Banana Brownies
Moist, flavorful banana brownies with a hint of cinnamon and cocoa, perfect for banana lovers and a delightful treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Puree bananas in a blender; should be 1 1/2 cups.
- In a bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Add the pureed bananas to the mixture.
- Combine all dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to banana mixture and beat until well blended.
- Stir in chopped nuts if using.
- Pour batter into a well-greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Cool on a rack for 10 minutes.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. If you don't have cocoa powder, you can substitute with carob powder for a different taste. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Serving Suggestions
These banana brownies are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the experience by serving with a scoop of Grandma'S Homemade Ice Cream. They also pair well with a strong coffee or a glass of milk. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with chocolate or caramel sauce before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Brownies contains roughly 242 calories, with 2g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 771mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This is a great way to use up overripe bananas that you’ve frozen for later.
How can I make these brownies healthier?
To make these brownies healthier, you can reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. You can also replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
Yes, to make the brownies vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and replace the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Ensure that the chocolate you use is dairy-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).