These super gooey healthy banana brownies are rich, decadent, and made with good-for-you ingredients like avocado, almond flour, and bananas. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and made without oil or butter!
Fudgy avocado banana brownies
It sounds weird, I know, but adding avocado to your brownies instead of oil or butter is a game changer. This banana brownies recipe is so gooey and fudgy that you cannot tell they are healthy or made with good-for-you ingredients like avocado, almond flour, banana, coconut sugar, and an egg. Plus, the avocado and almond flour makes them 100% dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and grain-free!
I promise you cannot taste the avocado – not even a little. These brownies are rich, chocolaty, and taste like the real thing.
I love that these dairy-free brownies are easy to make without butter or oil; instead, we use avocado. They’re also gluten-free and paleo since the ingredients are clean and healthy. It’s shocking how good these brownies are!
My friends beg me to make this recipe all the time – that’s how good it is. Seriously, I didn’t tell them the ingredients until after they tried them, and everyone was shocked that the two main ingredients were avocado and bananas. I cannot wait to hear what you think!
Why you’ll love this healthy dessert recipe:
- These banana avocado brownies are gooey and decadent.
- Extra fudgy and rich.
- No butter and no oil.
- Gooey dairy-free brownies.
- You cannot taste the avocado.
- They’re made with healthy ingredients.
- They’re gluten-free, paleo, and grain-free.
- Perfect healthy dessert recipe.
- Made with almond flour.
- They are nut-free and kids will love them.
- It is IMPOSSIBLE to tell they are healthy.
- Try these oat flour brownies or these flourless brownies next!
The taste and texture
These healthy avocado banana brownies are rich, chocolatey, and gooey. The primary flavor comes from cocoa powder and bananas. They taste like a mix between banana bread and chocolate brownies. You cannot taste the avocado.
Once baked, the brownies are incredibly gooey and fudgy with crinkle edges. They are not dry or dense. They are also very gooey and made without butter or oil.
Ingredients needed & substitutions
These healthy banana brownies call for a handful of simple and healthier baking ingredients. You need almond flour, an egg, coconut sugar, bananas, an avocado, cocoa powder, and a few other baking ingredients. You probably have everything in your pantry already. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Bananas: Grab over-ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for extra sweetness.
- Avocado: You need 1 ripe medium-sized avocado for these dairy-free brownies. It replaces the need for oil and butter since avocados are rich in healthy fats.
- Egg: For protein, but also to hold the brownies together as they bake.
- Maple Syrup: For a little sweetness, but maple syrup also gives these brownies gooey centers.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash goes a long way flavor-wise.
- Coconut Sugar: These healthy brownies are refined sugar-free and sweetened with natural coconut sugar.
- Almond Flour: I love baking with almond flour. It is healthy, gluten-free, and higher in natural fats, which makes baked goods extra buttery without butter!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This flavors the brownies and makes them extra chocolatey. Make sure to use a high-quality cocoa powder brand for the best chocolate flavor!
- Baking Soda: This is not the same as baking powder. Baking soda
- Chocolate Chips: Optional, but I love adding chocolate chips to my brownies.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make these easy avocado banana brownies.
- Food Processor
- Spatula
- 8×8″ Baking Tin
- Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, and 1/2 cup.
How to make healthy avocado banana brownies
Healthy banana avocado brownies are super easy to make in a few simple steps. They are gooey, rich, and have the fugiest middles. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level baker can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are in the recipe card’s bottom of this page.
Step 1:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease and line an 8×8-inch baking tin with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Then, break up the bananas into small pieces and add them to a food processor. Then add the rest of the ingredients, excluding the chocolate chips. Blend until completely smooth and silky.
Step 3:
After that, remove the blade and fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
Step 4:
Next, evenly pour and spread the brownie batter into the lined baking tin and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
Step 5:
Finally, bake for 25 – 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the avocado brownies completely before cutting, and enjoy!
Expert baking tips for avocado banana brownies
- Use high-quality cocoa powder. This is my #1 baking tip for this recipe, especially these fudgy banana avocado brownies. Make sure to use a high-quality cocoa powder like Ghirardelli for the best-tasting, rich, chocolatey brownies. If you use a poor-quality brand like Trader Joe’s or Hersey’s, your brownies will lack the chocolate flavor and can be chalky.
- Use super-fine almond flour, not almond meal. This is my #2 baking trip for healthy avocado banana brownies! Do not use almond meal, it will result in crumbly and grainy brownies.
- Let them cool before cutting! This is my #3 baking tip for these healthy banana avocado brownies. They need time to cool and solidify. If you don’t wait, they will crumble and fall apart.
- Spoon and level the flour and cocoa powder. Don’t scoop the flour straight out of the bag because you’ll pack it down, add too much, and your brownies will be dry. Spooning and leveling ensures that you don’t add too much flour to the brownie batter.
