1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Start by preheating your oven to 325°F/163°C convection that’s the sweet spot for even baking. Grease and line an 8×8 inch pan with baking spray and parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This step helps your banana brownies come out cleanly. If you’re making gluten-free banana brownies, measure out your alternative flour now to stay organized.

2-Second Step: Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients Weigh and peel 250 grams of ripe bananas, then mash them until smooth no big lumps left. In a large bowl, whisk the mashed bananas with 113 grams of melted salted butter, 250 grams granulated sugar, 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix vigorously for 2-3 minutes to get that smooth base. For a lower-calorie twist on banana brownies, swap in some applesauce to cut fat.

3-Third Step: Combine Dry Ingredients In another bowl, whisk together 120 grams all-purpose flour, 26 grams Dutch-process cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt. If you want to boost protein in your banana brownies, add a bit of protein powder and reduce the flour slightly. This keeps the batter from getting too dense. Make sure everything’s well combined but not overmixed.

4-Fourth Step: Fold Wet into Dry Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet one until just combined leave a few flour streaks for tender banana brownies. Stir in 170 grams chocolate chips or the additional 120 grams if you’re going all out. For vegan banana brownies, use non-dairy chips to keep it plant-based. This step is key to avoiding tough textures, so go easy!

5-Fifth Step: Transfer and Bake Spread the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Pop it in the oven at 325°F for 40-45 minutes. Start checking around 40 minutes; the brownies should deflate slightly when tapped and feel soft but not liquid in the center. For fudgier banana brownies, pull them out a tad early. If you’re baking gluten-free versions, keep an eye on them as they might brown faster.

6-Sixth Step: Cool and Finish Let the pan cool on a rack for 30-60 minutes before slicing patience is your friend here! Chill briefly in the fridge for cleaner cuts. Serve warm with toppings like flaky sea salt or banana slices. For variations, add a pumpkin spice twist for fall vibes, turning your banana brownies into a seasonal favorite.