Chocolate Banana Brownies

Name: Chocolate Banana Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Favorites

I absolutely love these Chocolate Banana Brownies! The richness of chocolate combined with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas makes them an irresistible treat. I've found that using bananas not only enhances the flavor but also adds moisture to the brownies, resulting in a decadent, fudgy texture. These brownies are perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth or impressing friends at gatherings. Trust me, once you try them, you'll want to make them again and again!

Created by

Ottoline Reeves

Last updated on 2026-01-13T07:07:35.771Z

I remember the first time I made these Chocolate Banana Brownies; I had some overripe bananas and a craving for chocolate. Mixing both ingredients felt like a match made in heaven. The bananas not only add a hint of sweetness but also ensure the brownies stay wonderfully moist. I realized that mashing the bananas well allows the flavor to really infuse into the batter, creating a more harmonious taste.

Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned the recipe, and the secret is in the balance of cocoa powder and ripe bananas. Adding a touch of vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile even further. Don't rush the baking time; letting them cool slightly before cutting yields those perfect, chewy edges!

        Why You Will Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor perfectly complemented by sweet bananas
Ultra-fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Quick to whip up for last-minute cravings or gatherings

      

The Role of Bananas

Using ripe bananas is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in these brownies. The natural sugars found in ripe bananas not only sweeten the brownies but also add a unique depth that complements the rich chocolate beautifully. Make sure your bananas are spotty and soft, as this ensures they are sweet enough and will melt seamlessly into the batter, contributing to that fudgy consistency.

In case you don't have ripe bananas on hand, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, if you're in a pinch, you can use microwaved bananas. Simply peel and mash them, then microwave for 30 seconds to soften them up. This can help mimic the sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas for your brownies.

Baking Techniques

When mixing the batter, make sure not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can incorporate too much air and lead to dry brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Mix gently until the flour is just combined, and you can no longer see streaks of flour. A few lumps are perfectly fine and can actually enhance the brownie’s texture.

Another key technique is monitoring your baking time. Ovens can vary, so I recommend checking your brownies at the 20-minute mark. You want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. This ensures that they stay gooey and tender, rather than becoming dry from overbaking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start preparing your brownies:

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s move on to preparing the brownies!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Chocolate Banana Brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking soda. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Add Chocolate Chips

If desired, fold in the chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly moist but not wet.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Now that your brownies are ready, it's time to indulge in their deliciousness!

Pro Tips

For an extra hint of flavor, try adding a dash of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. You can also substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.

Storing Your Brownies

To keep your brownies fresh and fudgy, it’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just note that chilling can alter the texture slightly, making them a bit denser but still delicious.

For longer-term storage, consider freezing your brownies. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to regain that warm, gooey texture.

Delicious Variations

You can elevate your Chocolate Banana Brownies with various add-ins or toppings. For a nutty flavor, consider folding in chopped walnuts or pecans alongside the chocolate chips. They’ll add a pleasant crunch and texture to the brownies, making every bite interesting.

If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dry ingredients. This will enhance the overall chocolate flavor, giving a depth that would surprise your taste buds. Just remember to use high-quality cocoa powder, as it significantly impacts the outcome.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work great! Just ensure they are well mashed.

→ How should I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I add nuts to the brownies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are excellent additions.

→ What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

You can substitute with carob powder or use a good-quality chocolate melted into the batter, adjusting the sugar accordingly.