Banana Brownie Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Recipes

You’ve just whipped up a batch of banana brownies, and the aroma is wafting through your kitchen. It’s time to think about how to elevate this delightful dessert even further. Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm brownies and cold ice cream is simply irresistible. 

Or perhaps serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an extra crunch. You could even drizzle some rich chocolate sauce on top for that ultimate indulgent experience. 

Let’s not forget a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to balance out the sweetness. Trust me—once you try these combinations, your taste buds will sing.

Why This Banana Brownie Recipe is Amazing

Let’s face it, life gets busy. We love indulging in sweets, but we also want to feel good about what we eat. That’s where banana brownies shine! They bring together the best of both worlds. They’re rich, chocolatey, and surprisingly moist, all thanks to the ripe bananas. 

Plus, they’re a clever way to use up those too-ripe bananas sitting on your counter. If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’ll appreciate how these brownies manage to combine the classic brownie flavor with the natural sweetness and nutrition of bananas.

I can’t wait to share the magic of this recipe with you. From the moment I decided to experiment with bananas in brownies, it was a game changer in my kitchen. The satisfaction of baking these and watching friends devour them was a large part of my decision to share the recipe. Let’s dive into the ingredients.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious banana brownies:

• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 ripe medium bananas, mashed into a smooth puree
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, carefully measured
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon fine Himalayan pink salt
• 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla bean extract
• 1 1/4 cups white granulated sugar
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chunks for topping
• Sliced banana rounds, for an elegant topping
• Whipped cream, for garnish

Now that you have everything prepped, let’s get into how to create these tasty treats!

How to Make Banana Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Blend them well until they are smooth. Next, add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla. Mix those until you have a creamy consistency. The bananas add a beautiful sweetness and moisture to the mix.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to ensure even distribution before they get combined with the wet mix.

Step 4: Unite the Mixtures

Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. You want it to be mixed, but not overworked. Next, fold in the chocolate chips and nuts. Those bits of chocolate and the crunch from the nuts are what you need for that textural element.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top. 

Now, it’s time for the oven! Bake for about 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the edges look firm, but the center should still be a bit soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Once cooled, slice them into squares. 

For a nice touch, you can top each square with sliced banana rounds and a dollop of whipped cream. These additions are not just for aesthetics; they enhance flavor and provide a fabulous finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

The moment has arrived! Serve these banana brownies warm, with your choice of ice cream or whipped cream, and watch as everyone savors each bite. You’ll be handing out the recipe before you know it!

Recipe Notes

Salted Butter

Salted butter enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness. If using unsalted butter, you might want to add a pinch of salt.

Ripe Bananas

Ripe bananas contribute moisture and natural sweetness. The more speckled they are, the sweeter they’ll be!

Cocoa Powder

Using Dutch-process cocoa powder gives a rich, deep chocolate flavor. If you can’t find it, regular unsweetened cocoa will work too.

Flour

All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe. It provides structure without making the brownies too dense.

Eggs

Bringing eggs to room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, providing a smooth texture.

Sugar

Granulated sugar helps to maintain structure while caramelizing slightly during baking, adding to that chewy brownie texture.

Recipe Variations

Don’t be afraid to mix things up! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free treat, skip the nuts or substitute with seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Add Some Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of espresso powder for a unique twist.
• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water for each egg) and use a plant-based butter.
• Fruit Mix-Ins: Try adding in some peanut butter or a swirl of Nutella for another layer of flavor.
• Different Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile or mix in some dark chocolate chunks.
• Frosting: For an extra indulgent brownie, top them with a cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish.

Conclusion

Banana brownies aren't just a treat; they are a delightful exploration of flavors and textures. They bring together chocolatey goodness, the sweetness of ripe bananas, and a hint of crunch from nuts. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a quiet evening at home.

With every bite, you’ll appreciate the creativity and simplicity of this recipe. It not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also transforms overripe bananas into a fabulous dessert. 

So next time life throws some extra bananas your way, remember this banana brownie recipe. Embrace the possibilities—your taste buds will thank you! Happy baking!

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