These Peanut Butter Banana Brownies are a dessert DREAM! Made with all gluten-free ingredients and zero refined sugar. The trifecta of dessert and combo for banana bread, peanut butter cups and brownie lovers.
If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy brownies and love the classic flavor combination of peanut butter and banana, then this Peanut Butter Banana Brownie recipe is for you. These brownies bring together everything we crave in a dessert: gooey chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the subtle sweetness of ripe bananas. Not only are these brownies incredibly delicious, but they’re also gluten-free and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, making them a bit more wholesome.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of these heavenly brownies ready in no time. Let’s dive into what makes these peanut butter banana brownies so special!
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Banana Brownies:
- Perfectly Fudgy: These brownies are just the right amount of fudgy, with a slightly underbaked center that gives them that gooey texture.
- Gluten-Free and Refined Sugar-Free: Using gluten-free flour and coconut sugar makes these brownies suitable for gluten-sensitive folks and those avoiding refined sugar.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.
- Peanut Butter and Banana Heaven: The combination of peanut butter and banana gives these brownies a unique twist on classic chocolate brownies.
What ingredients you need to make these Peanut Butter Banana Brownies:
- Bananas – Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. Make sure they’re ripe for optimal flavor and texture.
- Unsalted butter – Melted butter helps create a rich, tender crumb in the brownies. You can use vegan butter if you want a dairy-free option.
- Creamy peanut butter – This adds the peanut butter flavor that pairs so well with banana and chocolate.
- Eggs – Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the brownies structure. You can try a flax egg substitute if you want to keep these brownies egg-free.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla brings out the sweetness and enhances the flavors in these brownies.
- Coconut sugar – Coconut sugar is a lower-glycemic sweetener that adds a delicious caramel-like taste.
- Gluten-free flour – Using gluten-free flour keeps these brownies suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Cacao powder – For that deep chocolate flavor, cacao powder is essential. It’s rich and naturally packed with antioxidants.
- Chocolate chips – Chocolate chips add pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies for extra indulgence.
How to make these Peanut Butter Banana Brownies:
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. With just one bowl and an 8×8 baking dish, you’ll be on your way to delicious, homemade brownies in just 30 minutes.
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and grease it lightly to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, peanut butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Add the gluten-free flour, cacao powder, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Gently mix until all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your brownies.
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Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter. This will add a touch of extra chocolate to each bite.
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Pour and Swirl: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. For an extra peanut butter touch, drizzle some additional peanut butter on top of the batter and use a knife to swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.
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Bake: Place the brownies in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly underbaked. This ensures a fudgy texture that brownie lovers crave!
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. Then, cut into squares and enjoy the rich, fudgy goodness.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Brownies:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
- Don’t Overbake: Brownies continue to cook as they cool, so it’s best to take them out of the oven when they’re slightly underdone in the middle.
- Add a Peanut Butter Swirl: For an extra peanut butter flavor, swirl some on top before baking. It not only looks beautiful but adds more creaminess to each bite.
- Customize Your Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet, or even peanut butter chips for added flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Use Regular Sugar Instead of Coconut Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar with granulated sugar or brown sugar. However, keep in mind that coconut sugar adds a unique flavor and is lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar.
Can I Make These Brownies Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply use vegan butter in place of regular butter to make these brownies dairy-free.
How Do I Store Peanut Butter Banana Brownies?
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. If you like your brownies warm and gooey, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying them.
Can I Freeze Peanut Butter Banana Brownies?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.
Why These Brownies Are a Healthier Option:
- Gluten-Free: Made with gluten-free flour, they’re ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or those simply looking to cut gluten out of their diet.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Using coconut sugar instead of refined sugar makes these brownies a bit healthier.
- High in Antioxidants: Cacao powder and chocolate chips contain antioxidants, which are known for their health benefits.
Peanut Butter Banana Brownies: The Ultimate Dessert for Any Occasion:
Whether it’s a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a treat-yourself moment, these peanut butter banana brownies will be a hit. They’re easy to make, customizable, and bursting with flavor. The combination of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate creates a unique dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Next time you’re in the mood for a brownie, try this recipe! These Peanut Butter Banana Brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth while offering a healthier twist on a classic dessert. Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite brownie recipe!
A few other delicious brownie recipes to try:
DELISH Banana Bread Brownies (gluten-free)
The BEST Gluten-free Brownie Recipe
Copycat Snickers Peanut Brownie Bars (gluten-free)
Brown Butter Brownies (gluten-free)
PrintPeanut Butter Banana Brownies
These Peanut Butter Banana Brownies are a dessert DREAM! Made with all gluten-free ingredients and zero refined sugar. The trifecta of dessert and combo for banana bread, peanut butter cups and brownie lovers.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 9 brownies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (can use vegan butter if needed)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup gluten-free flour
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line and grease an 8×8 baking dish
- In a large bowl, mix other mashed banana, butter, peanut butter, eggs, vanilla extract and coconut sugar
- Mix in the flour, cacao powder and baking powder and mix until combined
- Fold in chocolate chips and add batter to baking dish
- Drizzle extra peanut butter on top if you want and swirl with a knife
- Add to oven to bake for 22-25 minutes or until just set (I like brownies underbaked!)
- Allow the brownies to cool for a few then slice and enjoy!
Notes
*Store in airtight container for 3 days, fridge for 5 days or freezer for 2 months
Cari
I know this changes the “health benefits” of this recipe but can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao and, if so, at what ratio? It’s snowing too hard to go out and get it and these sound too good not to make NOW! LOL! Thanks!
Cari
Unsweetened cocoa, that is : )