Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe
I’m beyond excited to share this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe with you because it’s one of those wonderfully sneaky desserts that sneaks in some fruit while satisfying your chocolate cravings. The natural sweetness and moisture from the bananas make these brownies incredibly fudgy and tender without needing extra oil or sugar. Honestly, it’s a game changer when you want brownies that feel indulgent but also a touch more wholesome.
These brownies work beautifully anytime you want a comforting treat that feels a bit special. Maybe you’re baking for a cozy weekend afternoon or surprising someone with an easy homemade gift—this recipe always impresses. Plus, if you’re like me and sometimes have those ripe bananas sitting on the counter, this is the perfect way to transform them into chocolaty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe, the ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of moist banana flavor and rich chocolatey depth. A few simple pantry staples and a couple of fresh bananas are all you need, which makes this recipe super convenient whenever you’re craving brownies.
- Banana: Make sure they’re ripe to add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Unsalted butter: I prefer unsalted to control the saltiness precisely.
- Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps the batter come together more smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting depth of flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the banana sweetness and helps with that classic brownie texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Dutch processed cocoa powder: For that deep chocolate intensity and rich color.
- Baking powder: Just enough to give a subtle lift without losing fudginess.
- All purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the brownies soft.
- Semi sweet chocolate chips (for melting): Melt them into the batter for gooey pockets of chocolate.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (fold-in): Stirred in last to add texture and those beautiful melty bites.
Variations
I love playing around with this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what ingredients I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to swap or add some extras to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!
- Nutty Addition: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans is my go-to for crunch and an earthier flavor.
- Vegan Twist: Try swapping eggs for flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter—I’ve had great success that way!
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper if you want a surprising depth of flavor.
- Chocolate Variety: Swap semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate for contrast.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blends; just be sure they’re measured properly for similar results.
How to Make Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Melt
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. Next, melt the butter gently—either in a saucepan over low heat or carefully in the microwave in short bursts—to avoid burning it. While the butter cools slightly, mash about two medium ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth but with a few small chunks left for texture.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until lightly frothy, then stir in the mashed bananas, melted butter, and vanilla extract. It’s important to combine these well so the bananas infuse the batter evenly with their sweet, moist goodness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, cocoa powder, baking powder, and flour until the mixture is uniform. This step helps to aerate the dry ingredients for that lovely brownie crumb and ensures the cocoa powder is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Fold the dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix or your brownies will turn out tough. Now, melt the half cup of semi sweet chocolate chips and gently stir it in to create pockets of molten chocolate, then fold in the remaining chocolate chips or chunks for melty chocolate bites. The contrast in textures here is simply divine.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—don’t overbake or your brownies won’t be as fudgy. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean edges and that perfect gooey texture.
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Garnishes
I love dusting these brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant touch before serving. Sometimes, I throw on some toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts to add texture and a bit of crunch, which makes each bite even more special.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream pairs incredibly well with these Banana Chocolate Brownies and makes for a fabulous dessert. Fresh berries on the side also brighten up the plate and add a refreshing contrast to the rich brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I like to cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with little toothpicks for easy snacking. You can also layer them with whipped cream and sliced bananas to make a quick banana chocolate brownie trifle—kids love it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, I store leftover Banana Chocolate Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The texture actually improves a bit after resting, as the flavors meld together beautifully. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge works too—just let the brownies come back to room temperature before eating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these brownies successfully by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They keep great for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To revive leftover brownies, heat a square for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave—it brings back that warm, gooey chocolate feeling that’s irresistible. Just be careful not to overheat or they dry out. Alternatively, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped in foil for 5-7 minutes for a warm and soft treat.
FAQs
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Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe?
Yes! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they’re sweeter and softer, which helps keep the brownies extra moist and flavorful. Just mash them well before adding to your batter.
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Can I substitute the butter in the recipe?
You can swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan margarine if you want to make a dairy-free version. Keep an eye on the texture as these fats behave a little differently, but I’ve found coconut oil works beautifully.
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Why does this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe call for baking powder?
Adding a small bit of baking powder gives the brownies a slight lift, preventing them from being too dense while still keeping them fudgy. It’s a nice balance to maintain softness with just enough rise.
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Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend and make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture just right. The brownies will still be moist and delicious.
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How do I know when the Banana Chocolate Brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no greasy batter. It’s normal for them to be quite fudgy inside, so avoid baking until completely dry.
Final Thoughts
If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how this Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe turns two simple ingredients—bananas and chocolate—into pure magic. It’s a lovely way to enjoy brownies with added moistness and natural sweetness, perfect for an easy dessert or afternoon pick-me-up. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how delicious and foolproof these brownies are; your kitchen (and taste buds!) will thank you.
Print
Banana Chocolate Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Chocolate Brownies recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate for a moist, fudgy treat. Featuring a blend of mashed bananas, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, these brownies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering a unique flavor profile and a slightly healthier bar. Perfect for chocolate lovers looking to add a fruity note to their brownies.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ⅔ cup mashed banana (about 2 medium bananas)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup (30 g) Dutch processed or unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup (60 g) all purpose flour
Chocolate
- ½ cup (3 oz., 85 g) semi sweet chocolate chips (for melting)
- ½ cup (3 oz., 85 g) chocolate chips or chunks (fold-in)
Instructions
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mash about two medium ripe bananas until smooth. Melt the unsalted butter and allow it to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs (at room temperature), and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the granulated sugar, salt, Dutch processed or unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and all-purpose flour to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can toughen the brownies.
- Melt Semi-Sweet Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water or using a microwave in short bursts, melt the ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth. Stir the melted chocolate into the brownie batter, ensuring an even chocolate flavor.
- Fold in Remaining Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the batter, which will add texture and pockets of melted chocolate within the brownies.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This cooling period helps set the fudgy texture and makes for neater slices.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- If preferred, substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate based on sweetness preference.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
