Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious treat that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, these Healthy Banana Brownies are about to become your new best friend. Combining the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with rich cocoa and a touch of maple syrup, this recipe delivers fudgy, satisfying brownies that feel indulgent but nourish your body. Perfect for a wholesome snack, dessert, or even breakfast on-the-go, these brownies strike the ideal balance between decadent and nutritious, proving you really can have your cake and eat it too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Healthy Banana Brownies lies in how simple ingredients work together to create amazing flavor and texture. Each item has a special role, whether it’s adding moisture, natural sweetness, or luscious chocolate notes, and even supporting a fudgy, tender crumb.

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The sweeter and riper, the better for natural sweetness and moisture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey): Adds natural sweetness with a subtle depth.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt (or applesauce): Keeps the brownies moist and tender without extra fat.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted: Adds richness and a slight tropical nuance.
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that classic chocolate intensity without added sugar.
• 1/2 cup oat flour (or almond flour): Provides structure and a mild, nutty flavor; perfect for a grain-free option too.
• 1/4 tsp baking soda: Helps the brownies rise just right and keeps them tender.
• 1/4 tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
• Optional 1/4 tsp cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and a hint of spice.
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70%+): For melty pockets of indulgence with antioxidant benefits.
• Optional chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds crunch and a satisfying contrast to the fudginess.

How to Make Healthy Banana Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leaving a little overhang will make it super easy to lift the brownies out later without any sticky business.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas to Perfection

Grab your ripe bananas and mash them until smooth. This step is key because the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. No lumps, just creamy banana goodness.

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Next, crack in the eggs and add maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil right into the mashed bananas. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is silky smooth and fully combined, forming the base of your luscious batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Carefully

Sift in the cocoa powder to avoid any clumps; nobody wants a surprise bitter bite. Then stir in oat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon if you’ve chosen to add it. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together until you achieve a thick, fudgy batter that’s begging to be baked.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Optional Crunch

Gently fold in your dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you enjoy some texture, now’s the moment to toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch in every bite.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the batter into your lined pan and spread it out smoothly. For that bakery-style touch, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or nuts on top before popping it in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, testing with a toothpick which should come out with just a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy center.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once baked to perfection, remove the pan and let the brownies cool for 20 to 30 minutes on the counter. Then lift them out with the parchment and slice into your favorite sizes: 9 big squares or 12 smaller bites — both equally delicious and ready to satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to Serve Healthy Banana Brownies

Garnishes

Your Healthy Banana Brownies can shine even brighter with some thoughtful garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder adds a delicate touch, while a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a spoonful of nut butter introduces an extra layer of richness. Fresh berries or sliced bananas can highlight the banana flavor and bring a fresh burst.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy companion that balances their fudgy texture. A fresh fruit salad or a handful of mixed nuts also make excellent sides, adding contrast and complementing the wholesome ingredients naturally found in these brownies.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow friends that join you for coffee or dessert? Try serving the brownies in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of sea salt on top or cutting them into small bite-sized squares and arranging them on a platter with colorful fruit and mint leaves. You could even stack a few with layers of yogurt and berries for a decadent brownie parfait experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Healthy Banana Brownies left over (which is rare, because they’re so good), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay deliciously moist for up to three days — perfect for an easy snack or lunchbox treat.

Freezing

These brownies freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When properly frozen, they keep their fudgy texture and rich flavor for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy thawed brownies, simply microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. You’ll find they regain their soft, gooey texture and taste just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Absolutely! Oat flour works beautifully for a slightly chewy texture, but almond flour is a fantastic grain-free option that adds a subtle nuttiness to your Healthy Banana Brownies. Just keep the measurement the same for best results.

Are these brownies vegan?

This recipe includes eggs and Greek yogurt, so it’s not vegan as is. However, you could experiment with flax eggs and plant-based yogurt to make a vegan version, although texture and taste might vary slightly.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with lots of brown speckles are the sweetest and will ensure your brownies have maximum flavor and natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Using oat flour labeled gluten-free or almond flour makes this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive folks. Just double-check your other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

What if I don’t have coconut oil?

You can substitute melted butter or a neutral oil like avocado or canola oil. Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor that complements the bananas, but these substitutes will still yield delicious Healthy Banana Brownies.

Final Thoughts

These Healthy Banana Brownies are a true game-changer if you want indulgence without the guilt. With wholesome ingredients and a straightforward method, they come together quickly to satisfy any sweet craving, whether as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast treat. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen — your taste buds and your body will thank you!

Print