Healthy Banana Almond Flour Brownies without Butter

Discover a delightful fusion of ripe bananas and nutritious almond flour in these gluten-free, irresistible Banana Almond Flour Brownies without butter. Enjoy guilt-free in the healthier dessert option packed with flavor and goodness. 

I attempted to make traditional brownies several times. And every time there was an issue – one time, I baked it for too long (bummer, they ended up so hard, like in “no way we can eat them without breaking a tooth” 😒). Another time, I cut the amount of butter (because there is SO MUCH butter in the traditional brownies). Didn’t work either. There were more failed attempts afterward. 

And then, I gave up. If we wanted brownies, I would buy a mix from the store. But, being a healthy food savvy, this bugged me a lot. I don’t like buying boxed foods. 

So, I kept searching for a good brownie recipe. After several attempts and combinations, this almond flour brownie recipe with banana flavor made it into my recipe collection. 

Please take a look at the detailed video instructions below on making these healthy brownies and find out why using almond flour instead of regular flour is a good idea.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Banana Brownie Recipe

The best recipes are the ones you can whip up in minutes. I never liked to make sweets where you have to mix the eggs separately (and clean the mixer whisk), mix other ingredients (and clean the whisk again 😂), and so on. I like the ones where you add everything simultaneously and combine it well, and voila. 

This recipe for healthy banana brownies with almond flour is precisely like that. So, you’ll only need about 10 minutes to prep everything before baking it in the oven. So quick and easy!

Since ripe bananas are moist enough, this recipe doesn’t call for any butter. So, my problem from the beginning of this text is solved – no butter here! Yay 😀! Also, there is no need to use coconut oil either. And not to mention using almond flour and banana for a healthier twist. 

Benefits of Using Almond Flour

Almond flour is popular in baking and cooking to replace wheat flour. It is ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, and what is important to mention here is that it doesn’t compromise the texture and taste of the baked goods. 

Why would a person suffering from gluten sensitivity have to give up on a birthday cake, for instance? It is easy to make a gluten-free cake, like this Best Almond Flour Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache. 

Here are some of the key advantages of almond flour:

• Almond flour is rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This is important because it can help muscle repair and growth, aids in digestion, and is very rich in vitamin E (also known as the elixir of youth 😉). 
• Almond flour contains fewer carbohydrates than wheat flour (making it suitable for low-carb diets) and has a lower glycemic index, causing a smaller impact on blood sugar levels.
• The fiber in almond flour supports a healthy digestive system by aiding regular bowel movements, just like oats.

Ingredients You’ll Need in These Gluten-Free Brownies

• 1 large ripe banana (or 2 small)
• 1/2 cup super fine almond flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Substitutions/Variations

• I have two types of almond flour in my pantry – super fine almond flour from whole almonds and blanched super fine almond flour. I only tried the blanched one to make these brownies because it’s lighter and better for cookies, brownies, pastries, etc. But almond flour from whole almonds should work as well.
• As a sweetener, I used maple syrup. But you can also use agave or honey for a slightly different flavor. You can also blend soaked dates for a natural sweetener with added fiber.
• For a unique taste and flavor enhancement, experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
• For fruit infusion, you can incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for bursts of sweetness.
• Incorporate vanilla or chocolate protein powder for an extra protein punch.
• Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a crunchy texture.

How to Make Banana Almond Flour Brownies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the banana until smooth using a fork. 
3. Mix the maple syrup and vanilla extract with the mashed banana.
4. Whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in another large mixing bowl.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined. Ensure there are no lumps.
6. Whisk one egg in a medium bowl and add it to the mixture. Mix well until combined. 
7. Fold in dark chocolate chips or chunks and mix until combined.  
8. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. I used a 4×6 inch baking dish for a small batch of 6 brownies.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean.
10. Once done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Cut into six squares and enjoy your healthy chocolate brownies! 

Helpful Tips and Tricks

• Use ripe bananas for enhanced sweetness and easier mashing.
• If not using parchment paper, ensure proper greasing of the baking pan to prevent sticking.
• Get creative with toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a dusting of coconut sugar.
• Incorporate flaxseed meal, chia seeds, or protein powder for added nutrients without compromising taste.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life. 

These flourless brownies are a game-changer for healthier dessert options. Using almond flour instead of regular flour adds a dose of healthy fats and protein. The ripe banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, so you don’t need butter or oil. And, of course, cocoa powder and chocolate give that rich chocolate flavor we all love in brownies. 

What’s great about these brownies is that they are gluten- and dairy-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. And, not to mention how easy they are to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time 😊. 

So, give them a try and enjoy these delicious and nutritious healthy brownies! 

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