If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s rich, moist, and has that perfect balance of fruity and chocolatey, then I can’t wait for you to try this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe. I absolutely love how the bananas add a natural sweetness and tender texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Once you try this, you might just find it becoming a new favorite go-to for both family treats and impressing friends. Stick around because I’ll share all my insider tips and tweaks to help you nail these brownies every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Moist Texture: The mashed bananas keep these brownies wonderfully soft and fudgy without extra oil or butter.
- Perfect Chocolate-Banana Combo: You get a deep chocolate flavor with just the right hint of banana’s sweetness, making it irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry—no fancy stuff needed.
- Family-Tested: These brownies are a crowd-pleaser in my house – kids and adults alike go crazy for them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is half the battle, and the beauty of this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe is how every component works in harmony to give you those fudgy, flavorful bites you’re craving. Also, watch out for ripeness in your bananas — the riper, the better for that natural sweetness and texture.
- Mashed banana: Use ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best flavor and moisture.
- Unsalted butter: I like to use unsalted so I can control the saltiness perfectly.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt beautifully to create a rich chocolate base.
- Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar keeps the sweetness balanced without overpowering.
- Large eggs: Room temperature is key here for better mixing and texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warm note that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the chocolate and banana flavor.
- Dutch processed or unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives a deep chocolate flavor without added sugar.
- Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just a touch without being cakey.
- All-purpose flour: Use sparingly for structure; too much can make the brownies dry.
- Chocolate chips or chunks: Folding in extra chocolate bits guarantees melty surprises in every bite.
Variations
I love how versatile this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe is—you can easily tweak it for different cravings or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend; I’ve done this and the texture stays deliciously fudgy.
- Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans folded in add a wonderful crunch and boost of flavor.
- Spiced twist: A dash of cinnamon or espresso powder can elevate the chocolate flavor—perfect when you want a cozy vibe.
- Vegan adaptation: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, substitute butter for coconut oil, and you’re good to go!
How to Make Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mash Your Bananas
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper on the bottom and two sides—this little parchment overhang makes lifting the brownies out a breeze later. Next, mash two medium-ripe bananas until mostly smooth with just a few lumps. I like a little texture here, but you can go completely smooth if you prefer. Measure out ⅔ cup of this mash to use in your batter.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
In a heat-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can melt this gently using a double boiler (“bain marie”) or in the microwave. If microwaving, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is silky smooth and combined. This step creates the deep chocolate richness that makes these brownies so special.
Step 3: Incorporate Sugar and Let It Cool
Stir in the granulated sugar gently, just enough to barely combine. Then pop the bowl back into the microwave for another 30 seconds before stirring again to fully incorporate the sugar into the warm chocolate mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool down to warm — this helps avoid scrambling the eggs when you add them next.
Step 4: Mix in Eggs, Bananas, and Flavors
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a smooth, glossy batter. Now stir in your mashed bananas, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt until the mixture looks rich and beautiful. I like to lift my spatula and watch the batter fall back like a ribbon — that’s the perfect consistency. Then fold in the flour and baking powder until just combined, followed by the extra chocolate chips or chunks.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your luscious batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center; you want it to come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If the toothpick has wet streaks, give it an extra 5 to 10 minutes. The smell at this point? Absolutely hypnotizing.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Once baked, cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour at room temperature, then pop them into the fridge for about another hour to fully set. This extra chilling step makes slicing cleaner and the texture firmer but still soft and gooey inside.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Using the parchment overhang, lift the entire brownie slab out of the pan and slice into squares. Serve them as they are, or dress them up with more sliced bananas, whipped cream, or a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top treat.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe
- Use Overripe Bananas: I’ve found that bananas with brown spots bring out the best flavor and sweetness—don’t shy away from very ripe ones.
- Don’t Overmix After Adding Flour: Mixing just until combined ensures your brownies stay tender, not tough.
- Check Early for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start poking at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking and dry edges.
- Cool Fully Before Cutting: Patience here makes slicing much cleaner and preserves that fudgy texture.
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love adding fresh banana slices on top, maybe a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a swirl of freshly whipped cream for a simple yet elegant touch. On lazy days, a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream makes these brownies an instant party.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of espresso, or even fresh berries to balance the richness. These combos bring out the banana and chocolate notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or gatherings, I’ve served these brownies layered in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and sliced bananas in between for a stunning banana-chocolate parfait. Another fun idea is to cut them into bite-sized brownie pops, dipped in melted chocolate and sprinkled with nuts or coconut.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your brownies are fully cooled and set, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is your friend—they last beautifully for up to 7-10 days without drying out.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing these brownies individually wrapped in parchment and then stored in a freezer bag. They thaw overnight in the fridge and taste almost freshly baked — a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.
Reheating
To warm up, I pop the brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil for 5 minutes. This brings back that gooey, freshly-baked feel without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch processed for this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Regular unsweetened cocoa powder works just fine, though Dutch processed cocoa offers a smoother, less acidic flavor. If you substitute, the texture and flavor will still be great—just expect a slightly different chocolate note.
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What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips — can I use dark or milk chocolate?
You can swap with dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet brownie, or milk chocolate for an even sweeter treat. Just adjust the sugar slightly if using very sweet chocolate. Chop chocolate bars into chunks if chips aren’t available.
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Is it possible to make these banana chocolate brownies vegan?
Yes! I recommend using flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon seeds + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Choose vegan-friendly chocolate chips to keep it fully plant-based.
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How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
Go for very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots or even slightly blackened skin. They mash easily and provide the sweetest, most intense banana flavor that really elevates your brownies.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe has been one of my all-time favorite discoveries. It’s such a comforting treat that feels a little indulgent but with the wholesome touch of bananas hiding in there. Whenever I make these, I see smiles all around and requests for seconds (or thirds!). Give it a try, take your time with the steps, and don’t be afraid to add your own personal twist—I promise these brownies will quickly become your family’s beloved classic too.
Print
Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist banana brownies combining the rich flavors of ripe bananas and chocolate for a perfect dessert or snack. These brownies are easy to prepare, using melted chocolate and butter, and are baked to fudgy perfection with a soft, ribbon-like batter.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ⅔ cup mashed banana (about 2 medium bananas)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate & Cocoa
- ½ cup (3 oz., 85 g) semi sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup (30 g) Dutch processed or unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (3 oz., 85 g) chocolate chips or chunks
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper along the bottom and two sides to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mash Bananas: Mash 2 medium bananas until mostly smooth with very few lumps. Measure out ⅔ cup of the mashed banana for use in the recipe.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a heat-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Melt them together either using a double boiler method (bain marie) or the microwave. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Sugar and Heat: Gently stir in the granulated sugar just to begin combining. Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for an additional 30 seconds. Stir thoroughly to fully incorporate the sugar. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes if necessary to cool to a warm temperature rather than hot to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Cocoa: Stir in the eggs, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This requires vigorous whisking to achieve a ribbon-like batter that drizzles smoothly. Then fold in the flour and baking powder until well combined, followed by the additional chocolate chips or chunks.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Begin checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet, continue baking in 5 to 10-minute increments.
- Cool the Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan at room temperature for at least one hour. Then transfer the pan to the refrigerator for another hour to set fully and enhance the fudgy texture.
- Serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into desired portions and serve as is, or with additional sliced bananas, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: These banana chocolate brownies go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or extra sliced bananas on top.
- Storage: Once cooled and set, store brownies in an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature for 3 to 4 days or refrigerated for 7 to 10 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 1/16 of batch)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg