Chocolate Banana Brownies

Name: Chocolate Banana Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

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I absolutely love making Chocolate Banana Brownies whenever I want to indulge in something sweet yet wholesome. The combo of ripe bananas and rich chocolate creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These brownies are not only easy to whip up but also bring a tender, fudgy texture that satisfies my chocolate cravings. Plus, they’re a great way to use up overripe bananas sitting on the counter. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a regular in your baking rotation!

Created by

India Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:53:36.005Z

When I first experimented with these Chocolate Banana Brownies, I was surprised at how well the bananas complemented the chocolate. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas blended seamlessly into the batter, making these brownies moist and flavorful. I didn’t even need to add extra sugar!

One tip I discovered is to ensure your bananas are super ripe. The browner they are, the more intense the banana flavor, plus they're easier to mash. This made a noticeable difference in both taste and texture, creating a brownie that was not just delicious but also incredibly satisfying!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with ripe banana sweetness
Fudgy texture that is incredibly satisfying
Made with minimal ingredients for easy baking

      

Understanding the Ingredients

In this Chocolate Banana Brownies recipe, ripe bananas play a crucial role. Their natural sweetness and moisture contribute to the fudgy texture we love. Overripe bananas are ideal, as they are softer and have a stronger flavor. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the process by baking them at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until the skins turn dark brown. Let them cool before mashing for use in your brownies.

Using unsweetened cocoa powder is essential because it provides a rich chocolate flavor without the added sugars that sweetened varieties contain. This allows the brownies to attain a balanced sweetness from the sugar added in the recipe. If you prefer a sweeter brownie, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa, which will also contribute a smoother flavor profile, but remember to adjust sugar levels accordingly.

Baking Tips

When mixing the batter, aim for a smooth consistency but be cautious not to overmix. Overmixing may result in a tougher brownie due to the development of gluten from the flour. Stirring until just combined ensures the brownies remain tender and fudgy. Also, be attentive while measuring ingredients, especially the cocoa powder; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down for accurate results.

Cooling the brownies is just as crucial as baking them. After removing them from the oven, let them sit in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This allows the center to finish cooking and helps set the brownies, making them easier to slice without falling apart. If you prefer a firmer brownie texture, you can refrigerate them for about an hour before cutting, which also enhances the chocolatey flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delectable brownies:

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your brownies:

Preheat and Mix

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, and sugar until well combined. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sift the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared dish and spread 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 baking dish for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Banana Brownies!

These brownies are best stored in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor!

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Banana Brownies can be enjoyed on their own, but they become even more decadent with toppings. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch. For a delightful contrast, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. Pecans or walnuts provide a nice crunch and earthy flavor, while chocolate chips increase the chocolate intensity, making every bite even more indulgent. You can fold in about 1/2 cup of your choice just before pouring the batter into the baking dish.

Storage and Freezing

If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for about a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or warm them gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

For those who love meal prep, you can make the brownie batter ahead of time. Simply prepare it up to the point of pouring it into the baking dish, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before pouring it into the prepared dish and proceeding with baking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the eggs?

Yes! You can use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan version.

→ How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they're ready.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.