Banana and peanut butter brownie without added sugar

Today, while I was running on the treadmill (yes, after 2 years of going to the gym, I finally got over my fear of running on a treadmill 🙂), I was trying to come up with a new dessert recipe in my head.

Not just any dessert, obviously. I wanted banana brownies that were chocolatey, had peanut butter, and, if possible, contained no added sugar.

As soon as I got home, I got straight to work because I already knew exactly what I wanted to make: soft, fudgy brownies with an intense cocoa flavor, coconut, and perfectly ripe bananas, topped with a generous peanut butter swirl.

And they turned out exactly as I imagined. 🤎

This is the kind of easy dessert you can make when you have a few overripe bananas sitting around and don’t want to throw them away. Plus, these brownies contain no added sugar, with most of their sweetness coming from the ripe bananas and the small amount of honey used in the recipe.

Why I love these banana peanut butter brownies

First of all, because they are so easy to make and don’t require any complicated ingredients.

Ripe bananas are perfect for this recipe: they are naturally sweeter, more flavorful, and help give the brownies their soft texture. Cocoa powder adds that rich chocolate flavor, coconut brings a subtle hint of flavor, and peanut butter is the little extra touch that, in my opinion, makes all the difference. 😋

I also love that these are no-added-sugar brownies without trying too hard to be a “diet” dessert. I want a dessert to be delicious first and foremost, and these brownies definitely are.

Slices of banana and peanut butter brownie without added sugar

A Few Helpful Tips

Use very ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. So those bananas covered in brown spots that you probably wouldn’t want to eat on their own are actually perfect for this recipe.

Don’t overbake the brownies. If you want a soft, slightly moist texture in the center, it’s important not to leave them in the oven longer than necessary. The center may still look a little soft when you take them out, but it will firm up as the brownies cool.

Let them cool before slicing. I know, it’s not easy. 😁 But if you want nice, clean slices and a denser texture, it’s worth being a little patient.

Don’t skip the peanut butter swirl. You could, of course, mix the peanut butter directly into the batter, but I much prefer those swirls on top. Plus, the combination of sweet banana, rich cocoa, and slightly salty peanut butter is one of my favorites.

Choose a simple peanut butter, ideally one with no added sugar if you want to keep this a no-added-sugar recipe. Check the label, as some store-bought varieties may contain added sugar or other sweeteners.

How to Store Banana Brownies

Once completely cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a few days.

For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator. They will become a little denser and fudgier, which I actually really like.

You can also freeze the brownies in individual portions, so you can take out just one piece whenever you’re craving something sweet.

More No-Added-Sugar Recipes

If you enjoy desserts sweetened with natural ingredients and want to cut back on added sugar, here are a few more recipes from the blog that you might want to try:

No-Bake Puffed Quinoa Chocolate Dessert

Apple Oat Bread

Date Energy Balls with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Oat and Walnut Cookies