If you’re craving a rich, chocolaty treat that won’t weigh you down or leave you feeling guilty, this Healthy Flourless Banana Cocoa Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. Blending naturally sweet ripe bananas with creamy almond butter and deep cacao powder, these brownies deliver incredible flavor and a fudgy texture without a single grain of flour in sight. They’re moist, tender, and just sweet enough, making them the perfect wholesome indulgence whenever your chocolate cravings strike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple yet pack a big flavor punch and satisfying texture. Each element plays a vital role—from the natural sweetness and moisture of bananas to the nutty richness of almond butter—resulting in a brownie that tastes indulgent but is nourishing.
- Ripe bananas: Four ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, allowing us to skip added sugar and conventional flour.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together and adds a little richness.
- Unsweetened creamy almond butter: Offers healthy fats and a luscious creaminess that makes these brownies wonderfully soft.
- Cacao powder: Deeply chocolatey with a slightly bitter edge that balances the sweetness and gives brownies their signature flavor.
- Pinch of sea salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and brings out the best in every other ingredient.
How to Make Healthy Flourless Banana Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, line an 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your brownies come out effortlessly once baked. This small prep step makes all the difference when it’s time to slice and serve.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until creamy but feel free to leave some lumps if you prefer a bit more texture. The bananas are the natural sweetener and moisture base, so getting a smooth consistency here helps the batter come together perfectly.
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Almond Butter
Whisk the egg separately, then whisk it along with the creamy almond butter into your mashed bananas. Stir this mixture thoroughly until very well combined. The almond butter’s richness adds depth and a fudgy bite that makes these brownies special.
Step 4: Add in Cacao Powder and Salt
Adding the cacao powder takes a little elbow grease since it doesn’t immediately want to blend, but keep stirring until the batter looks chocolatey and uniform. The pinch of sea salt at this stage boosts the chocolate flavor and rounds out the taste beautifully.
Step 5: Bake Your Brownies
Transfer the batter evenly into your parchment-lined pan, smoothing out the surface for consistent baking. Bake on the center rack for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the brownies feel firm but not dry when you gently poke the center.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Patience is key here—let your brownies cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling step allows them to set firmly, giving you clean, neat squares and the perfect texture with every bite.
How to Serve Healthy Flourless Banana Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
While these brownies are delicious on their own, a simple garnish can elevate the experience. Try topping them with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for crunch, a dusting of extra cacao powder for drama, or a light drizzle of natural nut butter to amp up the indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast or a scoop of creamy coconut yogurt or vanilla ice cream to add a cool, silky touch that balances the fudgy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a dessert platter alongside fresh fruits and nuts. Alternatively, layer chunks of the brownies with Greek yogurt and berries in a glass for a parfait style treat that’s both pretty and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Store them in the fridge if your kitchen tends to be warm; this helps maintain their fudgy texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Healthy Flourless Banana Cocoa Brownies Recipe later, they freeze well. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked feel, reheat brownies in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This will revive the softness and highlight the chocolatey aroma.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters instead of almond butter?
Absolutely! Cashew butter or peanut butter can work well as substitutes, though they will slightly change the flavor profile. Just use creamy, unsweetened varieties for best results.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! This Healthy Flourless Banana Cocoa Brownies Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses no flour at all, making it a perfect treat for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and ensure your almond butter contains no dairy.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots are ideal because they’re sweeter and softer, which helps with the texture and sweetness of the brownies without adding extra sugar.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Definitely! Stirring in a handful of dark chocolate chips before baking will add delightful melty pockets of chocolate throughout your brownies—just wait to add them until after mixing the batter thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Flourless Banana Cocoa Brownies Recipe really are a game-changer when you want a treat that satisfies your chocolate cravings without any guilt. They’re easy to throw together, nourishing, and utterly delicious with a fudgy texture you’ll keep coming back for. So go ahead—bake a batch today and share this little slice of happiness with your loved ones. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your favorite wholesome brownie recipe too!
PrintHealthy Flourless Banana Cocoa Brownies Recipe
These healthy flourless brownies are a delicious and nutritious treat made with ripe bananas, almond butter, and cacao powder. Naturally sweetened and gluten-free, they offer a rich chocolate flavor without any added flour, making them perfect for those seeking a wholesome dessert option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 4 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened creamy almond butter
- 1/2 cup cacao powder
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line an 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until creamy but you may leave some chunks if desired. Whisk in the egg and almond butter until thoroughly combined to create a smooth batter base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the cacao powder and sea salt, using some elbow grease to incorporate the cocoa evenly until the batter is rich and uniform in color.
- Prepare to Bake: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check by gently poking the center—the brownies should feel firm but moist when done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool for at least 30 minutes to set properly before slicing into 12 servings and serving.
Notes
- Using ripe bananas is essential for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overbake; brownies should be firm but still moist inside.
- The cacao powder may be stubborn to mix in; be patient to get a well-combined batter.
- Cooling the brownies before slicing ensures clean cuts and better texture.
- These brownies are gluten-free and suitable for a gluten-free diet.
