Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things nutritious, these Healthy Banana Brownies are a total game changer. They combine the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with wholesome ingredients like oat flour and Greek yogurt, delivering fudgy, rich brownies that don’t feel like a compromise. Whether you’re baking for a quick snack or a cozy dessert, these brownies offer a delicious, guilt-free indulgence that even your toughest critics will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Healthy Banana Brownies lies in the simplicity and purity of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, making sure you get that perfect fudgy texture, rich chocolatey flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness without overloading on refined sugar.

• Ripe bananas: About 1 cup of mashed bananas adds natural sweetness and keeps your brownies moist.
• Eggs: Provide structure and give the brownies a tender crumb.
• Maple syrup or honey: A natural sweetener that enhances flavor without being overpowering.
• Unsweetened Greek yogurt or applesauce: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Coconut oil: Melted, to add richness and a subtle tropical hint.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: The chocolate backbone for that deep, decadent taste.
• Oat flour or almond flour: Provides structure and a lovely nutty undertone, adaptable for gluten-free needs.
• Baking soda: Leavens the batter slightly for a tender bite.
• Sea salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and complexity if you like your brownies a bit spiced.
• Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70%+): For those gooey, melty pockets of chocolate.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the fudginess.

How to Make Healthy Banana Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Getting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper sets the stage for perfect brownies. The parchment makes a huge difference for easy removal, so trust me on this one.

Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

Take 2 ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly until smooth. The riper your bananas are, the more natural sweetness and intense flavor your batter will have, so don’t be shy about using those overripe beauties.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Into the banana mash, crack 2 large eggs and add 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil. Whisk it all together until you have a silky, smooth mixture that looks and smells like a dream.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Sift 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder into your wet mixture to avoid any lumps, then add 1/2 cup oat flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and if you like, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until you see that thick, fudgy batter come to life.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Extras

Now for the fun part – fold in 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. If you’re a fan of texture, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage to get that lovely contrast between creamy and crunchy.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips or nuts on top for that professional bakery vibe. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Patience is key here! Let the brownies cool in their pan for 20 to 30 minutes before carefully lifting them out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into 9 squares for generous portions or 12 if you prefer smaller bites perfect for sharing.

How to Serve Healthy Banana Brownies

Garnishes

Sprinkle your brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chocolate chips right before serving for an extra touch of flair. A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream also makes a deliciously tangy counterpoint to the rich chocolate.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with fresh berries or a crisp green salad to balance the indulgence. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte – the banana and chocolate combination is dreamy at any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking smaller brownie squares to create mini towers or drizzle with a little homemade chocolate sauce for a fancy dessert plate. You can even create brownie parfaits by layering chunks with yogurt and berries in glass jars for a fun, portable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Healthy Banana Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to stay moist longer, a quick pop into the refrigerator extends their life to about a week. Just bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

These brownies freeze brilliantly! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.

Reheating

When you’re ready for a warm brownie fix, reheat them gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or toss them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate moment.

FAQs

Can I use almond flour instead of oat flour for these Healthy Banana Brownies?

Absolutely! Almond flour works wonderfully as a grain-free alternative and adds a slightly nutty flavor. Just keep in mind it may change the texture slightly, making the brownies a bit denser.

Are these Healthy Banana Brownies vegan?

Not in the exact recipe provided, since eggs and Greek yogurt are included. However, you can substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs and use a plant-based yogurt to easily transform the recipe into a vegan-friendly version.

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate chips if you prefer, but they really add a nice melty richness that complements the banana and cocoa. Alternatively, try adding dried fruit or seeds for a different texture.

How ripe should the bananas be for the best flavor?

Look for bananas that are heavily spotted or even a bit brown. The riper, the sweeter they are, which makes a huge difference in the flavor and moisture of your Healthy Banana Brownies.

Do I have to use maple syrup, or can I use another sweetener?

Maple syrup is preferred for its natural, subtle sweetness and flavor, but you can use honey or coconut sugar as alternatives. Adjust the quantity to your taste, especially if using sweeter options.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Healthy Banana Brownies, I promise you’ll want to keep the recipe close. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy dessert without the guilt, and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or sneaking a bite when nobody’s looking. I hope you love baking and tasting these as much as I do!

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