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To make delicious banana brownies, you'll need a few key ingredients: - 2 ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed until smooth - 1 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter) - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup for sweetness - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda for leavening - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips for indulgent richness These ingredients create a rich and fudgy treat. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. Almond butter gives a creamy texture and nutty flavor. Cocoa powder brings deep chocolate notes, while honey or maple syrup balances the flavors with sweetness. You can customize your banana brownies with some optional add-ins: - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) for an added crunch If you want to change a few ingredients, here are some ideas: - Substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for different flavors. - Use agave syrup instead of honey or maple syrup for a vegan option. - Swap dark chocolate chips for milk or white chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste. Feel free to experiment with what you have at home to make these brownies your own. These banana brownies can fit into several diets: - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free certified cocoa powder and nut butter. - Vegan: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. - Nut-Free: Replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter. Always check labels to ensure that your ingredients meet your dietary needs. Enjoy these fudgy delights while catering to your health choices! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial. While your oven heats, take an 8-inch square baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps lift the brownies out later. In a large mixing bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or a whisk. Then, add 1 cup of almond butter. Mix them together until creamy. Make sure there are no lumps. This mixture will be the heart of your brownies. Next, add the honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Measure out 1/3 cup. Now, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Don’t forget 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract too. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Stir everything together until it’s all blended well. The batter should be thick and smooth. Now, it’s time to make your brownies extra special. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. If you like, add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. Use a rubber spatula for this. Make sure to mix just enough to distribute the chips and nuts. Don’t overmix! Pour the batter into your lined baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the middle. It should come out mostly clean. A few moist crumbs are okay. This means your brownies are fudgy. Once baked, carefully take the pan out of the oven. Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, use the overhanging parchment to lift them out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, cut them into 16 squares. Enjoy your fudgy and rich banana brownies! To get that rich, fudgy texture in your banana brownies, start with overripe bananas. They add moisture and natural sweetness. Next, mix the almond butter well with the mashed bananas. This creates a creamy base. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep flavor. Don't overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. This keeps the brownies dense and chewy. Bake them just until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs, not clean. This step is key for fudgy goodness. One common mistake is using under-ripe bananas. They won’t provide the same moisture or sweetness. Also, avoid overbaking. The brownies should remain soft in the middle. Another tip: don’t skip the salt. It enhances the chocolate flavor. Lastly, be careful when mixing. Overmixing can add air, making brownies cake-like instead of fudgy. Serve your banana brownies warm for a gooey treat. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added indulgence. For a crunchy twist, add chopped nuts on the side. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack. Pro Tips Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results. Nut Butter Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nut butters, such as peanut or cashew butter, to customize the flavor of your brownies. Chill for Fudginess: For an extra fudgy texture, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about an hour after they have cooled to room temperature. Enhance with Spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso powder to the batter for a delicious depth of flavor. {{image_4}} You can make these banana brownies gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour blends instead of regular flour. Many brands offer great blends that work well in baking. This change keeps the brownies rich and fudgy. Just make sure to check the labels. Some blends may also contain added sugars or starches. To make vegan banana brownies, swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps them sweet without using animal products. Use a nut butter without added oils or dairy. You can also skip the chocolate chips or choose dairy-free ones. These small changes keep the flavor great while following a vegan diet. If you need nut-free brownies, use sunflower seed butter. This works well in place of almond butter. Sunflower butter has a smooth texture and mild taste. You can also skip the nuts if you prefer. This way, everyone can enjoy the brownies without worry. To keep your banana brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep the container at room temperature if you eat them in a few days. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration is a good choice. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing. When stored properly, these brownies will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss them. Always check for mold or unusual textures before enjoying. Freezing is a great way to save your brownies for later. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. Enjoy the fudgy goodness! Yes, you can make these brownies without eggs. The ripe bananas act as a binder. They keep the brownies moist and fudgy. If you want more binding power, try adding a bit of ground flaxseed mixed with water. This will help keep the texture great. You should use very ripe bananas. The peels should have brown spots or be mostly brown. Ripe bananas are sweeter and softer. They mash easily and blend well into the mix. This gives the brownies a rich flavor. You can use any nut butter you enjoy. Peanut butter is a popular choice. Sunflower seed butter is a good option for nut-free diets. Just make sure the texture is similar. This keeps the brownies creamy and rich. Yes, you can add peanut butter. Swirling it into the batter adds a nice flavor. You can also use it as a topping. Just remember, it may change the taste slightly. Don't be afraid to experiment! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, the brownies may be overbaked. Aim for that fudgy texture for the best results. Yes, you can reduce the honey or maple syrup. You could also try using a sugar substitute. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking. This keeps the brownies sweet without the extra sugar. In this post, we explored how to make delicious banana brownies. We covered key ingredients, options for add-ins, and dietary needs. Then, I shared simple steps for making the brownies, tips for the best texture, and ways to avoid common mistakes. We also discussed variations for different diets and how to store them. Banana brownies are flexible and tasty. Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your needs. Enjoy your baking and share these treats with friends and family!

Choco-Banana Bliss Brownies

Deliciously fudgy brownies made with ripe bananas and almond butter, perfect for a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 none ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed until smooth
  • 1 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)
  • 1 third cup honey or maple syrup for sweetness
  • 1 half cup unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor
  • 1 quarter teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 quarter teaspoon baking soda for leavening
  • 1 quarter teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 half cup dark chocolate chips for indulgent richness
  • 1 quarter cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) for an added crunch

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and almond butter, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the honey (or maple syrup), cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt to the banana-almond butter mixture and stir until well blended.
  • Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool for approximately 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper.
  • Place the brownies on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares.

Notes

Serve the brownies neatly on a decorative plate, dusted with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or topped with additional dark chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
Keyword banana, brownies, chocolate, dessert, gluten-free