Banana Brownies

Banana Brownies

Introduction

Banana brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies. They combine the rich, fudgy flavors of chocolate brownies with the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas. This recipe is perfect for those who love chocolate and want to use up ripe bananas in a delicious way. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, dessert, or a treat for a gathering, banana brownies are sure to please everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

Making banana brownies is a great choice for many reasons. First, they are easy to prepare, requiring no special skills or complicated techniques. Second, they are a fantastic way to use overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Third, the combination of dark chocolate and bananas creates a rich taste that is hard to resist. Lastly, these brownies are also a little healthier than regular brownies, thanks to the fruit, making them a guilt-free indulgence!

How to Make Banana Brownies

Making banana brownies is simple and fun. Follow these easy steps to create a batch full of flavor:

Ingredients:

• 3 bananas
• 300 g dark chocolate
• 250 g butter
• 3 eggs (size M)
• 250 g sugar
• 50 ml neutral oil (e.g., sunflower oil)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 200 g all-purpose flour (type 405)
• 30 g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• A bit of butter for greasing the pan
• A bit of flour for dusting the pan

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (160 degrees with fan). Grease a baking dish (20 cm x 23 cm) with some butter and dust with flour. Peel the bananas and mash them with a fork until smooth.
2. Finely chop the dark chocolate and melt it with the butter in a metal bowl over a hot water bath. Whip the eggs and sugar until foamy, then mix in the melted chocolate mixture and the oil. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, then sift it into the banana mixture. Briefly mix, then pour into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
4. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Let them cool for at least 2 hours after baking. The recipe yields about 12 banana chocolate brownies. Stored airtight at room temperature, they will keep for at least 3 days.

How to Serve Banana Brownies

Banana brownies can be served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat. Dusting them with powdered sugar or serving with whipped cream can also elevate their appearance and taste. They are great for parties, lunchboxes, or an afternoon snack.

How to Store Banana Brownies

To keep your banana brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for about 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Banana Brownies

• Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor and sweetness. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour; a brief mix will ensure your brownies remain fudgy.
• For an extra touch, add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.

Variation

If you want to try something different, you can add ingredients such as chopped walnuts or caramel swirls. You can also experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a different taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I use less sugar in the recipe?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar, especially since the bananas provide natural sweetness. Start by cutting it down by a quarter and adjust to your taste.

Q: How do I know when the brownies are done?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it comes out wet with batter, they need more time.

Q: Can you use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash them before adding to the batter.