Embarking on a journey toward healthier eating doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the joy of desserts. Our Vegan Banana-Cocoa Brownies offer a delightful, guilt-free indulgence that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth without straying from your dietary goals. Crafted with simplicity and health in mind, this dessert is free from added sugars, relies on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, and embraces the richness of cocoa, all while incorporating the crunchy texture of nuts. It’s a perfect treat for anyone looking for a vegan, sugar-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Ingredients:
- Mixed nuts or peanuts: 1/2 cup (80g) – for that irresistible crunch
- Ripe bananas: 2-3 (equivalent to 1-1/2 cup banana puree – 375g) – the natural sweetener
- Unsweetened cocoa: 1/2 cup (50g) – for a rich, chocolatey essence
Directions:
- Crush the Nuts: Begin by finely chopping the mixed nuts or peanuts. This not only adds a lovely crunch to your brownies but also enhances their nutritional profile.
- Mash the Bananas: Peel the ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until you achieve a smooth puree. For an even finer consistency, consider using a blender. This banana puree will be the base of your brownie batter, offering moisture, sweetness, and binding the ingredients together without the need for eggs.
- Prepare the Batter: Gradually incorporate the unsweetened cocoa powder into the banana puree. Stir the mixture well until you have a homogenous, chocolatey batter. The cocoa not only brings the chocolate flavor we all love but does so in a healthy, antioxidant-rich way.
- Cook the Batter: Transfer the batter to a saucepan and cook it over low heat. Constant stirring is key to preventing the mixture from sticking to the pan. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens to resemble a classic brownie batter, usually after about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Nuts: Fold in most of the crushed nuts into the thickened batter, reserving a handful for decoration later. The nuts add a delightful texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Prepare the Mold: Lightly grease a 19 x 9 x 5 cm baking mold or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the batter into the mold, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the remaining crushed nuts over the top of the batter. For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, consider adding some raisins or dried fruit.
- Chill: Let the brownies cool at room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the brownies to firm up and makes them easier to slice.
- Enjoy: Once set, cut the brownies into desired sizes and enjoy a delicious, guilt-free treat that keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Note:
While we haven’t provided specific calorie information, these brownies are made with whole, natural ingredients, making them a healthier alternative to traditional sugary desserts. The bananas and nuts bring fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, making these brownies not just delicious, but also nutritious.
Conclusion:
These Vegan Banana-Cocoa Brownies redefine dessert indulgence in the best way possible. Easy to make, deliciously healthy, and satisfyingly sweet without any added sugars, they’re the perfect treat for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free dessert. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply exploring healthier dessert options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Explore more healthy and delicious recipes on our blog and learn more about vegan desserts from authoritative sources like Vegan Society and Minimalist Baker for more inspiration.
