Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe
These Healthy Banana Brownies are a guilt-free treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich cocoa and wholesome ingredients. Perfectly moist and fudgy, they use oat flour and coconut oil to keep things nutritious, while maple syrup adds just the right touch of sweetness. Ideal for a gluten-free, low-fat dessert or snack, these brownies satisfy cravings without compromising on health.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Now, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute oat flour with almond flour for a grain-free version.
- For vegan adaptation, replace eggs with flax eggs and use applesauce instead of Greek yogurt.
- Add nuts sparingly to keep the brownies low-fat.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Enjoy these brownies slightly warm or chilled for different textures.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (if 9 servings)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: healthy banana brownies, gluten free brownies, low fat brownies, banana dessert, healthy chocolate brownies, oat flour brownies, low sugar brownies