Banana Bliss Brownies: A Decadent Treat with a Healthy Twist
Do you ever find yourself with an overripe banana and wonder what to do with it? Well, this recipe will transform that solitary banana into the star of a truly delightful dessert. Let’s dive into how to make these sumptuous Banana Bliss Brownies—a perfect blend of chocolaty goodness and subtle banana flavor, with a hint of healthy ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (180g)
- Olive Oil: 1/3 cup (60g)
- White Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (158g)
- Large Egg: 1, room temperature
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
- Overripe Banana (mashed): 1/3 cup (88g) (about 1 banana)
- Dutched Cocoa Powder: 2 Tbsp (10g)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (65g)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Baking Powder: 1/4 tsp
- Chopped Walnuts (optional): 2/3 cup (90g), divided
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch metal baking pan by spraying it with non-stick spray and lining it with parchment paper.
- Egg Preparation: Bring your egg to room temperature quicker by placing it in a glass of warm water for about 10 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate and Oil: In a small microwaveable bowl, combine chocolate chips and olive oil. Melt them in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
- Mix Egg and Sugar: In a stand mixer, whisk the egg and sugar on medium-high for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale and thick.
- Add Banana and Vanilla: Stir in the mashed banana and vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture. Then, add the melted chocolate mixture and stir until combined.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until no dry spots remain.
- Add Walnuts and Bake: If using walnuts, fold in 1/3 cup of them into the batter. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment paper edges and cut into squares.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving
- Servings: 9
These Banana Bliss Brownies offer a fantastic way to use up that last overripe banana while indulging in a treat that feels both decadent and slightly virtuous. The addition of olive oil instead of butter brings a lighter texture and a healthier fat, making these brownies a guilt-free pleasure. Enjoy them as a dessert, a snack, or even a special breakfast treat.
Banana Bliss Brownies
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 9 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Banana Bliss Brownies! Combining the rich flavors of semi-sweet chocolate and the natural sweetness of overripe bananas, these brownies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The addition of walnuts adds a satisfying crunch to every bite, making them the perfect balance of fudgy and nutty. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these brownies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. These brownies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Dive into the decadent world of banana-infused chocolate bliss and savor every mouthful!
Ingredients
1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup (60g) olive oil
3/4 cup (158g) white granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup (88g) mashed overripe banana (about 1 brown banana)
2 Tbsp (10g) Dutched cocoa powder
1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup (90g) chopped walnuts, divided (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare an 8×8″ metal baking pan with non-stick spray and parchment paper.
Bring your egg to room temperature by placing it in a glass of warm water for about 10 minutes.
In a small, microwaveable bowl, melt the chocolate chips and olive oil in 15-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth.
In a stand mixer, whisk the egg and sugar on medium-high for 3-4 minutes until pale and thick.
Stir in the mashed banana and vanilla extract, then the melted chocolate mixture until combined.
Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until no dry spots remain.
Fold in 1/3 cup of the chopped walnuts if using and transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Allow to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 290 kcal