- Break up the banana chunks by hand before adding them to the food processor. This ensures the batter blends evenly and there aren’t banana chunks in the batter.
- Make sure your baking soda is NOT expired. Check the expiration date on your baking soda! If your baking powder is expired or has been open for more than six months, your brownies will sink. To avoid this problem, I always write the date I opened a new container on the box.
- Don’t substitute the almond flour. Almond flour is high in fat and super fine; it is essential in this oil-free and butter-free brownies recipe. Try another recipe like these oat flour brownies, strawberry brownies, or these flourless brownies. These dairy-free brownies will not work with other flours.
Why these avocado banana brownies are healthy:
These oil-free, butter-free, and gluten-free avocado banana brownies are healthy for many reasons; here are a few:
- No Oil. These dairy-free brownies are fudgy and gooey without oil. We use avocado instead.
- No Butter. There is no butter in these gooey banana brownies. The avocado and almond flour replace it.
- No Refined Sugar. These healthy banana avocado brownies are sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup. There are no refined sugars!
- Gluten-Free. We use almond flour instead of regular flour.
- Dairy-Free. There is no milk or butter!
Recipe variations & mix-ins
The sky is the limit with these healthy brownies; here is a list of my favorite recipe variations and mix-ins:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Almonds (chopped or slivered)
- Peanuts (chopped)
- Walnuts (chopped)
- Cashews (chopped)
- White chocolate chips
- Rainbow sprinkles
- 2 tbsp of peanut butter instead of maple syrup (flavors the brownies)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of flour?
No, do not substitute the almond flour with coconut flour, regular flour, oat flour, or gluten-free flour. The brownies will not turn out the same.
Can I make them vegan?
I have not tested this recipe without eggs; however, you should be able to easily substitute the egg for a vegan egg (1 flax egg).
What is the best substitute for cocoa powder substitute?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is best for baking; however, if needed, you can substitute it with cacao powder, hot chocolate mix, dutch processed cocoa powder, or sweetened cocoa powder.
What is the best substitute for coconut sugar?
The best substitute for coconut sugar is light brown sugar.
How to tell if avocado brownies are done baking?
Avocado brownies are done backing when the edges firm up, the top is slightly crinkly, and the centers pass the toothpick test. Every oven is different, so these brownies should be done baking somewhere between 25 and 35 minutes. If you want gooey brownies, take them out around the 25-minute mark. If you want caky brownies, leave them in closer to 35 minutes.
What’s the best substitute for maple syrup?
Honey is the best substitute for maple syrup. You can also use agave syrup or sugar-free sweetener.
Is avocado low fodmap?
Avocado is low FODMAP in small servings. You can enjoy a 1.1 to 1.2-ounce serving (about 1/4 of an avocado) to stay in the range of low FODMAP.
How to store & freeze them:
Storing: For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
Freezing: Place leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Healthy Avocado Banana Brownies
Ingredients
- 2 medium over-ripe bananas, with lots of brown spots for extra sweetness
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup super-fine blanched almond flour, spooned & leveled
- ½ cup unsweetened cacao powder, use a high quality brand like Ghirardelli!
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease and line an 8×8-inch baking tin with parchment paper.
- Break up the bananas into small pieces and add to a food processor. Then add the rest of the ingredients, excluding the chocolate chips. Blend until completely smooth and silky.
- Remove the blade and fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula (this is optional).
- Evenly pour and spread the brownie batter into the lined baking tin and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 25 – 35 minutes, or until a tooth
- Let cool before serving, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Abigail K says
So yummy! One word: so fudge-y!
Tati Chermayeff says
Yay! Glad to hear you loved this recipe, Abigail.
Hannah C says
These are incredible!! Such a sweet treat with zero guilt😍🤤
Tati Chermayeff says
YAY, so glad you loved these Hannah! They are one of my favorites too 🙂
Maria Z says
Love love love! Best consistency & flavor.
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Maria, I am so happy to hear this! I absolutely love these brownies too.
Mary Beth says
Recommend trying! Very delicious
Tati Chermayeff says
Thanks, Mary Beth! I love this avocado brownie recipe too. Hard to believe they are vegan, right?!
Jasmine Bailey says
Loved this recipe! 🤩🤩 I added almond milk and eggs to make mine into muffins. I also added walnuts 😋 Overall, super delicious! Definitely a new favorite. Will be making again 😊
CHERYL D says
So delicious! I used sugar free syrup and Stevia for the sugar. Also no sugar added chocolate chips. I have made it twice in a week. Just cant get enough. The whole fam approves!!
Tati Chermayeff says
So happy to hear that, Cheryl! Thanks for leaving such a kind review.