Banana Brownies – Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts

These delightful banana brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a crispy top and a hint of banana sweetness in every bite. They are a go-to treat for me whenever I have ripe bananas to use up!

Who would have thought that adding bananas to classic homemade brownies could make such a difference? These banana brownies are incredibly moist and fudgy, with just the right amount of sweetness. They are essentially decadent chocolate brownies with a subtle banana undertone that makes them absolutely irresistible. This recipe requires only one ripe banana, making it perfect for those lone bananas in your fruit bowl. The glossy, crackly tops of the brownies and the quick batter preparation make this treat a true winner!

Reasons to Love This Banana Brownies Recipe

• Super fudgy. Ripe bananas and melted chocolate create an ultra-rich, moist texture in these brownies. The banana flavor is subtle, not overpowering like in banana bread.
• Crackly tops. Thoroughly mixing the ingredients results in those coveted glossy, thin tops that we all love.
• Easy. The batter comes together quickly: mix the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients, and bake. That’s it! These banana brownies are ready for the oven in 10 minutes or less.
• Customizable. Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins to give these brownies your personal touch.

Brownie Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious banana brownies from scratch. Most of these items are pantry staples. For a printable list of ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the end of the post.

• Oil – Opt for a neutral-flavored oil like canola, avocado, or vegetable oil for tender, moist brownies.
• Chocolate – I recommend using unsweetened baking chocolate for a smooth melt.
• Sugar – Use granulated or brown sugar.
• Egg – Bring the egg to room temperature for best results.
• Banana – Ripe to overripe bananas work best for maximum flavor.
• Cocoa Powder – Opt for unsweetened natural cocoa powder for rich flavor.
• Mix-ins – Customize your brownies with chocolate chips, nuts, or other add-ins for extra texture.

How to Make the Best Banana Brownies

Create the fudgiest brownies infused with real chocolate and bananas in just 3 simple steps! Follow the printable instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

• Mix the wet ingredients. Combine the melted chocolate and oil, then mix in the sugar, egg, and mashed banana.
• Add the dry ingredients. Gradually stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold in any mix-ins, like chocolate chips, at this point.
• Bake. Pour the batter into a lined 8″ baking pan and bake at 350ºF for 22-25 minutes. Cool, slice, and enjoy!

What Makes Brownies Have a Flaky Top?

The key to achieving brownies with glossy tops is thorough mixing of the eggs. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature and blend them well with the sugar and wet ingredients. This step is crucial in creating the thin, crackly crust on these brownies, along with the melted chocolate in the recipe.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Use unsweetened chocolate. This allows better control over the sweetness of the brownies. If using sweetened chocolate, consider reducing the added sugar.
• Avoid overmixing. Once the dry ingredients are added, be careful not to overmix the batter to prevent dense, tough brownies.
• Don’t overbake. Brownies should be slightly moist in the center when done. Avoid baking too long to prevent dryness.
• Experiment with mix-ins. Try adding walnuts, pecans, almonds, or other fun options like chocolate bars or candies for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these banana brownies on their own as a delightful homemade treat. They are perfect for bake sales and potlucks! For an extra indulgence, serve them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream and fresh banana slices. You can also crumble these brownies over a banana split topped with whipped cream and hot fudge sauce for a decadent dessert!

How To Store

• Refrigerate. Store these banana brownies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their moisture.
• Freeze. These brownies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost them in the fridge before serving.

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