Description
Indulge in the simplicity of this Easy Banana Brownie recipe, where ripe bananas and rich cocoa unite to create a fudgy, flavorful dessert in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy bakers or those seeking a quick treat, this recipe balances convenience with decadence. With versatile ingredient swaps and a streamlined process, it’s a data-backed solution to satisfy cravings without the complexity of traditional baking.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas (mashed for a velvety texture)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted, for a luscious mouthfeel)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar as a refined alternative)
- 1 large egg (room temperature, for seamless blending)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances aroma and depth)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (rich, chocolatey essence)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free baking)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to balance sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (for a subtle lift)
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for bursts of decadence)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, lightly greasing for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth using a fork or potato masher.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas until glossy and uniform.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold into the wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Fold in dark chocolate chips for added richness, or substitute with nuts if desired.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick shows moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice into 9 squares or 16 smaller pieces.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, substitute butter with ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce or use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
- Ensure bananas are ripe (brown-spotted) for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, fudgy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Easy Banana Brownie, banana brownie recipe, quick dessert, healthy baking, fudgy brownies