If you have a sweet tooth and love the irresistible combination of rich chocolate with fresh fruit, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies Recipe. Imagine fudgy, dense brownies with the natural sweetness and creaminess of ripe bananas just beneath a glossy, decadent chocolate coating. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures from the moist brownie base, the soft banana slices, and the satisfying crunch from optional nuts or sprinkles on top. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of ingredients that come together to create something truly unforgettable and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each one plays a crucial role in making these brownies so luscious, flavorful, and visually appealing. From the luscious cocoa that gives the brownie that deep chocolate flavor, to the ripe bananas ensuring moisture and sweetness, every component is essential for this treat’s success.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for rich, buttery flavor and tender texture in the brownies.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to balance the cocoa.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture to make the brownies just right.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the brownies their deeply chocolaty taste and color.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure without making the brownies too dense.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens the chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder: Gives a slight lift for a tender crumb.
- Ripe bananas: Sliced lengthwise to add natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted to create the irresistible chocolate coating.
- Coconut oil or butter: Keeps the melted chocolate smooth and glossy for easy spreading.
- Crushed peanuts or walnuts: Offer a delightful crunch and nutty contrast (optional).
- Sea salt flakes: Enhance all the flavors with a subtle salty kick.
- Chocolate drizzle and sprinkles: For extra flair and fun, totally optional but highly recommended.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Get things started by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This makes lifting your brownies out a breeze later on, and no one wants to struggle after baking such a special treat!
Step 2: Make Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything looks glossy and smooth. This is where the magic begins. Then sift in your cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – tough brownies are no fun!
Step 3: Bake Brownies
Pour this luscious batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick that comes out with moist crumbs but not liquid batter. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This waiting is worth it, trust me.
Step 4: Add Banana Layer
Once cooled, gently place the banana slices side by side over the top of your brownies, pressing the fruit gently into the surface. The bananas add so much natural sweetness and creamy texture, turning the brownies into an extraordinary flavor experience.
Step 5: Make Chocolate Coating
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter in a small saucepan or microwave, stirring until you have a smooth, glossy chocolate sauce. Pour this over the bananas, spreading it evenly to cover everything in that irresistibly shiny chocolate cloak.
Step 6: Add Toppings (Optional)
While the chocolate coating is still soft, sprinkle your crushed nuts, sea salt flakes, or fun sprinkles on top. These add delightful crunch, contrast, and even a pop of color that turns your brownies into a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth.
Step 7: Chill
Pop the whole pan into the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. This step is crucial because it lets the chocolate set perfectly, giving you those clean chocolate-covered bananas that stay in place when sliced.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Use the parchment paper’s overhang to lift your brownies from the pan. Then, with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts, slice into squares. This method guarantees beautiful, clean edges every time – presentation matters, especially for a dessert this beautiful!
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving game, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate on each brownie square. A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each piece will also create a stunning sweet-salty contrast that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. Fresh berries also complement the deep chocolate and banana flavors wonderfully, adding a refreshing, tangy note.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, arrange the brownies in a pretty box layered with parchment paper, sprinkle some edible gold dust for sparkle, or serve them on a rustic wooden board paired with colorful napkins. Personalizing the toppings—like adding chili flakes for heat or shredded coconut for tropical vibes—makes this birthday or holiday treat even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies a little warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds per piece. This softens the chocolate just enough without melting it completely, preserving the texture and flavors you love.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect since they are sweeter and softer, which adds natural moisture and sweetness to the brownies, enhancing their flavor beautifully.
What if I don’t have coconut oil for the chocolate coating?
You can easily substitute coconut oil with butter or even a small amount of vegetable oil. These fats help to keep the melted chocolate smooth and shiny, making spreading easier.
Can these brownies be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend of equal quantity. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, a dairy-free butter substitute, and vegan chocolate chips. The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but the result will still be delicious!
Can I add other toppings besides nuts and sprinkles?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with shredded coconut, crushed candy, sea salt, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. These brownies are a fantastic canvas for all kinds of toppings.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies Recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t combine these flavors sooner. It’s a crowd-pleasing, show-stopping dessert that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just because, this recipe will bring smiles and happy sighs all around. Give it a go and enjoy every rich, chocolatey, banana-filled bite!
Print
Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies are a decadent treat featuring a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with fresh banana slices and a luscious chocolate coating. Enhanced with optional crunchy nuts, sea salt flakes, and colorful sprinkles, these brownies combine the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Banana Layer
- 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced lengthwise
Chocolate Coating
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter
Toppings (Optional)
- Crushed peanuts or walnuts
- Sea salt flakes
- Chocolate drizzle
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift out the brownies later.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Gradually add cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
- Add Banana Layer: Once cooled, evenly arrange the sliced bananas lengthwise over the surface of the brownies. Press the banana slices gently into the brownie so they adhere well.
- Make Chocolate Coating: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the coconut oil or butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
- Pour Chocolate Over Bananas: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the banana slices, spreading gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon to cover all the bananas.
- Add Toppings (Optional): While the chocolate topping is still soft, sprinkle crushed peanuts or walnuts, sea salt flakes, chocolate drizzle, and/or sprinkles over the surface to add texture and flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the brownies for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the chocolate topping is fully set and firm to the touch.
- Slice and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies from the pan and place on a cutting board. Slice into 16 to 20 squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Press the banana slices gently into the brownie surface to help them stick before adding chocolate.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with coconut oil and ensure chocolate chips are vegan.
- Store brownies in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate topping firm.
- Customize toppings to your preference or leave plain for a classic taste.
