Name: Banana Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

These banana brownies are the ultimate treat when I want something rich, chocolaty, and just a little different. With the perfect blend of gooey chocolate brownie and the sweet, comforting flavor of ripe bananas, this recipe is a delightful twist on two classics—brownies and banana bread. They’re soft, fudgy, and ready to win over anyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or greasing it lightly.

In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.

Then I add the mashed banana, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Next, I sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring gently until just combined—being careful not to overmix.

If I’m using chocolate chips, I fold them in at this point.

I pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.

Then I bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

After baking, I let them cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 generous squares of banana brownies.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Calories: About 190 kcal per serving

Variations

I like switching things up with this recipe depending on what I have in the pantry. Sometimes I swap the chocolate chips for chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch. I’ve also tried adding a swirl of peanut butter on top before baking—it’s amazing. For a richer flavor, I sometimes use brown sugar instead of white sugar, which adds a bit of caramel depth.

Storage/Reheating

I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though they rarely last that long. If I want to keep them longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked fudgy texture.

FAQs

How ripe should the banana be for this recipe?

I always use a very ripe banana—one with lots of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the brownies will be.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. I keep an eye on the baking time, adding 5–10 extra minutes if needed.

Do I have to use chocolate chips?

Not at all. I like them for extra chocolatey richness, but the brownies are still delicious without them.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and it works well. The texture stays nice and fudgy.

Why are my brownies dry?

Most likely they were overbaked. I always check a few minutes early with a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.

Conclusion

These banana brownies are one of my favorite ways to turn overripe bananas into something irresistibly chocolaty. They’re easy, quick, and perfect for satisfying any sweet craving without a ton of effort. Whether I’m baking for guests, family, or just myself, they always hit the spot.

📖 Recipe:

Banana Brownies

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These banana brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the sweet, moist flavor of ripe bananas. A perfect twist on traditional desserts, this one-bowl recipe is easy to make and irresistibly delicious.