Banana Chocolate Brownies
These fudgy, gooey vegan chocolate banana brownies are extra moist, healthy, and super tasty. Have these for dessert, a snack, or breakfast!
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I have a weakness for chocolate, and these vegan banana chocolate brownies are the perfect fix! They’re easy to make with simple ingredients, incredibly moist, and oh-so-chocolatey. This recipe is a breeze to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser.
I’m always looking for healthy ways to feed my cravings. These healthy chocolate brownies satisfy my sweet tooth in the healthiest way possible! They’re a cinch to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, so I can indulge without the guilt.
Reader Reviews
★★★★★
Michelle
These turned out so yummy!
★★★★★
Jenny
I came across this recipe and was so happy to make it. It was super delicious. Can’t wait to eat more tomorrow morning for breakfast.
Ingredients & Substitutions
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal. Look for brands labeled dairy-free (such as Enjoy Life) in the baking aisle. Use this dairy-free chocolate chips guide to find your favorites!
- Vegan butter: Many plant-based butters work well (Earth Balance, Miyoko’s Kitchen, Melt Organic). You can find these near regular butter in the refrigerated section. Substitute coconut oil.
- Bananas: Super-ripe bananas offer optimal sweetness and moisture. If yours aren’t quite ready, bake them at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until softened and blackened.
- Applesauce: Opt for unsweetened varieties found in the canned fruit or baking aisles.
- Whole wheat pastry flour: Provides a lighter texture. If you don’t have whole wheat pastry flour, substitute with all-purpose flour.
- Coconut sugar: Adds a touch of caramel sweetness. Brown sugar is a good substitute.
Note: Add 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter to make chocolate peanut butter banana brownies.
Watch How to Make These Brownies
How to Make Chocolate Banana Brownies
Get the instructions and ingredients in the recipe card below. Here’s how to make these healthy banana chocolate brownies:
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of vegan butter, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (for extra texture and nutrition), and ½ cup of sugar. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Check the mixture, and if the chocolate hasn’t fully melted, microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully combined. Tip: Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can burn quickly in the microwave.
- Add Bananas: Slice 2 ripe bananas and add them directly into the melted chocolate mixture. Using a fork, mash the bananas until they are mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for added texture. Stir in ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce. The bananas and applesauce will act as natural sweeteners and provide moisture, ensuring your brownies stay fudgy and soft.
- One bowl, Fewer Dishes: Add 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt directly on top of the banana mixture. Gently stir the dry ingredients together first, then slowly fold them into the wet mixture until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your brownies less tender.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into a prepared 8×8-inch baking pan, making sure to spread it evenly into the corners. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a knife or toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The brownies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them.
- Optional Chocolate Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, melt ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of almond milk in the microwave. Stir until smooth and drizzle this luscious chocolate topping over the cooled brownies. This step is totally optional, but it adds an extra layer of richness to these already decadent treats!
What Makes This Recipe Shine?
- Fudgy & Irresistible: Rich and chocolatey with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these brownies are a hit with everyone—vegan or not!
- Healthy: Made with bananas, chia seeds, and applesauce, these brownies are surprisingly healthy without skimping on flavor.
- Super Simple: One bowl, a handful of ingredients, and ready in under an hour—perfect for any level of baker!
Marly’s Tips
- Should you mash the bananas with a fork or with a food processor? I used a fork to achieve chunkier banana bits throughout the brownies. If you want the banana to be more processed, use a food processor.
- For extra richness, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
- Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- If you don’t have chia seeds, ground flaxseeds work just as well.
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More Brownies
If you love this banana chocolate brownie recipe, here are more tasty brownie recipes you’ll want to try:
Healthy Vegan Banana Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter (see note for alternatives)
- ¾ cup coconut sugar (see note)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (substitute ground flax seeds)
- 2 medium ripe Bananas
- ½ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (see note)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F/175°C. Use a 8×8" in pan for taller brownies or a 9×9" pan for smaller brownies. Spray a 9×9" square baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Optional: Line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Melt Chocolate: Place 1 cup of chocolate chips, vegan butter, chia seeds, and sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. If the chocolate chips are not melted, cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir to combine.
