Low carb keto chocolate banana brownies are super moist thanks to coconut milk. Almond and coconut flour make them a delicious diary-free and Paleo treat.
Originally, I developed this recipe to be a low carb Chocolate Banana Bread. After preparing it in mini loaf pans, as muffins, and in a regular sized loaf pan, I decided it would make amazing low carb brownies. The texture is moist and fudgy and delicious.
Don’t get me wrong, the recipe works beautifully baked in loaves or as muffins, but the texture — oh, the texture! I have never eaten anything so moist in my life. To call it a chocolate banana bread or cake did not do it justice. With a texture so rich, moist and fudgy, chocolate banana brownies was perfect.
The banana flavor does not overwhelm the chocolate and the texture appears cake-like in the photos, but deceives. The first and second time I made this recipe I used my favorite mix of Bensdorp and Black Cocoa from King Arthur Flour and the color was so dark they did not photograph well.
Using regular Hershey’s Cocoa resulted in the color you see pictured here, which is pretty dark. Both were good, but I preferred the flavor of my cocoa mix just a teeny bit more.
These uber-moist keto chocolate banana brownies would make the most awesome base for a sundae!
I just want to say a few things about the recipe before you run-off to make these!
[LOW CARB BAKING INFO] Low carb baking is different than regular baking. It took me several years to forget what I knew about regular baking. Once I did, my low carb, gluten-free and dairy-free recipe have become better for it.
My batters are much thicker than regular batters – this provides structure with out having to add gums and other thickeners. I use a minimal amount of Erythritol, Swerve or Xylitol. These ingredients are expensive so I use less of them and augment with Stevia Glycerite, which is a very concentrated sweetener. All of my baked goods are much less sweet than traditional items. That’s how I like it. Add more sweetener per your taste. Lastly, baking is fun – enjoy!
These fudgy Low Carb Keto Chocolate Banana Brownies are 5 net carbs each
[Disclosure: This recipe contains affiliate links.]
Low Carb Keto Chocolate Banana Brownies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Almond Flour
- 1/3 cup Coconut Flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (sifted before measuring!)
- 1/2 cup low carb sugar (or Swerve or Lakanto)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 5 oz over-ripe banana (one medium)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon maple extract
- 1/4 teaspoon banana extract (or almond or chocolate)
- 1/2 teaspoon stevia glycerite
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Optional Ingredients shown in photo
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 3 tablespoons Lili’s Sugar-free Chocolate Chips or your favorite low sugar chocolate
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350 and position the rack in the lower third of the oven. Chop the nuts.
- Spray a 9 x 9 inch square metal brownie pan with cooking spray. Cut a piece of parchment paper wide enough to cover the bottom of the pan, come up the sides and drape over. Position it in the pan.
Method:
- Before measuring the dry ingredients, fluff them up with a whisk to remove any lumps and sift the coco powder before measure. Lumps indicate compaction and you will end up using more than called for in the recipe. (SEE NOTES)
- Measure and add the dry ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk together until combined. Add 2/3 of the nuts, stirring them in. In a smaller bowl, mash the banana with a fork – then add the flavorings, the eggs one-by-one, the coconut milk, and vinegar mixing in between additions. Scrape into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix with a hand mixer until completely incorporated.
- With a spoon, place the batter evenly around the brownie pan. With the back of the spoon, gently distribute the batter in the pan – it is very thick and you will not be able to distribute it evenly with the spoon. Cut a piece of waxed paper and spray it with baking spray. Lay it over the batter and VERY GENTLY, with a sliding motion, use your fingers and hands to distribute the batter as evenly as you can. It just takes a minute and it won’t be perfect — don’t worry, it will fill-in as it cooks. Add the rest of the nuts and all of the chocolate to the top, barely pressing them into the batter.
Bake:
- Place in the oven and cook for about 25 minutes. The chocolate banana brownies are ready when the top feels springy, but not soggy and wet, when lightly pressed with a finger.
- Cut into 16 servings. Each brownie is 5 net carbs.
Notes
- Cocoa powder needs to be sifted. Often times when bringing it home from the store, it is caked together so tightly that one needs to scrape it out with a spoon, resulting in clumps of compacted product. This leads to using much more cocoa than a recipe calls for. I break up and sift cocoa from the store and either put it back in the same container or put it into a different air tight container. Actually, I buy good cocoa powder from King Arthur’s flour (Black cocoa, and Bensdorp/red cocoa) and I mix them 1:1 or 1:2. This results in a dark and complex cocoa that tastes exactly like dark chocolate with some smokey overtones. It’s what I used in this recipe and why they are so dark in color.
- Again, ingredient compaction. Make sure to whisk to fluff-up any low carb flour before measuring. Almond flour and particularly coconut flour tend to form clumps. Measuring compacted ingredients leads to over-measuring and, in the case of coconut flour which absorbs so much moisture, leads to dry baked goods.
- Glass baking dishes require the temperature to be lowered 20 degrees F. They take longer to heat, but also hold onto heat for a much longer period of time. This means that baked goods continues to cook for a while they cool outside of the oven. If I use a glass baking dish, I make sure to take my goodies out of the oven just before they are done. Sometimes this leads to mild sinking in the middle. I find that glass baking dishes are famous for producing baked goods with overdone sides and underdone middles.
- This recipe was cooked in a large (25 year old) gas oven. I have found that electric ovens, especially smaller wall ovens, require a slight decrease in temperature or shorter cook time. I have a new electric oven and have had to adjust baking times when making recipes I had tested in my older oven.
I used 1 1/2 banana instead of only one medium because I didnt have banana extract. They came just fine. Although I put extra baking powder, they come out a bit flat, I think because It is not the normal flour. .
Hey I don’t have a 9×9 inch metal square pan. I only have 12 x 8 metal pan. Anything else I can use, I have other types but not the one you require ..
Thanks!
Eilnaz
A 12×8 pan should work, Eilnaz! -Kim
Hi Kim! These were amazing! My husband and kids loved it! Thanks for sharing this recipe :) I didn’t have the coconut milk and substituted it with Almond milk and it turned out great. I used 2 ripe bananas (for a little more sweetness) and added a little less of the other sweetners along with chia seeds, it was so moist! I’m adding this to my family’s recipe vault!
Love these brownies When I add the sugar free chocolate chips and bake in muffin tin, it tastes very similar to this Spunkmeyer muffins.
Hi I was very excited about this recipe, we tasted the raw batter delicious. But when they came out of the oven they were very dry. It seemed I forgot to put coconut oil or butter but it was very dry not chewy at all. I only put it 18 mins instead of 25 in the oven, still not soft.
I did not use coconut milk I used almond milk should I have used coconut oil??
Hi Nat. I’m sorry the recipe was less than expected. I have a few ideas why it might have been dry…
1. Cocoa powder needs to be sifted. Often times when bringing it home from the store, it is caked together so tightly that one needs to scrape it out with a spoon, resulting in clumps of compacted product. This leads to using much more cocoa than a recipe calls for. I break up and sift cocoa from the store and either put it back in the same container or put it into a different air tight container. Actually, I buy good cocoa powder from King Arthur’s flour (Black cocoa, and Bensdorp/red cocoa) and I mix them 1:1 or 1:2. This results in a dark and complex cocoa that tastes exactly like dark chocolate with some smokey overtones. It’s what I used in this recipe and why they are so dark in color.
2. Again, ingredient compaction. Make sure to whisk to fluff-up any low carb flour before measuring. Almond flour and particularly coconut flour tend to form clumps. Measuring compacted ingredients leads to over-measuring and, in the case of coconut flour which absorbs so much moisture, leads to dry baked goods.
3. Glass baking dishes require the temperature to be lowered 20 degrees F. They take longer to heat, but also hold onto heat for a much longer period of time. This means that baked goods continues to cook for a while they cool outside of the oven. If I use a glass baking dish, I make sure to take my goodies out of the oven just before they are done. Sometimes this leads to mild sinking in the middle. I find that glass baking dishes are famous for producing baked goods with overdone sides and underdone middles.
4. This recipe was cooked in a large (25 year old) gas oven. I have found that electric ovens, especially smaller wall ovens, require a slight decrease in temperature or shorter cook time. I have a new electric oven and have had to adjust baking times when making recipes I had tested in my older oven.
I hope these ideas help because this really is a nice, moist recipe that is also great as cupcakes/muffins. Have a nice day. -Kim
Has anyone tried freezing these? I’m worried I’ll end up eating them all otherwise!
Hi Noura. Low carb baked good freeze beautifully. Enjoy! -Kim
Absolutely delicious – and moist! I added an extra banana. Also used Monkfruit sugar but used slightly less so it was less sweet and more chocolate-banana taste. Thank you!
These are amazing- I’ve made them as muffins, bread and brownies and even my pickiest eater loves them!
Best Keto desert I have had.
Hi! I’m trying to make these for my mom, but she’s super strict about how much swerve we’re able to use because it’s expensive. Is it okay to use coconut sugar instead?
Okay so I did it! I used the same about of coconut sugar and their super super good! Also I made 3 flax eggs instead of regular eggs because I didn’t have them! Super yummy! Oh and also I didn’t have any of the right extracts except vanilla, but I used sugar free maple syrup and simply syrups like for coffee in mocha and it’s tasty! Thanks!
