Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These healthy banana brownies are a delicious twist on the classic treat, made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas and oat flour. Naturally sweetened and fudgy, they’re perfect for a guilt-free dessert or snack.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt (or applesauce)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup oat flour (or almond flour for a grain-free option)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Optional: 1/4 tsp cinnamon for added warmth
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70% or higher)
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth for natural sweetness and flavor.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil to the mashed bananas. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
4. Step 4: Sift in the cocoa powder to avoid clumps. Then add oat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon if using. Stir gently until a thick, fudgy batter forms.
5. Step 5: Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. If desired, add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or nuts on top, then bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out and slice into 9 or 12 squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
• For a grain-free version, substitute oat flour with almond flour.
• Add a pinch of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Swap maple syrup for honey or agave nectar depending on your preference.
• Add a handful of shredded coconut or dried fruit for variety.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fudgy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat or almond flour?

Yes, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the texture might be a bit denser. For a gluten-free option, stick with oat or almond flour.

Are these brownies vegan?

This recipe is not vegan as it contains eggs and Greek yogurt. You can try replacing eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based yogurt to make it vegan-friendly, but texture may vary.

Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

These Healthy Banana Brownies are a delicious treat combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich cocoa and wholesome ingredients. Made with oat flour and wholesome add-ins like dark chocolate chips and optional nuts, these brownies offer a fudgy, moist texture without refined sugars, perfect for a guilt-free dessert or snack.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt (or applesauce)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup oat flour (or almond flour for a grain-free option)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Optional: 1/4 tsp cinnamon for added warmth

Mix-ins:

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70% or higher)
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy topping

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal later.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Crack in the eggs, then add maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Whisk everything together until fully combined and smooth.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Sift in the cocoa powder to avoid clumps. Add the oat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon if using. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a thick, fudgy batter forms.
5. Fold in Chocolate and Extras: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. If you like a little crunch, now’s the time to add some chopped walnuts or pecans.
6. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips or nuts on top for that bakery-style finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes. Then, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into 9 squares for a standard size or 12 if you prefer smaller bites.

Notes

• Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better flavor.
• Substitute Greek yogurt with applesauce for a dairy-free option.
• Oat flour can be swapped with almond flour to make it grain-free.
• Adding cinnamon enhances the flavor with warm spice notes.
• Cool brownies completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Keywords: healthy banana brownies, banana cocoa brownies, low sugar brownies, gluten free brownies option, oat flour brownies, clean eating dessert