why make this recipe

Healthy Banana Brownies are a perfect treat for anyone who loves a delicious dessert but wants to eat healthier. These brownies are full of natural sweetness from ripe bananas and honey or maple syrup, making them lower in sugar than regular brownies. Plus, using almond butter instead of regular butter not only adds a nutty flavor but also gives you a boost of healthy fats and protein. The best part is that you still get that rich chocolate flavor from cocoa powder and chocolate chips, making these brownies a satisfying option for any chocolate lover. Baking a batch is a great way to use up overripe bananas and create a tasty snack that’s perfect for both kids and adults.

how to make Healthy Banana Brownies

Making Healthy Banana Brownies is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and minimal time. With each step, you’ll build on the delicious flavors and textures of the brownies, and before you know it, you’ll have a batch of sweet, gooey treats to enjoy with family and friends.

Ingredients :

2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup gluten-free flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Pinch of salt

Directions :

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your brownies will bake evenly and come out just right.
Next, take 2 ripe bananas and place them in a large bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the bananas until they are smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter they will be, so look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
Once the bananas are mashed, add in 1/2 cup of almond butter. You can use creamy or chunky almond butter based on your preference. Along with the almond butter, add 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a vegan option, maple syrup is a great choice. Finally, pour in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor. Mix all these ingredients together until well combined.
Next, it’s time to sift in the dry ingredients. Gradually add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 cup of gluten-free flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir these ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.
After the batter is mixed, gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. This will add extra chocolatey goodness to your brownies.
Now, pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the dish. It’s important to make sure the batter is level so that the brownies bake uniformly.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready.
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for a bit. Once they are cool enough to handle, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your delicious, healthier brownies!

how to serve Healthy Banana Brownies

Serving Healthy Banana Brownies is easy. You can simply cut them into squares and serve them on a plate. To make the presentation a little fancier, consider dusting them with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. They pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to indulge a little. For a touch of freshness, serve them with sliced strawberries or a side of fresh fruit. These brownies are perfect for dessert after a family dinner, a sweet snack during the day, or even as a healthier option for a bake sale.

how to store Healthy Banana Brownies

To keep your Healthy Banana Brownies fresh, it is best to store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and they can last for about three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or warm them slightly in the microwave.

tips to make Healthy Banana Brownies

Banana Ripeness: Use the ripest bananas you can find. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your brownies will be.
Mixing: Avoid overmixing your batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing too much can lead to dense brownies.
Customizing Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste. If you like your brownies sweeter, add a little more honey or maple syrup.
Nut Butter Variations: You can substitute almond butter with any nut or seed butter you prefer, such as peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, to change the flavor profile.
Add-Ins: You can customize your brownies further by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Serving Warm: Enjoy them warm out of the oven for a gooey treat, or let them cool completely for firmer brownies.

variation

If you want to switch up the flavor of your Healthy Banana Brownies, consider these variations:

Nutty Banana Brownies: Add 1/2 cup of walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
Mint Chocolate Brownies: Mix in a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
Spicy Chocolate Brownies: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a warm flavor experience.
Pumpkin Banana Brownies: Substitute 1/4 cup of the almond butter with pureed pumpkin to make a pumpkin spice version.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour in place of gluten-free flour. The texture and taste will be slightly different, but the brownies will still be delicious.

2. How can I tell when my brownies are done?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, they need more time.

3. What can I do with overripe bananas?
Overripe bananas are perfect for baking. If you have too many, you can make banana bread, add them to smoothies, or freeze them for later use in recipes like these brownies.

4. Are these brownies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Healthy Banana Brownies are a great treat for kids since they are made with natural sweeteners and healthful ingredients. They make a great after-school snack.

5. Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid content accordingly.

These Healthy Banana Brownies are not only easy to make, but they provide a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy. Flavorful, soft, and full of nutrients, they can satisfy your chocolate cravings without compromising your health. Happy baking!

Healthy Banana Brownies

Author: ethanmiller
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and healthy brownies made with ripe bananas and almond butter, offering a lower sugar treat without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup gluten-free flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
Add almond butter and honey or maple syrup, along with vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
Sift in cocoa powder, baking soda, gluten-free flour, and salt; stir until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips gently.
Pour the brownie batter into a prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Serve warm or cool, dust with cocoa powder or drizzle with dark chocolate for a fancy presentation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 200
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: banana brownies, healthy dessert, gluten-free brownies, low sugar desserts, vegan brownies