Great! I’m glad that your recipe tinkering worked out. I love the new recipe you created and am happy to hear that the flax eggs were a success! -Kim
I’m sorry I missed this yesterday. Yes, the coconut sugar is fine – not low carb, but it will work just fine. -Kim
This looks delicious, but I don’t like coconut that much. What could be substituted for coconut milk?
Hi Geri. Try using heavy cream. -Kim
Super brownies made with pumpkin instead of banana, since I don’t have kids or bananas. And I’ll be trying it as muffins or cupcakes too! Thanks for all your great recipes!
I’m glad you liked it, Kathy. Thanks for coming back to let me know. Have a great week! -Kim
I was thinking the same thing. Will use pumpkin instead of banana.
I made these today & added 1 tbsp instant coffee – AMAZING!!!
Kim: I assume you can substitute Avocado for the ripe Banana?
I have not tried because this was a way to use up overripe bananas from my kids. but I bet you could. You may need to use more sweetener. -Kim
I’m very confused with the measurements for each thing. What do you mean by 3.75 eggs ? Or .34 cup? Would really love to make these brownies but I’m confused.-
Hi Julie. I’m not seeing the 3.75 eggs. I just went through the recipe and deleted any of the gram measurements I included for European visitors. Let me know if it looks better now. -Kim
Hello! I wondered if you have ever tried doubling the recipe for a 9×13 pan?? I’m planning on trying out your suggestion of the canned pumpkin, only because we don’t have bananas on hand. Thanks for taking the time to keep this blog, and for creating such fantastic recipes!
I haven’t doubled the recipe, but I don’t thing it would be any problem. I actually haven’t tried it with pumpkin. It was a suggestion from another reader who said she tried it. I have only made it with the banana. I generally make these for my kids and just have one or a half a piece. Enjoy. -Kim
The day that I can have “just one” of anything will be a happy one! Thanks for the quick response, I’ll post results!
Culd the coconut flour be substituted with a different flour, or more almond flour?
Sure, you can use all almond flour. I’m not sure how much to add since I didn’t test the recipe with all almond flour. Start with 1/2 a cup? -Kim
Or – any way of using all coconut flour ..?? And no almond flour .?
Hi Kerri, you would do better searching for an all coconut flour recipe. Each recipe has to be engineered and tested multiple times (sometimes as many as 10 times) to get it right. You just can’t do a straight sub. Sorry. -Kim
What a great recipe! I recently was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and trying to keep some joy in life while limiting myself to such a strict diet has been nearly impossible until finding this site! These brownies are moist, gooey and fudgey and have such a great flavor to them! I subbed apple cider vinegar for white and they still taste great. I also only used 1/3 cup sugar substitute, as a previous recipe from this site was just a tad too sweet for me. I couldn’t be happier with this recipe. I cut my batch into 12 servings so each brownie is less than 1 carb serving (or 13g carb each). Taking out a bit of sugar also helped lower carbs. Thank you!
Great, Jessica! I’m so glad you like the recipe. It’s one my kids always enjoy and a great way to get rid of that overripe banana that they always seem to leave around. Thanks for commenting and for sharing your thoughts. Have a great weekend. -Kim
Can I substitute granulated monk fruit for the sweeteners? I find an aftertaste with Swerve. Subtle but it’s there. Haven’t tried the other one you mention. Would this also cover the stevia glycerite as well? Thanks!
Sure, you can use the Monkfruit sweetener – it the Lakanto, right? I found that if I used more it affects the texture and that is why I use the Stevia to add more sweetness. -Kim
It says that they are 6g carbs and 159cals per serving . whats the serving size in oz, grams etc…? thanx cant wait to try
Hi Delena. I don’t have a serving size in grams. I just divide or cut the recipe evenly and each piece is a serving. -Kim
These are very good. I’ll add this recipe to my book. I did use 3 duck eggs somthey were more cakey but no problem!
Wow, duck eggs! Glad they were still good despite the recipe change! ? Have a great day. -Kim
These are WONDERFUL, I’ve past it on to 2 low carb friends!
I’m so glad! Thank you, Karen! -Kim
Can the coconut milk be subbed with hwc? These look so amazing, I will eat zero carb all day to eat these at night!!!
Sure, you can sub. I would actually do 3 parts cream and 1 part water, since coconut milk is a little thinner. I haven’t tested the recipe with the HWC but it should sub fine. These blotter is super thick so spread it into the pan quickly before it thickens more as it sits. I hope you like them. -Kim
What is HWC?
Heavy Whipping Cream. I will make that more clear in the post. Thank you, Lee. -Kim
Hello, these look terrific! Going to be trying them in the next day or two, curious what purpose the parchment serves. Is it mainly for the bottom? I only have a round pan and not looking forward to trying to line the whole thing lol :)
Hi Maria. Cut out a circle so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. The brownies are extremely moist and fudgy. Cut around the edge when they are ready to be cut and removed from the pan. Enjoy! -Kim
perfect! thank you!
