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To make tasty banana brownies, you need a few key ingredients: - 2 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or butter) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt These ingredients work together to create a rich, moist brownie. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and flavor. The cocoa powder gives the brownies a deep chocolate taste. You can also add some fun extras to make your brownies special: - 1/2 cup chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts These optional ingredients can enhance the texture and flavor. Chocolate chips add extra gooeyness. Walnuts bring a nice crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! If you need to adjust the recipe, here are some quick conversions: - 1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon - 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons - 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons Knowing these conversions can help you scale the recipe up or down easily. Just remember to keep the same ratios for the best results. Enjoy baking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key. While the oven heats, grab a 9x9-inch baking pan. You can grease it with butter or coconut oil. Another option is to line the pan with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the brownies later. In a large bowl, mash two ripe bananas. You want them soft and smooth. Then, add 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil and both sugars: 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients well until they are fully combined. Next, crack in two large eggs. Don't forget to add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Whisk everything until it becomes smooth and creamy. Now, take another bowl. Sift together 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Sifting helps break up lumps, so your brownies will be nice and fluffy. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir carefully until everything just comes together. Do not overmix, or your brownies may turn out tough. After mixing, if you like, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. These add extra flavor and crunch. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. After baking, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting. Enjoy your delicious treat! To get the best texture for your banana brownies, use very ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and softer they become. Mash them well to avoid lumps. Mix the wet ingredients until they are smooth. When you add the dry mix, stir gently. Overmixing can make brownies tough. One common mistake is not measuring the ingredients correctly. Too much flour can make your brownies dry. Another mistake is baking them too long. Keep an eye on the time and use a toothpick to check. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. You can boost flavor by adding vanilla or a pinch of salt. Chocolate chips are great for extra richness. If you like nuts, try adding chopped walnuts. They add a nice crunch. For a twist, you can add a touch of cinnamon. These small changes can make your banana brownies delightful! Pro Tips Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best taste! Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary, so start checking your brownies at 20 minutes. They should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the middle. Storage Tips: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_2}} To make these brownies healthier, swap some ingredients. Use applesauce instead of some oil. It adds moisture and cuts fat. You can also use whole wheat flour in place of white flour. This gives more fiber and nutrients. If you want less sugar, try using honey or maple syrup. These options add sweetness without white sugar. Want to add some extra flavor? Nut butters like almond or peanut can enhance taste. Just stir in about a third cup into your wet mix. You can also add flavors with extracts. Try almond or orange extracts for a twist. Just one teaspoon can change the whole brownie. If you follow a vegan diet, replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. For gluten-free brownies, use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute. These changes keep the brownies tasty while meeting your diet needs. To keep your banana brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will lock in moisture and keep them soft. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, move them to the fridge. They will last for about a week this way. You can freeze banana brownies for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each brownie in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your brownies, use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Check if they are warm enough; if not, add a few more seconds. You can also warm them in an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first. Once thawed, mash them well. They should be soft and easy to mix. Using frozen bananas can add great flavor and moisture. To check if the brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake longer. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. You can use melted butter instead of coconut oil. It will give the brownies a rich taste. You can also use vegetable oil or even applesauce for a lighter option. Each will change the flavor a bit, so choose what you like best. Cut the brownies into squares for serving. Dust them with powdered sugar for a nice look. Serve them warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Adding nuts or chocolate chips on top can also make them extra special. Enjoy your tasty treat! In this article, we covered everything you need for banana brownies. We listed essential and optional ingredients, shared easy steps to bake them, and offered tips for texture and flavor. We discussed variations for different diets and how to store your brownies properly. Remember, you can tweak this recipe to fit your taste. Each bite can be special with just a few changes. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious brownies with others!

Decadent Banana Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies made with ripe bananas and cocoa powder.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 none ripe bananas, mashed
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.33 cup melted coconut oil (or butter)
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • 0.25 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
  • Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt to avoid lumps.
  • Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • If using, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 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 about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Cut the brownies into squares and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Keyword banana, brownies, chocolate, dessert