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 unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Basic Cooking

I absolutely adore making these Chocolate Banana Brownies at home. The combination of ripe bananas and rich chocolate creates an indulgent treat that’s both satisfying and unique. I love how simple the recipe is - it only takes a few minutes to throw everything together! Plus, it's a great way to use up overripe bananas, reducing food waste while delighting the taste buds. The brownies are wonderfully fudgy, and satisfying everyone in the family becomes a delightful challenge I gladly welcome.

Created by

Flora Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:15:36.215Z

When I first imagined blending chocolate and banana in brownie form, I didn’t expect the delightful results that followed. After several tries, I perfected the balance; the bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, which keeps the brownies fudgy and rich. I learned that the secret is to mash the bananas well, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the batter.

I've experimented with various types of chocolate, but I find that a combination of dark and semi-sweet works best. Each bite bursts with flavor, creating an irresistible treat. These brownies have become a staple in my kitchen for family gatherings and cozy nights in.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor combined with the sweetness of bananas.
Fudgy texture that satisfies chocolate cravings.
Quick and easy prep, perfect for every occasion.

      

Choosing the Right Bananas

When making Chocolate Banana Brownies, the choice of bananas is crucial. Ripe bananas that have speckled brown skins are ideal because they offer the sweet, natural flavor that complements the rich chocolate perfectly. Overripe bananas can be mashed easily, blending smoothly into the batter, while helping to provide moisture. For a slightly more intense banana flavor, consider using bananas that are just past their prime—this will enhance the overall taste of your brownies without altering the balance of ingredients.

If you're short on time and don't have overripe bananas on hand, you can gently encourage ripeness by placing them in a brown paper bag alongside an apple or tomato. The ethylene gas these fruits emit will speed up the ripening process. However, for this particular recipe, it’s best to aim for bananas that are fully ripe and sweet, as their natural sugars contribute to the fudgy texture of the brownies.

Perfecting the Fudgy Texture

Achieving the perfect fudgy texture is key when making these brownies. The combination of ripe bananas and a careful balance of dry ingredients will create a rich, moist brownie rather than a dry cake. To get that fudgy consistency, be mindful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—this will prevent the development of gluten, which can lead to a denser texture. You're looking for a shiny surface and a thick consistency before moving onto the baking stage.

Another tip for enhancing the fudginess is the baking time. While the standard time is 25 minutes, every oven is a bit different. Start checking your brownies a few minutes before the suggested time by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’ve hit the sweet spot. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes, but be careful not to overbake, as it can lead to a cake-like texture.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

Once your Chocolate Banana Brownies have cooled, you'll find that they can serve as a versatile base for a variety of toppings. Dusting them with powdered sugar adds a nice touch, while a drizzle of melted dark chocolate enhances the richness. For a little extra indulgence, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of warm chocolate and cold ice cream is simply delightful!

If you have leftovers—or if you want to make a batch ahead of time—store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, these brownies freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy one, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-baked goodness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Chocolate Banana Brownies:

Ingredients

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

Make sure everything is measured and ready before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until well mixed, then add the eggs and vanilla extract.

Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and flour. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it 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 for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chocolate Banana Brownies!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of nuts to the batter before baking. You can also refrigerate the brownies for a fudgier texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have cocoa powder on hand? You can substitute it with Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother flavor profile. Just ensure that it is unsweetened to keep the balance of the recipe intact. Additionally, coconut oil can be swapped for any neutral oil if you're looking for a dairy-free option, while butter will provide a richer flavor if you prefer it.

For a healthier alternative, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar. You may want to slightly adjust the dry ingredients to maintain the right consistency, as these sweeteners impart additional moisture to your batter.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies turn out too dry, it’s often due to overbaking. Make sure to keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking, and always trust your toothpick test. If they’re underbaked, they can be returned to the oven for just a couple more minutes—better to underbake slightly, as the brownies will continue to set outside the oven.

Another common issue is the brownies sinking in the middle after baking. This can happen if the eggs are not well incorporated or if the batter was overmixed. Ensure that your wet ingredients are mixed to incorporate air, and don't mix too vigorously once the dry ingredients are added. This will result in a nice, tall brownie that holds its shape.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly as they will mash easily once thawed.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.