Chocolate Banana Brownies

Name: Chocolate Banana Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 2 large ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Oven Delights

I absolutely love making Chocolate Banana Brownies—there’s something incredibly satisfying about combining rich chocolate with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how well the bananas add moisture without overpowering the chocolate flavor. Each bite is a decadent experience, making these brownies a perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, they're super easy to whip up and require minimal ingredients, which makes them even more appealing when a sweet craving strikes!

Created by

Rosalie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:10:18.720Z

When I first made these Chocolate Banana Brownies, I was skeptical about the combination, but I was blown away by how delicious they turned out! Using ripe bananas not only sweetens the brownies naturally but also creates a fudgy texture that is simply irresistible. I’ve learnt that the key is to mash the bananas thoroughly to ensure they blend seamlessly into the batter, which makes the brownies rich and moist.

One tip I love to share is to use high-quality cocoa powder; it really makes a difference in the chocolate flavor. After experimenting with various brands, I found that using Dutch-processed cocoa powder enhances the richness of the brownies even more. Trust me, you'll never look back!

Why You Will Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor perfectly balanced with sweet bananas
Fudge-like texture that melts in your mouth
Healthy twist to your classic brownie recipe

Banana Brilliance

The bananas in this recipe not only add natural sweetness but also contribute significantly to the moisture content of the brownies. This moisture keeps them fudgy and soft, which is essential for a chocolate brownie. Make sure to use ripe bananas; the more speckled and soft they are, the sweeter and richer the flavor will be. For a more intense banana flavor, you can mash them until completely smooth, or leave small chunks for added texture.

If you're looking to vary the flavor profile, consider using flavored extracts like almond or coconut instead of vanilla. These subtle notes can enhance the overall taste of the brownies without overpowering the chocolate and banana combination. Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with using half almond flour in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

Baking Tips for Perfection

When you’re mixing the ingredients, take care not to overmix once you combine the wet and dry mixtures. Overmixing can lead to denser brownies, while gently stirring until just combined will help maintain that lovely fudge-like texture. Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake; the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan, and the top should have a slight sheen but not look wet.

To ensure even baking, use an oven thermometer to check your baking temperature, as home ovens can vary. If you find your brownies are cooking too quickly on the edges while the center remains undercooked, consider covering the pan loosely with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time. This trick can help create a moist atmosphere while preventing the edges from browning too much.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious brownies:

Ingredients

2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. If using chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy!

Your delicious brownies are ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter before baking.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Banana Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for a week, or freeze them for up to two months. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

For serving, these brownies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving can enhance the chocolate flavor and provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness.

Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to customize your brownies with additional mix-ins. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall texture. If you're a fan of coconut, shredded unsweetened coconut makes a wonderful addition as well. For a twist, consider swirling in some peanut butter or Nutella right before baking for a rich, indulgent variation.

You might also try transforming these brownies into a more decadent dessert by layering them with a chocolate ganache or a banana cream topping. The contrast between the fudgy brownie and creamy topping can create an extraordinary dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I substitute the sugar?

Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup instead, but you may need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the batter's consistency.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.