Banana Brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and naturally moist banana goodness. Made with ripe bananas, cocoa powder, plenty of chocolate chips, and simple pantry staples, these brownies have a soft, fudgy texture that makes every bite satisfying.
This easy dessert is also a delicious way to use up those brown bananas sitting on the counter. If you love chocolate desserts but want something a little different from classic brownies, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These moist banana brownies are rich, chocolatey, and wonderfully soft without requiring complicated techniques. Mashed ripe bananas add moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with cocoa and chocolate chips.
The batter comes together in one bowl with familiar ingredients, making these easy banana brownies convenient for everyday baking. They are family-friendly, easy to slice and serve, and especially delicious when you want to turn overripe bananas into something more indulgent than banana bread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) mashed ripe bananas, about 2–3 large bananas
- 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (270 g) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 340°F (170°C) for a fan oven. Line a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the brownies out later. You can also lightly grease the pan.
- Place the butter and sugar in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 45 seconds at medium power, then stir well. Continue heating in short intervals and stirring until the butter is completely melted. Alternatively, gently melt the mixture using a double boiler.
- Set the butter mixture aside for a few minutes so it can cool slightly. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until smooth and combined.
- Add the mashed ripe bananas and stir until evenly incorporated.
- Sift the cocoa powder if it has any lumps. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Gently whisk or stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing. Small lumps from the mashed bananas are completely normal.
- Fold the chocolate chips evenly into the batter.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top into an even layer.
- Bake the Banana Brownies for approximately 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. For the neatest squares and the best fudgy texture, allow them several hours to cool and set.
Tips & Tricks
Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor, sweetness, and moisture. Bananas that are still firm and yellow will not provide quite the same rich result.
Measure the mashed banana rather than relying only on the number of bananas, since their sizes can vary considerably. About 1 cup of mashed banana works best for this recipe.
For especially fudgy banana brownies, avoid overbaking. Start checking around the 30-minute mark because ovens and baking pans can produce slightly different baking times.
Let the melted butter and sugar mixture cool before adding the eggs. If it is extremely hot, it can begin cooking the eggs.
For deeper chocolate flavor, use good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips work particularly well.
Do not overmix once the flour has been added. Stir only until you no longer see dry streaks of flour.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: About 4 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours 50 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20–24 brownies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, alcohol-free, pork-free, halal-friendly when using halal-certified ingredients
Notes
Semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips can be used depending on how sweet you prefer your brownies.
You can also replace some of the chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
For an indulgent dessert, serve the brownies slightly warm with vanilla ice cream. For everyday snacking, they are delicious chilled or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per brownie when divided into 24 servings:
Calories: 260–290 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
Fat: 13–15 g
Nutritional values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.
FAQ
Can I use overripe bananas for banana brownies?
Yes. Very ripe or brown bananas are ideal because they are softer, sweeter, and more flavorful. They also help create the moist texture that makes this banana brownie recipe so satisfying.
Do banana brownies taste strongly like bananas?
The banana flavor is noticeable but balanced by the cocoa and chocolate chips. The result tastes primarily rich and chocolatey with a pleasant banana undertone.
Why are my banana brownies cakey instead of fudgy?
Overbaking or adding too much flour can create a cakier texture. Measure the flour carefully and remove the brownies when a toothpick inserted into the center has a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I add nuts to chocolate banana brownies?
Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts can be folded into the batter along with the chocolate chips.
Can I make these brownies without chocolate chips?
Yes. The cocoa powder still provides plenty of chocolate flavor. However, chocolate chips add pockets of melted chocolate and make the brownies taste richer.
How ripe should bananas be for brownies?
Look for soft bananas with heavily spotted or brown peels. The riper the bananas are, the sweeter and more aromatic they generally become.
Storage
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to sit at room temperature briefly before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
For longer storage, individually wrap the brownies and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2–3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
To enjoy one warm, microwave an individual brownie for approximately 10–15 seconds. Avoid overheating it, as this can affect its fudgy texture.
Similar Recipes
Banana Brownies – Super Moist and Fudgy
Ingredients
- 1 cup 226 g unsalted butter
- 2 cups 400 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup 240 ml mashed ripe bananas, about 2–3 large bananas
- 1 1/4 cups 156 g all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup 60 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups 270 g chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 340°F (170°C) for a fan oven. Line a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the brownies out later. You can also lightly grease the pan.
- Place the butter and sugar in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 45 seconds at medium power, then stir well. Continue heating in short intervals and stirring until the butter is completely melted. Alternatively, gently melt the mixture using a double boiler.
- Set the butter mixture aside for a few minutes so it can cool slightly. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until smooth and combined.
- Add the mashed ripe bananas and stir until evenly incorporated.
- Sift the cocoa powder if it has any lumps. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Gently whisk or stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing. Small lumps from the mashed bananas are completely normal.
- Fold the chocolate chips evenly into the batter.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top into an even layer.
- Bake the Banana Brownies for approximately 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. For the neatest squares and the best fudgy texture, allow them several hours to cool and set.
Notes
Conclusion
These Banana Brownies turn simple ripe bananas into an irresistibly moist chocolate dessert. With a fudgy center, plenty of chocolate chips, and straightforward preparation, they are an easy alternative when you want something richer than traditional banana bread.
Give the brownies enough time to cool and set before slicing, and you’ll be rewarded with rich, chocolatey squares that are soft, moist, and perfect for sharing.