Hello, friends! I’m so excited to share a delectable treat that’s both easy to make and oh-so-satisfying: Banana Brownies! You might be wondering, why brownies? And why bananas? Well, let’s just say that these sweet, fudgy squares are a hug in dessert form! They combine the rich, comforting taste of brownies with the naturally sweet goodness of ripe bananas. It’s a delightful twist that’ll leave you feeling warm inside, just like a good book does on a rainy day.
Cooking is not only about nourishing your body; it’s a cozy experience that brings joy and creativity to our everyday lives. So grab those overripe bananas sitting on your counter and let’s whip up something special together!
Why Make This Recipe
You might be wondering why you should add Banana Brownies to your baking repertoire. Let me tell you, these brownies are a game changer! They are not just delicious but also guilt-free in a way that lets you indulge without feeling like you went off the deep end.
First, they are packed with natural sweetness from the bananas that means you can cut back on refined sugars, making these brownies a healthier option for the sweet tooth. They are also gluten-free because we’re avoiding traditional flour in favor of wholesome ingredients. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare, perfect for those late-night baking cravings!
If you love desserts that are both comforting and nourishing, these Banana Brownies should be your next baking adventure!
How to Make Banana Brownies
Okay, it’s time to get our hands a little messy! Making these Banana Brownies is super straightforward. Just follow along step by step, and soon enough, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all natural creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup mashed bananas
– 1 egg
– 3 tbsp cocoa powder
– ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp baking soda
– ⅔ cup chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps the brownies bake evenly and become perfectly gooey.
2. Line Your Pan: Grab an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper. This will ensure that your brownies don’t stick when they’re ready to be cut.
3. Mix and Mash: In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the chocolate chips. You want to make sure the batter is nice and thick, think about how you want your brownies to turn out!
4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Once everything is mixed well, gently fold in those chocolate chips. Because let’s be honest, they’re what makes brownies truly special!
5. Spread the Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making sure it’s even on top.
6. Bake: Place your pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for that sweet spot where the brownies look barely set in the middle. They will be gooey, and that’s just how we want them!
7. Cool: Once they’re out of the oven, allow your delicious creation to cool before slicing. Patience is key here, my friends!
How to Serve Banana Brownies
These Banana Brownies are a treat all on their own, but let’s get creative! You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra finishing touch.
For a more health-conscious option, serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. That way, you get to enjoy a little bit of everything, the sweetness of banana brownies with the creaminess of yogurt. Yum!
How to Store Banana Brownies
If you manage to have any leftovers (which is unlikely, but hey, you never know!), you should store them properly. Keep your Banana Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep for about a week.
For longer storage, consider freezing them! Simply slice the cooled brownies and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together!
Tips to Make Banana Brownies
– Banana Quality: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness. You know those black spots? That’s when they’re perfect!
– Peanut Butter Preference: Feel free to use any nut butter or seed butter if you have allergies or preferences. Almond butter can be an exquisite substitute!
– Add More Flavor: Don’t hesitate to throw in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. They’ll add warmth and depth to your brownies.
– Chocolate Choices: Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference, for a bit of tang, try adding in white chocolate chips!
Variation
Looking to mix things up? You can add in some chopped nuts or dried fruits. Walnuts and cranberries work beautifully in this recipe. For a fun twist, try adding a swirl of almond or coconut cream on top before baking for a marbled effect!
FAQs
1. Can I use almond flour instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Almond flour will give a different texture, so just be mindful that it might change how the brownies turn out. Adjust your liquid ingredients accordingly.
2. Are these brownies vegan-friendly?
By substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp of ground flaxseeds mixed with 2.5 tbsp of water), you can make these brownies vegan!
3. Can I reduce the amount of sweetener?
Absolutely! If your bananas are really ripe, you may find that you can cut back on the maple syrup or honey. Just taste the batter before baking to ensure it’s sweet enough for your liking.
And just like that, you have a cozy recipe for Banana Brownies that feels like a warm embrace. Happy baking, my friends!
Print
Banana Brownies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously fudgy brownies made with ripe bananas and peanut butter for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all natural creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ⅔ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for chocolate chips until the batter is thick.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until barely set in the middle.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
Serve warm with ice cream or yogurt for an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg