Description
These Fudgy Banana Brownies combine rich dark chocolate and ripe banana puree for a moist, indulgent treat. Infused with espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes and a touch of vanilla, these brownies are perfectly fudgy and soft, making them an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz dark chocolate (60% or more)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 large banana)
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp espresso powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the brownies.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and dark chocolate. Melt them completely either in the microwave using short bursts, stirring frequently, or over a Bain Marie (double boiler) until smooth.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar vigorously for about 3 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and slightly doubled in volume, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Combine Wet Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture. Sift in the Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Add the vanilla extract, mashed banana puree, kosher salt, and espresso powder, mixing gently to combine.
- Add Flour and Fold Batter: Sift the all-purpose flour over the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, fold the mixture carefully until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared parchment-lined pan and smooth the surface with an offset spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. To ensure fudgy brownies, avoid overbaking; the center should remain slightly soft.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow them to set and prevent crumbling. For an extra touch, top each slice with a banana slice before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas as they add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overbake to maintain the fudgy texture.
- Espresso powder intensifies chocolate flavor but is optional.
- Make sure to cool completely before slicing.
- For a gluten-free alternative, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
