Do you love a rich, fudgy brownie but not all the sugar and calories that come with it? These thick, delicious healthy banana brownies are an amazing option. Made with simple ingredients, and no refined sugar, this banana brownies recipe is great when you want a chocolaty treat without the guilt.
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Do you love indulging in a rich, fudgy brownie? Often times, bakery-style or cafe brownies are upwards of 500 calories. Even box-mix brownies are loaded with sugar and calories, and we all know you can’t eat just one.
With this healthy banana brownie recipe you can now enjoy a rich, fudgy brownie but without all the refined sugar and calories. Sweetened with ripe bananas, maple sugar and no-sugar-added chocolate chips, these brownies are an amazing option when you’re looking for something sweet.
What is in banana brownies?
- Ripe bananas – these are bananas that are brown, spotty and have been sitting around a few days. These bananas are softer and much sweeter than under-ripe bananas, and are great for baking.
- Eggs – Much like a traditional brownie recipe, eggs will provide the necessary leavening and will help the brownies hold their shape.
- Maple syrup – instead of refined sugar, this brownie recipe is sweetened with maple syrup, a much more natural sweetener.
- Creamy nut butter – I used a natural peanut butter, but you could also use a creamy cashew, almond butter or tahini. The nut butter will provide some fat (instead of using a vegetable oil).
- Vanilla extract – great for adding flavor to the brownies.
- Whole wheat flour – I used whole wheat, but you could also use oat flour. Other options would be coconut flour or almond flour.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – this is needed to create that fudgy, chocolate flavor in the brownies.
- Salt – essential in bringing out the flavor of the chocolate. Don’t leave this out!
- No sugar added chocolate chips – I use and love Lily’s No Sugar Added Chocolate Chips. Some other good options are Hu Chocolate and Lakanto chocolate chips. These also have no refined sugar.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!
How do I make brownies without sugar?
To make these healthy banana brownies, start by mashing the ripe bananas well. Then, add the eggs, nut butter, maple syrup and vanilla. Use a whisk and mix well to incorporate all ingredients. You could also use a hand or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
To the wet ingredients, add in the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Combine well until all ingredients are well incorporated. The batter will be thick.
Stir in the chocolate chips, reserving 1/4 cup to add to the top of the brownies.
What pan do I bake brownies in?
For this banana brownies recipe, you’ll need an 8 x 8″ square pan.
Spread the batter into the bottom of the pan using a rubber scraper spatula. Top the batter with the reserved chocolate chips. Bake.
What healthy chocolate chips are the best?
These no sugar added chocolate chips are my top choices when trying to reduce refined sugar. They bake well and can now be found in most grocery stores.
- Lily’s Dark Chocolate Baking Chips
- Lily’s Semi Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips
- Lakanto Sugar Free Chocolate Chips
- Hu Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips – not pictured but a really delicious option!
I use and love these no sugar add chocolate chips in several recipes. Check out my Cookie Dough Protein Balls and Peanut Butter Protein Bars, which are both made with no sugar added chocolate chips.
What is the best way to cut brownies?
You might find out that cutting brownies with a regular knife is quite difficult. They often tear or the brownies stick to a metal knife.
The best tool for cutting brownies is a simple, disposable plastic knife. A plastic knife will create a clean cut without tearing the brownies.
Love these healthy banana brownies? Here are some of our other recipes that use ripe bananas:
- Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal
- Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Banana Protein Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- 4 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
- Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
- Purple Ribbon Banana Bread
If you loved this banana brownies recipe, check out some of our other recipe ideas:
Healthy Banana Brownies
Equipment
- 8 x 8 Pan This 8 x 8 non-stick square pan is ideal for any bars or brownie recipe!
- Mixing Bowls These stainless steel mixing bowls are an essential cooking tool for every kitchen.
- Rubber Scrapers These Cuisinart rubber scraper spatulas are fantastic for fillings, batters, and so much more!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter creamy
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour or oat flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup no sugar added chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8" square pan with non-stick spray. Set prepared pan aside.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas well. Add in the eggs, maple syrup, peanut butter and vanilla. Using a whisk or hand mixer, mix the ingredients so they are well blended and incorporated.
- To the wet ingredients add in the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Mix well to combine. Batter will be thick. Fold in with a rubber scraper 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips, reserving 1/4 cup for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading the batter evenly into the bottom of the pan. Top the batter with the reserved chocolate chips.
- Bake the brownies at 350 degrees for 22-24 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting into 9 squares. For best results, use a plastic knife to the the brownies.
Notes
Nutrition
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