Chocolate Banana Squares Recipe

This chocolate banana squares recipe is my go-to because it’s like a mash-up of my favorite comfort foods—chocolate and bananas—baked into one decadent treat. I love how the aroma fills my kitchen, and with each bite, the gooey chocolate chips and subtle banana flavor remind me why this treat is an absolute mood booster.

I am thrilled to present my delightful recipe for Chocolate Banana Squares! Mashed bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture that perfectly complement the rich, dark flavors of unsweetened cocoa and melted unsalted butter.

Semisweet chocolate chips scattered throughout ensure that every bite is a blissfully decadent balance of chocolate and a hint of banana.

Ingredients

Plain flour: Supplies enough starch for structure and texture.

Cocoa powder, unsweetened: Brings an intense chocolate taste with plenty of antioxidants.

Bananas are a naturally sweet source of potassium and dietary fiber.

Fat: Provides moisture and richness that are vital for texture.

Sugar, in granulated form, imparts sweetness and aids in producing a soft and tender crumb.

Bind ingredients, add protein, and contribute to texture: They are the eggs of cooking.

Enhancing chocolate flavor and providing delicious bursts of sweetness, semisweet chocolate chips are a vital ingredient in this recipe.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper so that it extends over the edges of the pan. This makes removing the brownies much easier, and brownies are best served warm, so you want to minimize the time spent between baking and serving.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well mixed and uniform in appearance.

3. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the liquid butter with the granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture takes on a smooth and creamy consistency.

4. Incorporate the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.

5. In small increments, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Stir the semisweet chocolate chips into the batter until they are evenly spread throughout.

7. Into the greased and floured baking pan, pour the batter, and, with a spatula, spread it out evenly.

8. Preheat the oven, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

9. Take the chocolate banana squares out of the oven and let them cool entirely in the pan on a wire rack.

10. When cooled, the squares may be lifted from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares for serving. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8×8-inch baking pan
3. Parchment paper
4. Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Large mixing bowl
7. Whisk
8. Spatula
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Mixing spoon or electric mixer
12. Wire rack
13. Toothpick

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of flour?Indeed, you can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour, but the texture may differ a little bit.
• How ripe should the bananas be?For the best flavor and sweetness, the bananas you choose should be very ripe. Look for them to have brown spots on the peel.
• Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?You can, of course, add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for extra flavor and texture.
• Can I use oil instead of butter?You can use an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil in place of melted butter.
• How should I store the chocolate banana squares?An airtight container is the best way to store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, and at least that long in the refrigerator.
• Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?Certainly! If you so desire, you can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste.
• Is it necessary to use vanilla extract?Vanilla extract is not a necessary ingredient, but it certainly boosts the flavor in this dish. If you don’t have it, you won’t ruin the dish; you just might not have quite the same luscious end product.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option instead of all-purpose flour.
To make a dairy-free version, use coconut oil in place of the unsalted butter.
Substitute brown sugar or coconut sugar for granulated sugar to create a different flavor profile.
Replace the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for an unusual twist.
Should vanilla extract not be available, almond extract can stand in for a hint of nutty flavor.

Pro Tips

1. To intensify the chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Coffee enhances chocolate’s richness without adding any noticeable coffee taste.

2. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients, which complements both the bananas and chocolate beautifully.

3. To ensure a uniform batter, make sure the mashed bananas are smooth and well-pureed before incorporating them into the mix. This helps achieve a consistent texture throughout the squares.

4. If you prefer your brownies with a little extra texture, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.

5. For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake the squares by removing them from the oven when the toothpick has a few moist crumbs clinging to it, rather than waiting until it’s completely clean.