If you’re on the hunt for a treat that feels indulgent and comforting but keeps things light and wholesome, you have to try this Dairy-Free Fudgy Banana Brownies Recipe. Imagine biting into perfectly moist, fudge-packed brownies with the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe banana sneaking in, all without a hint of butter or milk. This recipe is basically magic in a pan—rich chocolatey flavor with that delightful softness that friends and family will beg you to make again and again. Trust me, these brownies bring a whole new level of yum, dairy-free style!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that perfectly fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor, with each one playing an essential role—from the coconut oil adding richness to the banana lending moisture and natural sweetness. It’s simple, straightforward, and seriously satisfying.
- 4 ounces Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Provides the luscious melting chocolate base that’s essential for fudginess.
- 1 Tablespoon Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder: Adds an extra punch of rich cocoa flavor without extra fat.
- ⅓ cup Coconut Oil: A dairy-free fat that offers moisture and helps the brownies stay tender.
- 1 Banana (mashed): Naturally sweet and perfect for keeping the brownies moist without dairy.
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens everything just right and contributes to that classic chewy edge.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla: Enhances all the chocolate notes and brings warmth to the flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt (Flakes): Balances sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavors beautifully.
- 2 Eggs (room temperature): Binds all ingredients together and adds richness.
- ⅓ cup Flour: Just enough to hold the brownies without making them cakey.
- Flaky Sea Salt (to sprinkle on top): The perfect finishing touch to contrast the sweetness and add crunch.
How to Make Dairy-Free Fudgy Banana Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start off by preheating your oven to 325° F. Then, line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and give it a light spray with non-stick spray. This little trick makes lining up a breeze and ensures your brownies lift right out effortlessly when baked.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Coconut Oil
Next, set up a double boiler or poke a saucepan with a few inches of water and place a heat-proof glass bowl on top. Gently melt together the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth and glossy. This luscious blend is the foundation of the fudgy texture.
Step 3: Mix in Cocoa Powder and Banana
Remove the bowl from heat and stir in the dark chocolate cocoa powder along with the mashed banana. The banana might add a few small chunks, but that’s perfectly fine—it enhances the texture and keeps the brownies moist.
Step 4: Whisk in Sugar, Salt, and Vanilla
Once the chocolate mixture looks silky, whisk in the granulated sugar, sea salt flakes, and vanilla extract. This infuses the batter with sweetness, balancing the deep chocolate with just a hint of saltiness and aromatic warmth.
Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking each thoroughly before adding the next. This step helps the batter emulsify and gives the brownies their rich body and structure while still maintaining softness inside.
Step 6: Fold in the Flour
Gently fold in the flour, being careful not to overmix. Overworking the batter can make the brownies tough, and what we want is tender, velvety fudginess that melts in your mouth.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt to add that delightful crunch and enhance the chocolate flavor. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still holds a little wobble—the hallmark of true fudgy brownies.
How to Serve Dairy-Free Fudgy Banana Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling flaky sea salt right before serving really elevates these brownies, but for extra flair, try adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce. Fresh berries on the side add brightness and color, making each bite as lovely as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Serving these brownies with a tall glass of almond, oat, or coconut milk complements the rich chocolate and keeps the dairy-free spirit intact. A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser if you want to amp up the indulgence factor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transform your batch of Dairy-Free Fudgy Banana Brownies Recipe into brownie parfaits by layering chunks with dairy-free whipped cream and fruit. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on a dessert platter with nuts and dried fruits for an elegant party option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover brownies tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and fudgy for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a midday treat or after-dinner indulgence.
Freezing
Want to keep these brownies around longer? Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge.
Reheating
To warm your brownies, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil. This brings back their gooey, fudgy texture and makes them taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the banana with something else?
The banana not only adds moisture but also natural sweetness and a slight tang. If you prefer, you can try unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree, but keep in mind these changes might slightly affect texture and flavor.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
This original recipe uses regular flour, so they are not gluten-free as is. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend one-to-one for a safe and delicious alternative.
Why use coconut oil instead of butter?
Coconut oil is the star fat that keeps these brownies dairy-free. It also adds moisture and a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with chocolate and banana.
How fudgy are these brownies?
They are incredibly fudgy, thanks to the balance of melted chocolate, coconut oil, and banana. The texture is moist and dense, without being gooey or underbaked.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. The texture may be slightly different but still wonderfully fudgy and tasty.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Dairy-Free Fudgy Banana Brownies Recipe enough for anyone looking to enjoy a rich, chocolatey dessert without dairy. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand for whenever you need a little chocolate comfort food that’s both nourishing and indulgent. So go ahead, bake a batch, share some smiles, and savor every fudgy, banana-sweet bite!
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Dairy-Free Fudgy Banana Brownies Recipe
These Dairy Free Fudgy Brownies are rich, chocolaty, and wonderfully moist, made without any milk or butter. Incorporating ripe banana and dairy-free chocolate chips, they deliver deep chocolate flavor with a tender, fudgy texture. Perfectly sweetened and topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these brownies offer a delicious plant-based treat that pairs beautifully with a glass of almond milk.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 ounces Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips (roughly 3/4 cup)
- 1 Tablespoon Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder
- ⅓ cup Coconut Oil
- 1 Banana (mashed)
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt (Flakes)
- 2 Eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup All-Purpose Flour
- Flaky Sea Salt (to sprinkle on top)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt Chocolate and Coconut Oil: Using a double boiler setup (a saucepan with a few inches of simmering water topped with a heatproof glass bowl), melt together the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth.
- Add Cocoa Powder and Banana: Remove the bowl from heat and stir in the dark chocolate cocoa powder and mashed banana. Mix until the batter is as smooth as possible, accounting for small banana chunks.
- Combine Sugar, Salt, and Vanilla: Whisk in the granulated sugar, sea salt flakes, and vanilla extract until well incorporated into the chocolate mixture.
- Add Eggs: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next.
- Fold in Flour: Gently fold in the flour until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the brownies tender.
- Transfer and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into 16 squares. Enjoy with a glass of almond milk for the best experience.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs help the batter mix more smoothly and contribute to even baking.
- Using parchment paper makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan for clean slicing.
- Do not overbake to maintain a fudgy and moist texture.
- The banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, replacing traditional butter.
- For an extra chocolatey brownie, use high-quality dark chocolate chips.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy Free