Banana brownies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and naturally sweet bananas. If you’re looking for a Banana Brownie Recipe that’s moist, chewy, and easy to make, you’re in the right place! This recipe takes classic brownies to the next level with ripe bananas, making them even more delicious. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a brownie lover, this is the best Banana Brownie Recipe to try at home.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best banana brownies from scratch, along with pro tips, baking tricks, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these brownies will never disappoint!
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Brownie Recipe
Table of Contents
1. Super Moist and Fudgy Texture
Bananas add extra moisture to the batter, making these brownies chewy, rich, and incredibly soft. No dry, cakey brownies here—just pure chocolatey goodness!
2. Healthier Alternative to Regular Brownies
Since bananas provide natural sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Plus, they add fiber and potassium, making these brownies a slightly better-for-you treat!
3. Great Way to Use Overripe Bananas
Have some spotty, overripe bananas sitting on your counter? Instead of throwing them away, mash them up and bake them into decadent banana brownies!
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you need a quick dessert for a party, a treat for your kids, or just a sweet snack, these brownies fit the bill. They’re freezer-friendly, too!
Banana Brownies Recipe
Print
Best Classic Banana Brownie Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Description
This Banana Brownie Recipe is rich, fudgy, and packed with banana flavor! Perfectly moist and easy to make—your new favorite dessert!
Ingredients
- 2 overripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them and let them set while cooling.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Brownie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Fudgy banana brownies, Moist chocolate brownies, Easy homemade brownies, Chocolate banana dessert, Healthy banana brownies Best brownie recipe, Overripe banana recipes, Eggless banana brownies, One-bowl brownie recipe, Gooey chocolate brownies
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Brownies
To ensure your banana brownies turn out moist, fudgy, and irresistible, keep these expert tips in mind:
1. Opt For Overripe Bananas
The more they ripen, the sweeter and richer the flavor they add to your brownies.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing leads to tough, dense brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Avoid Overbaking
The key to fudgy brownies is taking them out of the oven when the center still looks slightly underdone. They’ll set as they cool.
4. Let Them Cool Before Cutting
Warm brownies are delicious but fragile. For cleaner slices, let them cool completely before cutting.
5. Enhance the Flavor
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter for a deeper chocolate taste.
- Sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
Fun Facts About Brownies
Brownies are a beloved dessert, but did you know these interesting facts?
- Brownies Were Invented by Accident
The first brownies were created in the late 19th century when a baker forgot to add baking powder to a chocolate cake. - The First Brownies Had No Chocolate!
The original “brownies” were made with molasses instead of cocoa powder. - National Brownie Day is December 8th
That’s right! There’s a whole day dedicated to celebrating brownies. - Banana Brownies Are a Unique Twist
While traditional brownies use butter and sugar, banana brownies get natural sweetness and moisture from ripe bananas!
Common Problems & Solutions
Even the best bakers sometimes run into issues when making brownies. Here are some common problems and how to fix them so you always get perfect banana brownies!
1. Why Does My Brownie Crumble?
If your brownies fall apart when cutting, it could be due to:
✔ Overbaking – Dry brownies crumble more. Solution: Reduce baking time slightly.
✔ Too Much Flour – Measuring flour incorrectly makes brownies dense and dry. Solution: Spoon and level flour instead of scooping directly.
✔ Not Enough Binding – Eggs help hold brownies together. Solution: If substituting eggs, use ¼ cup mashed banana or applesauce per egg.
2. How Long Should You Bake Banana Brownies?
The ideal baking time for banana brownies is 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done!
3. Can You Use Bananas Instead of Eggs in Brownies?
Yes! Bananas are a great egg substitute in baking. Use:
✔ ¼ cup mashed banana per egg
✔ Works best for moist and fudgy brownies
✔ Slight banana flavor but blends well with chocolate
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Banana brownies are delicious on their own, but here are some ways to take them to the next level!
Toppings & Add-Ons
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch
- Drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra richness
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-cold contrast
- Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts to add a satisfying crunch.
Perfect Drink Pairings
- Hot Coffee – The bitterness complements the chocolate
- Cold Milk – Classic pairing for rich brownies
- Banana Smoothie – Doubles up on banana flavor
- Chai Latte – Spiced flavors contrast beautifully with chocolate
Turn Them Into a Fancy Dessert
- Brownie Sundae – Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce
- Brownie Trifle – Layer brownies with whipped cream and berries
- Banana Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich – Freeze brownies and use them as cookie layers for ice cream
How to Store and Freeze Banana Brownies for Long-Lasting Freshness
Once you’ve made this delicious Banana Brownie Recipe, you’ll want to keep them fresh and fudgy for as long as possible. Here’s how to store and freeze your brownies properly.
Storing at Room Temperature
- Place the banana brownies in an airtight container.
- Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For extra moisture retention, add a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerating Banana Brownies
- Store brownies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Allow brownies to come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
Want to enjoy this Banana Brownie Recipe later? Freezing is the best option!
- Let the brownies cool completely before freezing.
- Cut into individual squares and wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a ziplock freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove a brownie and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds for a warm treat.
Conclusion
Banana brownies are the perfect way to combine rich chocolate flavor with naturally sweet bananas for a moist, fudgy, and irresistible treat. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a scoop of ice cream, or drizzled with chocolate, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen! They’re easy to make, great for using up overripe bananas, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, you can customize them with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor.
Have you tried making banana brownies before? What’s your favorite way to enjoy them? Let us know in the comments below!
For a healthier alternative, try using bananas as a substitute for oil—learn more about it in Can Bananas Replace Oil in Brownies? A Healthy Twist.
FAQs
1. Can bananas replace oil in brownies?
Yes, bananas can replace oil in brownies!
Use 1/2 cup of mashed banana for every 1/2 cup of oil required in the banana brownie recipe.
Bananas act as a natural fat substitute and add moisture, but the texture may be slightly denser and the brownies will have a mild banana flavor.
2. Can you use bananas instead of eggs in brownie mix?
Yes, bananas can be used as an egg substitute in brownies.
Replace 1 egg with 1/4 cup of mashed banana.
This works well because bananas help bind ingredients and provide moisture, though the brownies may have a softer texture and a hint of banana flavor.
3. What are the three types of brownies?
The three main types of brownies are:
Fudgy Brownies: Dense, moist, and rich with a higher fat-to-flour ratio. Often includes extra butter or chocolate.
Cakey Brownies: Lighter and fluffier, with more flour and a leavening agent like baking powder.
Chewy Brownies: Balanced between fudgy and cakey, with a slightly denser texture due to ingredients like brown sugar or a mix of fats.
4. Do banana and chocolate go together?
Absolutely! Banana and chocolate are a classic flavor combination.
The natural sweetness and creamy texture of bananas complement the rich, bitter notes of chocolate.
This pairing is widely used in desserts like banana chocolate chip bread, banana brownies, smoothies, and chocolate-dipped bananas.
5. Why does my brownie crumble?
If your brownies are crumbling, it may be due to overbaking, too much flour, or not enough eggs. Try reducing baking time and using the correct ingredient measurements.
13 thoughts on “Best Classic Banana Brownie Recipe – Moist & Fudgy”