Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe
Introduction
These healthy banana brownies are a delicious, guilt-free treat that combines natural sweetness with rich cocoa flavor. Made with ripe bananas and peanut butter, they offer a moist and fudgy texture perfect for any dessert craving.
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 6-inch brownie pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly with cooking oil. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas into a smooth puree.
- Step 3: Stir in the peanut butter and cocoa powder with a silicone spatula until the mixture looks like brownie batter. It’s okay if you see small bits of banana, as long as the batter isn’t dry. If it seems dry, add more mashed banana or a splash of almond milk to reach the right consistency.
- Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Step 7: Let the brownies cool on a rack for 20 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moistness in the brownies.
- Substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to accommodate allergies.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- For a sweeter brownie, try mixing in a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
Storage
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave to restore softness, or enjoy chilled for a fudgier texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular chocolate chips if you don’t need the brownies to be dairy-free. They will work just as well and add the same rich chocolate flavor.
What if I don’t have a 6-inch pan?
You can use a similarly sized baking dish, but keep an eye on the baking time since thickness may vary. If using a larger pan, the brownies will be thinner and may bake faster; reduce baking time accordingly.
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Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 9 small brownies (6-inch pan) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Healthy Banana Brownies are a guilt-free, delicious treat made with ripe bananas, unsweetened cocoa powder, peanut butter, and dairy-free dark chocolate chips. Moist and naturally sweetened by bananas, they are perfect for a nutritious snack or dessert that satisfies your chocolate cravings without added sugar.
Ingredients
Banana Brownie Batter
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 6-inch brownie pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas into a smooth puree using a fork or potato masher ensuring no large chunks remain.
- Mix Batter: Stir the peanut butter and unsweetened cocoa powder into the mashed bananas with a silicone spatula until the mixture resembles a brownie batter. The batter can have small bits of banana, but it should not be dry. If it appears too dry, add more mashed banana or a splash of almond milk to achieve desired consistency.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the dairy-free dark chocolate chips into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and optionally sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra chocolatey flavor.
- Bake: Bake the brownies 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 wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and cool them on a wire rack for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps them set and enhances the texture.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness and moisture.
- If your peanut butter is thick or dry, adjust the wet ingredients by adding more mashed banana or a bit of almond milk to keep the batter moist.
- These brownies are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making them suitable for specific dietary needs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Healthy banana brownies, dairy-free brownies, gluten-free dessert, peanut butter brownies, chocolate banana brownie, easy healthy dessert
