When you’re short on time but still craving something sweet and chocolatey, 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies are a total game-changer. They’re rich, fudgy, and come together with just a bowl, a spoon, and a few pantry staples.
I first tried this recipe when I had overripe bananas and zero desire to make another loaf of banana bread. The result surprised me—intense chocolate flavor, naturally sweetened, and a texture that’s somewhere between a brownie and a flourless cake. No flour, no eggs, no oil—just bananas, cocoa powder, and nut butter.
What I love most is how customizable these brownies are. You can stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter on top. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and feel indulgent without being heavy.
If you’re looking for a quick, better-for-you dessert that still satisfies your chocolate cravings, these banana brownies check every box. Let’s bake a batch.
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies are just the treat you need! They are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort while delivering rich chocolate flavor and moist texture. Plus, they are a healthier twist on traditional brownies, making them perfect for anyone wanting to indulge without the guilt. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone just looking for a delightful dessert, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for numerous variations to suit your taste.
Let’s dive into why these brownies will become your go-to dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need for 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies
Essential Ingredients
3 large bananas
Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the brownies, making them wonderfully soft. Aim for bananas that are well-ripened, with plenty of brown spots, as they will offer the best flavor.1/2 cup almond butter
Almond butter is a creamy, nutty alternative that adds richness to the brownies. If almond butter isn’t available, you can substitute it with peanut butter or any other nut or seed butter you prefer.1/4 cup cocoa powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies that deep chocolaty flavor while keeping the sweetness in check. Look for high-quality cocoa powder for the best results.
Optional Add-Ons
- Chocolate chips: Add a handful of your favorite chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch.
- Vanilla extract: A teaspoon can enhance the overall flavor.
- Sea salt: A pinch on top can elevate the chocolate flavor.
Feel free to get creative based on your preferences!
How to Make 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these brownies is straightforward! Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This temperature is perfect for baking the brownies evenly. While your oven heats up, prepare your baking pan. Line a square baking pan (8×8 inches works great) with parchment paper. This will make it easy to lift the brownies out later.
Step 2: Prepare the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, peel your ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly. You can use a fork to mash them by hand, or for an even smoother texture, consider placing them in a blender. The goal is to have a creamy banana mixture.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Once your bananas are well-mashed, add the almond butter and cocoa powder to the bowl. Using a spatula, or even just a sturdy wooden spoon, mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and thick, with no lumps from the bananas.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie mixture into your lined baking pan. Spread it out evenly with your spatula. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the top is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cooling and Slicing
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This is crucial; cooling them will make them easier to slice. Once they are cool, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut them into squares and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies
These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further with a few serving ideas:
- Serve warm: Warm brownies are a treat, especially when topped with a scoop of ice cream.
- With a drizzle: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate or a peanut butter sauce over the top for added flavor.
- With fruits and nuts: Serve with a side of berries, sliced bananas, or sprinkled with nuts to add a fresh touch.
- Dusting of powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies
- Use ripe bananas: For the best sweetness and moisture, choose bananas that are well-ripened.
- Don’t skip the cooling step: Allowing the brownies to cool completely will help them set and make slicing easier.
- Mix well: Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined to avoid any lumps.
- Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different nuts, fruits, or chocolate additions to personalize your brownies.
- Watch carefully: Since oven times can vary, keep an eye on the brownies as they bake to avoid overcooking.
Easy Variations for 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies
Once you master the basic 3 Ingredient Brownies, you can easily customize them:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Before baking, swirl some peanut butter into the mixture for a delightful twist.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a drop of peppermint extract or some mint-flavored chocolate chips.
- Coconut Brownies: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
- Extra Chocolate: Substitute half of the cocoa powder with chocolate protein powder for a protein boost.
- Berries: Fold in some blueberries or raspberries for a fruity flavor.
Storage Tips for 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies
These brownies can be easily stored, ensuring that you can enjoy them for days. Here are some tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
These 3 Ingredient Brownies are an excellent example of how simple can still be delicious. With only a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of brownies that are both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a family treat, a quick snack, or an unexpected guest, these brownies are sure to impress. Plus, you have the joy of knowing you created something wonderful with minimal effort. So, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin!
FAQs About 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies
1. Can I use different nut butters?
Yes! You can use any nut or seed butter you like, including peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
2. Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use any flour.
3. How do I make the brownies more chocolatey?
You can add chocolate chips to the batter or use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
4. Can I make these brownies vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses bananas in place of eggs and doesn’t require any dairy.
5. How can I tell when the brownies are done?
They are done when the top is set, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
With these straightforward instructions and tips, you’re ready to create the best 3 Ingredient Brownies ever! Enjoy every delightful bite.
Print
3 Ingredient Banana Brownies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
Description
These 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies are the ultimate quick and healthy treat. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and made rich with almond butter and cocoa powder, they’re fudgy, chocolatey, and perfect for clean snacking.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas – well-speckled and soft
- ½ cup almond butter – or substitute with peanut butter or other nut/seed butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – high-quality for rich flavor
Optional Add-Ons:
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the almond butter and cocoa powder until fully combined. Mix in any optional add-ins if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle sea salt or extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the brownies are set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or chilled!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- These brownies are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate for a few hours after baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: undefined
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies, healthy banana brownies, flourless brownies, gluten-free brownies, almond butter brownies
