Healthy Banana Brownies are the perfect treat for anyone craving something sweet yet nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert or a wholesome snack, these brownies deliver rich chocolate flavor while packing in the goodness of bananas, oats, and even some fruits and nuts. Plus, they are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s jump right into the recipe!
What Goes into These Banana Brownies
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful Healthy Banana Brownies:
- 2 ripe bananas (approximately 200g/7 oz)
- 2 tablespoons raisins (20g/0.7 oz)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (15g/0.5 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (5g/0.17 oz)
- 1 cup oat flakes (90g/3.2 oz)
- 5 tablespoons plain yogurt or sour cream (75g/2.6 oz)
- 1 apple, grated (120g/4.2 oz)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds (10g/0.35 oz)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (20g/0.7 oz)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3g/0.1 oz)
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil for greasing
- 80g (2.8 oz) sugar-free dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoons hot milk (45ml/1.5 fl oz)
- Additional chopped walnuts for decoration
Cooking Healthy Banana Brownies: Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to create your batch of Healthy Banana Brownies:
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Prepare the Raisins: Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to plump up, then drain.
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Toast the Oat Flakes: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the oat flakes until they are golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently. Let them cool slightly.
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Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth with minimal lumps.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs to the mashed bananas and whisk them well. Stir in the yogurt or sour cream until everything is combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift in the cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well incorporated.
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Fold in the Goodies: Gently fold in the toasted oats, grated apple, drained raisins, pumpkin seeds, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a square baking dish (approximately 8×8 inches) with a little olive oil.
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Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
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Cool and Top: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before adding the topping.
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Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Break the sugar-free dark chocolate into pieces and place them in a bowl. Pour hot milk over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
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Finish the Brownies: Pour the chocolate mixture over the warm brownies, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Serve & Enjoy Banana Brownies
These Healthy Banana Brownies are delightful on their own, but there are so many ways to make them even more enjoyable! Serve warm, topped with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a comforting dessert. Pair them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or a steaming cup of herbal tea for an afternoon treat that feels indulgent but remains wholesome.
Expert Tips for Healthy Banana Brownies
- Storage: Keep these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage!
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to swap the walnuts for almonds or pecans, or experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a flavor twist.
- Nut-Free Version: If you’re avoiding nuts, you can simply omit them or replace the walnuts with extra pumpkin seeds.
Healthy Banana Brownies FAQs
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! You could try using pears or even shredded zucchini for a different flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of yogurt?
If you prefer, you can use applesauce or any plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.
These Healthy Banana Brownies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt. Try making them this week and enjoy a wholesome treat that everyone will love! Happy baking!