Craving a rich, chocolatey treat that’s also good for you? These Fudgy Avocado Banana Brownies are a delicious way to enjoy a healthy dessert, fitting perfectly into your repertoire of Healthy Banana Recipes. You’ll love how simple they are to make and how decadent they taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Avocados: Essential for fudginess; use Hass avocados.
- Ripe Bananas: Adds natural sweetness; overripe bananas work best.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened for deep chocolate flavor.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener; honey or agave nectar also work.
- Almond Flour: Provides structure; you can use oat flour for a similar result.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium ripe avocados, pitted and scooped
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200 (without optional chocolate chips)
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, food processor or blender, mixing bowls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This ensures your brownies won’t stick.
2. Blend Wet Ingredients
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the ripe avocados, ripe bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps in the dry mixture for even distribution.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet avocado-banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your brownies tough.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the brownie batter now. This adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness to your Healthy Banana Recipes creation.
6. Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect fudgy texture. Enjoy your healthy treat!
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Brownies: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Mint Chocolate: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract along with the vanilla.
- Espresso Boost: Stir in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Include 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a bright, refreshing twist.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Fudgy Avocado Banana Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual brownies for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you taste the avocado in these brownies? No, the cocoa powder and banana mask the avocado flavor completely. It primarily contributes to the fudgy texture.
- Can you use regular flour instead of almond flour? While almond flour gives a great texture, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
- How ripe should the bananas be? The riper the better! Brown, spotty bananas provide the most natural sweetness and best flavor for these Healthy Banana Recipes.
- Are these brownies gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free almond flour, these brownies are naturally gluten-free.
- Can you make these vegan? Yes, this recipe is already vegan as written, using plant-based ingredients.
- Why are my brownies not fudgy? Overbaking is the most common reason for dry brownies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the toothpick test indicates they are done.
