Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

The Best Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe Ever

Whipping up delectable healthy banana peanut butter brownies can turn an ordinary afternoon into a delightful culinary adventure.

Rich cocoa meets sweet bananas in this guilt-free treat that promises pure satisfaction.

Moist and decadent, these brownies redefine indulgence without compromising nutritional balance.

Packed with natural ingredients, this recipe proves you can enjoy something scrumptious while nourishing your body.

Creamy peanut butter adds depth and protein, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and nutrition, making these brownies an irresistible snack or dessert.

Grab your mixing bowl and let passion guide you toward creating something truly extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of these incredible brownies.

FAQs

  • Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe doesn’t include wheat flour, making them naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free cocoa powder.

  • Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work great as substitutes with similar texture and nutritional benefits.

  • How do I know the brownies are done baking?

Look for set edges and a toothpick that comes out slightly moist in the center – this ensures fudgy, moist brownies without overcooking.

  • Are these brownies considered healthy?

Yes, they’re healthier than traditional brownies, using natural sweeteners like honey, nutrient-rich bananas, and protein-packed peanut butter instead of refined ingredients.

Why Banana Peanut Butter Brownies Work

  • Craft Nutritious Dessert: Packed with wholesome ingredients like bananas, peanut butter, and dark chocolate chips, these brownies transform a classic treat into a healthier option without sacrificing rich, decadent flavors.
  • Simplify Baking Process: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe perfect for novice bakers or busy individuals wanting a quick sweet solution with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Customize Flavor Combinations: Flexible recipe allows easy substitutions like maple syrup instead of honey, different chocolate types, or optional mix-ins to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Quick Satisfying Treat: Ready in under half an hour from start to finish, these brownies provide a speedy solution for sudden dessert cravings or unexpected guests, delivering delicious results with minimal preparation time.

Inside Healthy Peanut Butter Brownies

Core Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies their deep chocolate taste.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the brownie ingredients.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Honey, Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that add depth of flavor and moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the brownies.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder, Salt: Helps the brownies rise and balances the sweetness.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Optional ingredient that adds extra chocolate chunks and richness.

How to Bake These Healthy Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Banana Base

Grab ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly in a mixing bowl until completely smooth and creamy with no large chunks.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Combine the mashed bananas with:
  • Peanut butter
  • Honey (or maple syrup)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Egg

Whisk all ingredients together until perfectly blended and uniform in texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Components

Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Stir until a rich, smooth batter forms with no visible powder streaks.

Step 5: Optional Chocolate Enhancement

If desired, gently fold dark chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 6: Transfer and Spread

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring consistent thickness across the pan.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The brownies are ready when edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly moist.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out the parchment paper and slice into delectable squares.

Enjoy your healthy treat!

Tips for Better Banana Brownie Texture

  • Use overripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and smoother texture in your brownies.
  • Check brownies at 20 minutes to prevent overbaking, ensuring a fudgy and moist center.
  • Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Add a scoop of protein powder to increase protein content without compromising the brownie's rich taste.
  • Substitute cocoa powder with gluten-free cocoa to make these brownies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Ideas to Vary Your Healthy Brownies

  • Vegan Nutty Brownie Bliss: Replace egg with flax egg or mashed chia seeds, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and swap honey with agave nectar for a completely plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Substitute cocoa powder with gluten-free cocoa and add almond flour to maintain texture and create a celiac-friendly treat.
  • Low-Carb Protein Power: Use sugar-free sweetener instead of honey, replace banana with zucchini puree, and incorporate sugar-free protein powder for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor profile while keeping the recipe's core ingredients intact.

What Matches Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Blend a smooth vanilla milkshake with a splash of honey to complement the rich, nutty flavors of the banana peanut butter brownies. The cool, sweet drink balances the dense chocolate texture perfectly.
  • Serve a small shot of dark roast espresso alongside the brownies. The intense coffee notes enhance the chocolate and peanut butter, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that awakens the taste buds.
  • Pour chilled almond milk with a light dusting of ground cinnamon next to the brownies. This dairy-free option provides a subtle warmth and nuttiness that harmonizes with the dessert's wholesome ingredients.

Store Healthy Brownies the Smart Way

  • Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
  • Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm treat.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a crispy edge, use a toaster oven at 150°C (300°F) for 2-3 minutes.
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Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Sinful banana peanut butter brownies merge wholesome ingredients with irresistible chocolate charm. Rich, fudgy squares deliver pure bliss without guilt, letting you savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
  • 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (45 grams) dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 175°C (350°F) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
  2. Thoroughly mash ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency without any large lumps.
  3. Incorporate peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and egg into the mashed bananas, whisking vigorously until the mixture becomes uniform and well-blended.
  4. Gradually sift cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a rich, glossy batter without overmixing.
  5. If desired, gently fold dark chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it smoothly and create an even surface.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly moist center when tested with a toothpick.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into square portions for serving.

Notes

  • Swap honey with agave nectar or date syrup for a vegan-friendly version of these brownies.
  • Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder to keep the sugar content low and enhance the rich chocolate flavor.
  • For extra protein and texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top before baking.
  • Ensure ripe bananas are used for maximum natural sweetness and moisture in the brownies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 174 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 87 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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