Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Banana Brownies are a delicious twist on classic brownies, using ripe bananas to add natural sweetness and moisture. They’re fudgy, chocolatey, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making them a guilt-free treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt (or applesauce)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup oat flour (or almond flour for a grain-free option)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Optional: 1/4 tsp cinnamon for added warmth
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70% or higher)
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your brownies will be.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Sift in the cocoa powder to avoid lumps. Add oat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon if using. Stir gently until a thick, fudgy batter forms.
5. Step 5: Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Add nuts if desired for extra crunch.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or nuts on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then slice into 9 or 12 squares as preferred.

Tips & Variations

• For a grain-free version, substitute oat flour with almond flour.
• Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Swap dark chocolate chips for dairy-free or vegan chocolate to fit dietary needs.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy them cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat or almond flour?

Yes, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the texture might be less moist and more cake-like. Oat or almond flour keeps the brownies fudgier and adds extra nutrition.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. They are done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 62 reviews

These healthy banana brownies are a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional brownies. Made with ripe bananas, oat flour, and dark chocolate, they’re naturally sweetened with maple syrup and packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect as a guilt-free treat or snack, they offer a fudgy texture with a subtle banana flavor and optional crunchy nuts for added texture.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt (or applesauce)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup oat flour (or almond flour for a grain-free option)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Optional: 1/4 tsp cinnamon for added warmth

Mix-ins:

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70% or higher)
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy topping

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal later.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Crack in the eggs, then add maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Whisk everything together until fully combined and smooth.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Sift in the cocoa powder to avoid clumps. Add the oat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon if using. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a thick, fudgy batter forms.
5. Fold in Chocolate and Extras: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. If you like a little crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
6. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips or nuts on top for a bakery-style finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes. Then lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 9 squares for standard size or 12 for smaller bites.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Oat flour can be substituted with almond flour for a grain-free option.
• The maple syrup can be replaced with honey if preferred.
• Optional cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note that complements the cocoa.
• Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and texture.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
• These brownies can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.

Keywords: banana brownies, healthy brownies, gluten-free brownies, oat flour brownies, vegan option brownies, dark chocolate brownies, low sugar brownies