Brown Butter Banana Cocoa Bars
A naturally gluten-free, chocolatey, better-for-you brownie made with simple ingredients
If you’re craving a fudgy brownie that still feels surprisingly light, these Brown Butter Banana Flourless Brownies hit the perfect sweet spot. Theyโre rich, moist, and chocolate-forward, but made with wholesome ingredients that make you feel good โ not overly heavy, not overly sweet, and absolutely delicious.
This recipe makes 12 brownies, each around 172 calories with 3.7 grams of protein (using the standard ingredient choices). You can also swap in lighter alternatives like sugar-free syrup, light butter, or reduced-sugar chocolate chips if you prefer.
Why These Ingredients Work So Well Together
These brownies are built from nutrient-dense, simple ingredients that come together for the dreamiest texture โ fudgy, moist, and rich without using flour.
Bananas
Add natural sweetness
Create moisture and help bind the brownies
Provide potassium, fiber, and vitamins
Peanut Butter or Any Nut Butter
Adds healthy fats and richness
Gives these brownies their โflourlessโ structure
Provides plant-based protein and a satisfying texture
Butter or Light Butter
Browned butter adds the most incredible depth and nuttiness
Using light butter works beautifully if you want a lighter option
Maple Syrup or Sugar-Free Pancake Syrup
Maple syrup brings warm, rich sweetness
Sugar-free syrup keeps calories low without sacrificing flavor
Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract
Enhances sweetness and brings a bakery-style aroma
Vanilla bean paste makes it feel gourmet
Eggs or Egg Substitute
Help bind the brownies
Add protein and structure
Unsweetened Cocoa + Dark Cocoa
The mix of both gives these brownies an extra deep chocolate flavor
Cocoa is naturally packed with antioxidants
Baking Soda & Salt
Baking soda lifts the brownies slightly
Salt balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor
Dark Chocolate Chips or Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips
Melt into the brownies for little pockets of rich chocolate
Easy to lighten by choosing sugar-free or reduced-sugar options
Flaky Sea Salt
The perfect finishing touch
Adds a gourmet bakery feel
Makes the chocolate flavor POP
What Makes These Brownies โHealthierโ โ Without Being โDiet Foodโ
These brownies are simply made with real food. No flour, no processed mixes, no weird aftertaste. Theyโre rich enough to feel indulgent, but naturally lighter because of:
Fruit-based sweetness from bananas
Healthy fats from nut butter
Antioxidant-rich cocoa
Option to use sugar-free swaps without changing texture
They satisfy a chocolate craving without leaving you feeling heavy.
Brown Butter Banana Cocoa Bars
Equipment
- Brownie pan Click HERE for pan with dividers
- Cooking spray
- Mixing bowls
- Stove top
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup Banana mashed or pure pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup Peanut butter or nut butter of choice
- 1/4 cup Butter or light butter to lighten
- 3 TBSP Maple syrup or sugar free pancake syrup
- 1 tsp Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 2 Eggs
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup Dark unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup Dark chocolate chips or sugar free chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Add the butter to a pan and place on medium heat on the stove
- Melt and let the butter brown, stir occasionally
- Once browned, remove and set aside to cool
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas
- Once mashed, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, eggs and cooled down butter. Whisk until all combined
- Add the cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Mix until combined
- Fold in half of the chocolate chips
- Spray the brownie pan generously with cooking spray
- Add the batter evenly to all 12 cavities in the brownie pan
- Place the remaining chocolate chips on top of the batter in the pan
- Bake in the over for 10 minutes
- Once done baking let cool in pan for 5-10 minutes before removing
Notes
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