Fudgy Banana Applesauce Brownies (no refined sugar)

Fudgy banana applesauce brownies made with wholesome ingredients and no refined sugar. A rich, healthy brownie perfect for any sweet tooth!

If you’ve ever craved the best brownies but wanted a healthier twist, these Fudgy Banana Applesauce Brownies are the answer. Made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, unsweetened cocoa powder, and applesauce, they deliver all the rich chocolate flavor you love—without the refined sugar. The result is a batch of irresistibly fudgy, deeply chocolatey brownies that taste indulgent but feel nourishing. Perfect for anyone looking for a delicious dessert that satisfies a sweet tooth in a more balanced way.

What makes these fudgy banana brownies so special is their naturally sweet base. Instead of relying on processed sugar, the overripe bananas, maple syrup, and applesauce provide sweetness and moisture, creating that gooey center every brownie lover dreams of. Whether you’re baking for your family, prepping a snack to store in airtight containers, or simply experimenting with a new banana brownie recipe, this treat is both simple and rewarding.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These healthy banana brownies are the perfect fusion of comfort and nutrition. Each bite has that melt-in-your-mouth texture that rivals any classic brownie, but with simple ingredients you can feel good about. Unlike traditional recipes that rely heavily on butter and sugar, this version uses unsweetened applesauce and a mashed raw banana to add natural sweetness and keep the brownies incredibly moist.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s quick and foolproof! With only one bowl and minimal prep time, you’ll have brownies baking in the oven in under ten minutes. The whole recipe is made from pantry staples and is adaptable—add walnuts, swirl in nut butter, or sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for an even more decadent touch. Plus, because they’re naturally sweetened, these brownies make a good idea for both everyday snacking and special occasions.

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A Breakdown of the Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana, mashed: The base of this recipe and a natural sweetener. Overripe bananas are ideal since they’re softer and sweeter, giving the brownies the perfect fudgy texture.
• 2 eggs: Help bind the batter and give structure, keeping the brownies soft yet firm.
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and replaces oil or butter, resulting in a lighter yet still fudgy brownie.
• ¼ cup maple syrup: Offers natural sweetness and a hint of caramel-like depth.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Keeps the texture balanced—dense yet tender. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder): The source of that rich dark chocolate taste. If you prefer a slightly more intense flavor, try using cacao powder.
• ½ tsp baking soda (optional): Adds a subtle lift, though skipping it will make your brownies denser and extra fudgy.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping): The key to that irresistible chocolate flavor. Use dark, semi-sweet, or no added sugar chips for a more balanced sweetness.

Each ingredient works together to make these applesauce brownies rich, chewy, and perfectly balanced. The combination of banana, applesauce, and cocoa creates a harmony of sweetness and depth that makes this one of the best brownies you’ll ever bake.

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How to Make the Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift out the cooled brownies later.
2. Mash the banana: In a large mixing bowl, mash your overripe banana until smooth and lump-free. This step ensures even sweetness throughout.
3. Add wet ingredients: Whisk in the eggs, applesauce, and maple syrup until everything is well combined.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda (if using), and salt. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
5. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips for pockets of melted dark chocolate goodness.
6. Spread and bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips for that picture-perfect finish.
7. Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool completely: Let the brownies rest at room temperature before slicing. Cooling allows them to set and develop that dense, fudgy texture everyone loves.

These brownies taste amazing on their own, but you can elevate them further by topping them with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt once they’ve cooled.

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How to Store the Recipe

To keep your fudgy banana brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each square individually in parchment paper and store in zipper bags for up to two months.

When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked warmth. Keeping them properly sealed ensures they retain their moisture and rich chocolate flavor.

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Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use overripe bananas: The darker the banana peel, the sweeter your brownies will be. Avoid using a raw banana that’s still green—it won’t mash well or taste as sweet.
• Don’t overmix: Stirring the batter too much can lead to cakey brownies instead of that perfect fudgy texture.
• Let them cool: Resist cutting into your brownies right away. Allowing cooled brownies to set makes them easier to slice and gives a denser, gooier texture.
• Customize your mix-ins: Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a swirl of nut butter can add fun twists.
• Taste test for sweetness: If your bananas aren’t very ripe, you can add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to enhance the flavor.
• Line the pan: This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the brownies come out neatly.

These fudgy banana brownies are proof that a healthy banana brownie can taste just as indulgent as a traditional one. Made with simple ingredients and wholesome ingredients like unsweetened cocoa powder, applesauce, and overripe bananas, they’re easy to whip up anytime your sweet tooth strikes. Whether you’re baking a delicious dessert for family or prepping snacks to store in airtight containers or zipper bags, this banana brownie recipe will quickly become your go-to for naturally sweet, rich, and satisfying treats.

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FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture remains deliciously fudgy.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely. Honey works as a natural sweetener too, but it may slightly change the flavor. Maple syrup keeps the chocolate flavor pure and rich.

Do I have to use baking soda?
No, but including it adds a touch of lightness. Without it, the brownies will be denser and more indulgently chewy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes—just choose dairy-free dark chocolate chips. Everything else in this recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Why are my brownies dry?
They may have been overbaked. Pull them from the oven when a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs, not when it’s completely clean.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust baking time by 5–8 minutes.

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