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Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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