Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the butter completely. Transfer the melted butter to a large mixing bowl, whisk in the granulated sugar until combined, and then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla powder.
- Step 3: Stir the mashed bananas into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix at this stage; the mixture may look slightly lumpy due to the bananas.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just a few streaks of flour remain to ensure a dense, fudgy texture.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Step 6: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting them into squares.
Notes
- For maximum freshness, store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week if you prefer a firmer texture.
- If you enjoy a molten chocolate center, microwave individual squares for 10 to 15 seconds; the gentle heat revives the fudgy texture and enhances the banana flavor.
- Elevate the dessert experience by serving these warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
- The ripeness of the bananas is key for flavor—use spotty, overripe fruit—and remember to let the brownies cool completely before cutting to achieve that perfect dense, fudgy structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American