.
- Great Use of Ripe Bananas: This recipe is perfect if you have bananas that are too ripe for snacking but ideal for baking.
- Customizable: From swirling peanut butter to adding nuts or chocolate chips, there are plenty of ways to make these brownies your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Brownies
When it comes to banana brownies, the ingredients list is straightforward but packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create a batch of these delightful treats:
- 2 ripe bananas – These add natural sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
- 1 large egg – This helps bind everything together.
- 100 g cocoa powder – Cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate base for the brownies.
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional) – Enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Gives a slight lift to the brownies.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and highlights the chocolate taste.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 225 g unsalted butter – Melted for a smooth, rich texture.
- 350 g granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and creates a shiny, crackly top.
- 300 g dark chocolate – Roughly chopped for added richness.
- 180 g all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the brownies.
- 100 g natural peanut butter – Used for a fun, swirled topping.
By using quality ingredients, you’ll ensure your banana brownies come out rich, chocolatey, and absolutely delicious.
How to Make Banana Brownies
Let’s break down the steps to create these delicious banana brownies from scratch.
- Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. - Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, add your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re smooth. Then, crack in the egg and whisk until the mixture is fully combined. - Add the Dry Ingredients
Into the banana mixture, add the cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, chocolatey batter. - Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, granulated sugar, and dark chocolate together. Stir until most of the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks glossy. - Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture into the banana batter, whisking constantly. This helps everything blend smoothly without cooking the egg. - Incorporate the Flour
Add the flour to the mixture and gently fold until combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could result in denser brownies. - Add the Batter to the Pan and Swirl with Peanut Butter
Pour your brownie batter into the lined pan. Then, take the peanut butter, warm it slightly if it’s stiff, and swirl it into the batter. This step adds a fun, delicious pattern on top. - Bake the Brownies
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-28 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. - Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. For a fudgy texture, you can chill them in the fridge for a few hours.
Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Brownies
Making perfect banana brownies can be easy if you keep a few tips in mind:
- Use Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and mash easily, adding the right moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined to avoid tough brownies.
- Warm Your Peanut Butter: Slightly warm peanut butter will be easier to swirl on top of the brownie batter.
- Chill Before Cutting: For neat, fudgy slices, let the brownies chill in the fridge before slicing.
These tips will help you achieve a rich and decadent result every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Bananas That Aren’t Ripe Enough: Under-ripe bananas don’t mash well and won’t add the needed sweetness.
- Overbaking: It’s easy to overbake brownies; remember, they continue to cook as they cool.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting brownies before they’re fully cooled can make them crumbly and messy.
Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your banana brownies turn out perfectly each time.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Banana Brownies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
- Extra Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, stir in some chocolate chips before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Try a dash of cinnamon or even cayenne pepper for a surprising twist.
Experimenting with these variations can help you find your favorite way to enjoy banana brownies.
Vegan Adaptations
If you’d like to make this recipe vegan, here are some easy swaps:
- Flax Egg Substitute: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
- Dairy-Free Butter and Chocolate: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate.
These simple changes will help you create a delicious vegan version without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some creative ways to serve your banana brownies:
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream is a fantastic pairing.
- Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of melted chocolate adds extra indulgence.
- With Fresh Berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries balances the rich chocolate flavor.
How to Store Banana Brownies
To keep your banana brownies fresh:
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate in a covered container for up to a week.
- Freeze: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Storing them properly ensures you’ll have a treat ready whenever you crave one.
Frequently Asked Questions about banana brownies
How long do you bake banana brownies for?
Banana brownies typically need about 25 to 28 minutes of baking time. During this period, the brownies should be baked at a moderate temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C). This timing helps achieve that ideal brownie texture: set and slightly firm on the edges while keeping the center a bit soft and gooey. This slight softness in the center is crucial for a fudgy consistency that remains moist. Over-baking can lead to dry, crumbly brownies, so it’s best to watch for the edges to set and use a toothpick to check that the center is only slightly undercooked.
Can bananas replace oil in brownies?
Yes, bananas can work as an effective replacement for oil or butter in brownies. Ripe bananas are naturally moist and help to bind the ingredients together, making them a great substitute. Using bananas instead of oil or butter not only reduces the overall fat content but also infuses a mild, natural sweetness into the brownies. However, the texture will be slightly different; bananas can make the brownies a bit denser and less greasy than those made with oil or butter. This substitution works especially well in recipes aiming for a moist, tender result, and it adds a subtle banana flavor that pairs well with chocolate.
Can bananas replace eggs in brownies?
Ripe bananas can act as an egg substitute in brownie recipes due to their ability to bind ingredients together, much like eggs do. For every egg you want to replace, you can use about ¼ cup of mashed banana. The resulting brownies will have a denser texture and a softer crumb, which is typical when omitting eggs. Bananas add moisture and sweetness, but since they don’t provide the leavening that eggs contribute, the brownies might be a little less fluffy. This substitute is great for creating egg-free or vegan brownies, especially when combined with other leavening agents like baking powder.
Can I add fruit to my brownie mix?
Yes, adding fruit to your brownie mix can enhance both the flavor and texture of your brownies. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, and dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins, are popular additions. Fresh fruits add bursts of juiciness and a slight tartness that complements the richness of chocolate, while dried fruits introduce a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness. When adding fresh fruit, it’s best to fold them gently into the batter to prevent them from releasing too much juice, which could affect the brownie’s structure. Dried fruits can be mixed directly into the batter, providing balance to the dense, fudgy texture of brownies. This customization adds color, flavor variety, and a fun twist on the classic brownie recipe.
More Brownies recipes you will love!
The Best Brownie Cake Recipe with Cocoa Powder
Here’s a list of essential cooking tools you’ll need
for the Banana Brownie recipe:
Mixing Bowls:
Whisk:
Measuring Cups and Spoons:
Rubber Spatula:
9×9-inch Baking Pan:
Parchment Paper:
Cooling Rack:
Microwave-Safe Bowl:
Knife or Pizza Cutter:
Decadent Banana Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 large egg
- 100 g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder optional
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 225 g unsalted butter melted
- 350 g granulated sugar
- 300 g dark chocolate roughly chopped
- 180 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g natural peanut butter for swirling
Instructions
Prep the Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, add your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re smooth. Then, crack in the egg and whisk until the mixture is fully combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients
- Into the banana mixture, add the cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, chocolatey batter.
Melt the Chocolate and Butter
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, granulated sugar, and dark chocolate together. Stir until most of the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks glossy.
Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture into the banana batter, whisking constantly. This helps everything blend smoothly without cooking the egg.
Incorporate the Flour
- Add the flour to the mixture and gently fold until combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could result in denser brownies.
Add the Batter to the Pan and Swirl with Peanut Butter
- Pour your brownie batter into the lined pan. Then, take the peanut butter, warm it slightly if it’s stiff, and swirl it into the batter. This step adds a fun, delicious pattern on top.
Bake the Brownies
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-28 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
Cool, Slice, and Serve
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. For a fudgy texture, you can chill them in the fridge for a few hours.
Notes
- Bananas: Ensure bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Peanut Butter: Slightly warming the peanut butter makes it easier to swirl.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze individual brownies for up to 3 months.