- Add Bananas: Slice the ripe bananas and add slices to the bowl with the chocolate. Use a fork and mash the banana slices. Add the applesauce and stir.
- One bowl: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt on top of the banana mixture. Stir the flour mixture together, slowly mixing in the chocolate mixture
- Separate bowl: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine. Pour the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour and Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a butter knife or toothpick inserted in the middle, comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Optional Chocolate Topping: Combine 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons almond milk. Heat in the microwave until melted. Stir to combine. Drizzle over brownies.
- Storage: Store banana brownies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze the bars. Place them on a tray and place that in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Store in the freezer up to two months.
Recommended Equipment
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Video
Notes
- Use all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour
- Combine 1/2 cup all-purpose with 1/2 cup whole wheat for a DIY whole wheat pastry flour.
- You can use brown sugar, granulated sugar, or even 1/2 cup of agave nectar in place of the coconut sugar.
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
This post was originally published in 2019 and was updated to include new photos, new text, and an updated recipe in 2024.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Marly McMillen. I’m the founding editor, author, recipe developer, vegan home chef, and food stylist behind Namely Marly. I’m so grateful to you and every member of my audience for your support and dedication. More about Namely Marly ›
16 Responses to Banana Chocolate Brownies
Rate / Comment
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Had 2 very ripe bananas and finally decided to make these. Was out of almond butter; used peanut butter instead with great success. That’s the only change I made to this recipe. These are so darn good….guaranteed to cure whatever ails ya! Only downside is trying not to eat the whole pan……..gonna save the rest for Valentines Day
Thanks again, Marly!
Hi Kat! I’m so glad you liked these brownies. And I’m always for peanut butter with chocolate and bananas. It’s seriously my favorite flavor combination.
Hi I see on the recipe you say to add apple sauce and water and set aside, when do I add these to the batter?
Hi Lisa. The applesauce and water are added to the chocolate mixture and then that is added to the flour mixture.
I made these but used an egg instead of chia seeds and no sugar and they are delicious. I added some nuts (because, why not?) too, and used dark chocolate. They are not too sweet and super moist and brownie-like. Hopefully the banana smell will fade & my daughter will try them…
So glad you like them Jessica. I hope your daughter will like them too!
Thank you very much for the recipe, it was delicious I only added 1/4 cup sugar and it was sweet enough! Next time I will add even less, there will be a next time :).
I’m so glad you liked this recipe, Lu!
These turned out so yummy! I actually just used dark chocolate chips, coconut oil, AP flour, and cane sugar. I eliminated the applesauce because I didn’t have any at home. Although they turned out yummy, it was more cakey than dense/thick brownies. Suggestions on how to make them more brownie-like?
Hi Michelle. So glad you liked this recipe! The applesauce will add the moisture to the recipe that will transform them from cake-like to brownie-like. But if you don’t have applesauce, you could try reducing the AP flour by 1/4 – 1/2 cup. Hope this helps.
I was looking for a brownie recipe that I could make with items I had on hand! I came across this recipe and was so happy to make it. It was super delicious. Can’t wait to eat more tomorrow morning for breakfast 😉
Hi Jenny! We are in the same boat and also making do with the ingredients we have on hand. I’m so glad you liked these brownies! I agree, they’re great for breakfast too! Sending you a virtual elbow bump. 🙂
Thank you for that recipe which was awesome! Didn’t use any applesauce and replaced the butter by canola oil and that is perfect!
Thanks, Célia! I’m so glad you liked this recipe! It’s good to have a healthy brownie every now and then. I like your tweaks too!
This banana brownies look so like something I could make. Delicious!
I tried this today, changing some things (as always) : I put 1 more banana and no applesauce, and I didn’t put vegan butter beacuse I try to avoid wastes and oil. 😉
But it was sooooo good ! And I think it can be even better with some nuts, cashews, almonds or hazelnut into ! *-* <3