Awesome. Have a great day! -Kim
Hey Kim, I want to try this recipe for a dinner party this week. I’d like to use a combo of almond meal and hazelnut meal. What are your thoughts of using both in this recipe?
Kelly, for some reason, ground walnuts popped into my mind. They are lower in carbs like hazelnut meal and are more moist than hazelnut meal. If you have almond flour (blanched, ground almonds) you will have a better results than using almond meal (ground almonds with the skin). I’d say go for it. Let me just say that you are brave not testing the change before bringing! :) I know the recipe as written is really good, but I can’t guarantee the tweak. Let me know how it tastes with the hazelnut meal because I love how the combination sounds. Have a great week! -Kim
Thanks for the reply Kim. I have the super fine blanched almond meal. If the hazelnuts are drier, I certainly don’t want a dry dessert.
Hi Kelly. It’s not really that they are “drier” but have more texture, I guess. They might be really great in the recipe! The recipe is so fudgy that it might not make a difference. I’m sorry if my response sounded off. My children are home for the Summer and one of them honestly doesn’t stop talking or making noise from morning until night. I’m interrupted at least every 30 seconds. It’s not good for coherent thought…. Try it and see if you like it. It’s only cooking. :) Have a great day and thanks for your understanding. -Kim
What is a sub for stevia glycerate ?
Hi Linda, great question. Use more sweetener or liquid stevia to taste. :) -Kim
These are magnificent! I substituted heavy cream for coconut milk (because that’s what I had), and used only almond flavoring. They are incredibly moist and delicious. Thanks for putting the weight measurement required for the bananas (6 oz.) because the first banana I mashed was only 3.7 oz and that would have made the brownies too dry. These are definitely doing in the “Keeper” file!
Rhonda, I’m so glad you liked the brownies and I love that you used the almond flavoring! Yum! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. You made my day! Have a great weekend. -Kim
I have a question about the banana as well.
Wondering if sour cream can be subbed?
Dee, I have never tried subbing sour cream for the banana because I intended to use the banana; which lends extreme moistness and subtle flavor to the banana bread brownies. You can try, but I don’t know the results would be as it would completely change the recipe. If you just don’t like bananas I think that subbing canned pumpkin would work. If you want another brownie recipe you can try this one http://www.lowcarbmaven.com/fudgy-keto-brownies/ . Please let me know if I can answer any more questions. :) Have a great weekend! -Kim
These look soo yummy! Does the banana serve any truly necessary purpose? I only ask because of diabetes… I try to stay away from fruit.
Hi, Darla. Great question. Yes, the banana makes the brownies so fudgy – it is important. You could try to sub canned pumpkin and lower the carbs by almost 1 gram and use Lily’s chocolate chips which would also help. I developed the recipe before I knew about Lily’s sugar-free chocolate chips. I hope this helps. -Kim
I just found your blog, as I’m constantly researching almond flour low-carb recipes, been eating LC 6 mos (I’m fighting pre-diabetic sugar levels). Your site and recipes look “out of this world” good and I can’t wait to try them. I’m impressed that your shortcakes and brownies are described as “moist,” and shortbread cookies described as “crisp” because my forays into LC baking haven’t given me consistent results. Thx also for explicit recipe instructions.
Question though, on your recipes I see you add “vinegar.” Do you prefer distilled white or apple vinegar?
Thanks, and I look forward to more of your recipes!
Hi Patti. Thanks so much for taking the time to say “hello”. Yes, aren’t we lucky to have such wonderful low carb ingredients available, like nut flours, that result in moist baked goods! I agree – crispy cookies are impossible in low carb recipes, so I sweetened a cracker recipe. Is it the same buttery texture as a traditional cookie? No. But, it is crispy and not cakey. I’m glad you find the recipes explicit as I strive to be as clear as possible. As far as the vinegar, I use white distilled so that it doesn’t add any off flavors. Such a great question! Have a nice week. -Kim
These look so delicious! Holy moly! You are completely right, these would be killer as a base for ice cream sundaes :) And thank you for teaching me about baking without grains each time I read your blog! I’m understanding it more and more with each post!
Thanks, Michelle. I’m glad you are finding my posts informative! I think this is one of the nicest comments I’ve received.
-Kim
HOLY COW, these look delicious!! I want to have!!!!! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Thanks, Gingi! They didn’t last too long… Luckily, they are easy to make.
-Kim
Seriously wishing I had all the ingredients on hand to make some right now… *pout*
Yeah, unless you are low carb, you don’t have the ingredients around. But, sugar could be subbed for the erythritol – just wouldn’t be low carb. Thanks for stopping by again. -Kim