Craving a rich, chocolatey treat that’s also wholesome? These fudgy flourless banana brownies are your answer, offering a delightful way to enjoy healthy banana desserts without any guilt. You’ll love how simple and satisfying they are to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for sweetness and moisture. Use very ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides that deep chocolate flavor.
- Nut Butter (Peanut, Almond, or Cashew): Adds richness and binds the brownies. Choose your favorite!
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Natural sweeteners. Adjust to your preference.
- Eggs: Help with structure.
- Chocolate Chips: Optional, but highly recommended for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 very ripe medium bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup creamy nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 9 brownies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 (depending on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. You want them to be free of large chunks to ensure a uniform brownie texture. This forms the base of your healthy banana desserts.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the nut butter, maple syrup or honey, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps of nut butter.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Stir in the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies.
5. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now. Reserve a few to sprinkle on top if you like. This adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
6. Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared 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. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. This allows them to set properly. Once cool, cut into squares and enjoy your delicious healthy banana desserts.
Variation Ideas
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for texture.
- Espresso Boost: Stir in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a festive twist.
- Swirl Top: Before baking, swirl a tablespoon of extra nut butter on top of the batter.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover fudgy flourless banana brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
- Are these brownies gluten-free? Yes, since they are flourless, they are naturally gluten-free.
- Can I reduce the sugar? You can slightly reduce the maple syrup or honey, but it might affect the texture and sweetness.
- My brownies are too soft, what happened? You might have underbaked them, or your bananas were very wet.
- Can I use a different size pan? An 8×8 inch pan is recommended. A larger pan will result in thinner brownies requiring less baking time, and a smaller one will make them thicker and need more time.
- What if I don’t have parchment paper? You can grease and flour the pan well, but parchment paper makes removal much easier.
