Looking for a sweet treat that satisfies your cravings without the guilt? These Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies are the answer! They’re the perfect balance of rich, fudgy brownies with the creamy goodness of peanut butter, all while sneaking in the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Trust me, you’re going to love these! They’re quick to make, super satisfying, and a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Why You’ll Love Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re indulging in a late-night snack or bringing a batch to your next gathering, these brownies are the ultimate feel-good treat. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or just trying to cut back on sugar, these brownies can be customized to fit your dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients you likely already have at home, these brownies are easy on the wallet, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create these decadent brownies. They come together in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute sweet craving.
Customizable: Want to make them a little extra? You can add some chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Crowd-Pleasing: These brownies are sure to impress your friends and family! They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor, making them a hit with everyone—kids and adults alike.
Ingredients in Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies
Here’s the magic of these brownies—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create this irresistible treat. Let’s break it down:
Ripe Bananas: The natural sweetness of bananas shines through in this recipe, adding moisture and flavor while keeping things light and healthy.
Peanut Butter: A generous amount of creamy peanut butter not only gives these brownies that rich flavor, but it also brings in some healthy fats and protein.
Cocoa Powder: This gives the brownies their deep, chocolaty taste without any added sugar. A must-have for that perfect brownie texture!
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the brownies that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Baking Powder: A little lift to make the brownies fluffy and soft, without being overly cakey.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness, perfect for balancing out the banana and cocoa flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these fudgy masterpieces:
Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your brownies that perfect chewy texture.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter, eggs, and honey (or maple syrup), and whisk until everything is well combined. Then, sift in the cocoa powder and baking powder, mixing until just combined. This step is where the magic happens—smooth and creamy with a rich chocolate aroma!
Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a bit of coconut oil or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Assemble the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. You can also swirl in some extra peanut butter on top for a marbled effect if you’re feeling fancy.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You want these brownies to be just firm enough on the outside but still soft and gooey on the inside. Don’t overbake!
Finishing Touches:
Remove from the oven and let them cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the flavors to settle and makes cutting easier.
Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into squares and enjoy! These brownies are perfect on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 9 Calories per serving: 160
(Note: Nutritional info may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies
These brownies are a treat on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of sides and accompaniments:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair them with a cup of hot tea or coffee for the ultimate afternoon snack.
- Crumble a brownie over a bowl of yogurt for a fun breakfast or dessert.
Additional Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas bring more sweetness and moisture, which helps make the brownies more fudgy.
- Customize the Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
FAQ’s
- Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter? Yes! You can easily swap peanut butter for almond butter or any nut butter you prefer.
- Can I use a sugar substitute? Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit if you’re looking to cut down on sugar.
- Are these brownies gluten-free? Absolutely! These brownies are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Can I freeze these brownies? Yes, you can freeze these brownies for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the batter? Definitely! Adding chocolate chips will make these brownies even more indulgent.
- How do I know when the brownies are done? Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs), they’re done!
- Can I use maple syrup instead of honey? Yes, you can easily substitute maple syrup for honey in this recipe.
- Do I have to use cocoa powder? Cocoa powder is what gives these brownies their chocolatey flavor. However, you can try substituting it with carob powder if you prefer.
- Can I make these brownies vegan? Yes! Simply substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use maple syrup as the sweetener.
- How do I store these brownies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Conclusion
These Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy goodness and natural sweetness. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Total Time: 35min
- Yield: 9servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies are a delicious, guilt-free treat made with just three ingredients: ripe bananas, unsweetened cocoa powder, and creamy peanut butter. They’re gluten-free, vegan, and free of refined sugar, making them a perfect option for a wholesome snack or dessert.
Ingredients
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup (120g) natural creamy peanut butter
– 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.
4. Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and stir until the batter is smooth and uniform.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
7. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
– For softer, fudgier brownies, bake for 18-20 minutes. For firmer brownies, bake for 25 minutes.
– Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They taste great cold!
– Ensure bananas are ripe with brown spots for optimal sweetness and moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1brownie
- Calories: 141kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg