Craving something sweet, fudgy, and guilt-free? Meet your new favorite fix: 3 ingredient brownies with banana. These magical little treats are soft, rich, and satisfyingly chocolatey—without the need for flour, eggs, or refined sugar. Whether you’re trying to eat clean, need a quick dessert, or simply want to make use of those overripe bananas sitting on the counter, this recipe checks every box.
These Better Than Box Mix Brownies bring classic chocolate flavor with an upgraded homemade twist.
I first made these brownies on a whim during a lazy Sunday baking session with my niece. She had three ingredients and a huge sweet tooth. To our surprise, the result was a moist, dense, brownie-like square that instantly won us over. Ever since, these banana brownies have become a go-to in our home—right up there with our viral Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies.
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These brownies are naturally gluten-free, flourless, dairy-free, and kid-approved. Plus, they’re done in under 30 minutes from start to finish. If you’re all about fast, easy recipes that don’t compromise on flavor, this is one you can’t miss. Let’s take a closer look at why this recipe really is the easiest dessert ever.
What is 3 Ingredient Brownies With Banana?
Let’s be honest—the name kind of gives it away, doesn’t it? But that’s the fun of it. 3 ingredient brownies with banana are exactly what they sound like: a simple dessert made with just three pantry staples. The best part? It actually tastes like a brownie.
So, why does something this basic taste so good? Because ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, cocoa powder delivers that classic chocolate kick, and nut butter binds it all into one gooey, glorious bite. Some might say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and if that’s true, these brownies might just be the shortcut. Go ahead—give them a try. Your cravings will thank you.
Try these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies, they’re flourless, simple, and just as satisfying.
3 Ingredient Brownies With Banana
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- Optional:
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mash the bananas in a medium mixing bowl using a fork until smooth and lump-free. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be.
- Add the peanut butter and cocoa powder. Stir until all the ingredients are fully combined and the batter looks thick and smooth. Make sure no dry cocoa remains. If you're using optional add-ins like vanilla, salt, or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly into the corners and smooth the top.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes. The surface should look set and slightly firm. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Cool the brownies in the pan for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.
- Slice and serve. Enjoy warm or chilled. These brownies get fudgier as they sit, making them even better the next day!
Notes
- Super easy and fast to make
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- No flour, eggs, or added sugar
- Budget-friendly with pantry ingredients
- Kid-friendly and fun to make with little helpers
- Texture may be too soft for those who prefer cakey brownies
- Not ideal for freezing long-term
- Flavor depends heavily on banana ripeness
Check out our No-Bake Eclair Cake, cool, creamy, and perfect for summer entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Brownies With Banana
1. It’s Naturally Sweet, Moist, and Chocolatey
This dessert brings all the rich texture and deep cocoa flavor of a classic brownie, but without the guilt. The mashed banana acts as both sweetener and moisture, resulting in a fudgy texture that feels indulgent but is made with real ingredients.
2. Budget-Friendly and Convenient
No need for fancy flours, eggs, or mixers. You probably already have bananas, cocoa powder, and peanut butter at home. These 3 ingredient brownies with banana prove that great dessert doesn’t have to cost a lot.
3. Customizable and Kid-Approved
You can add a handful of chocolate chips, a splash of vanilla, or a sprinkle of sea salt for that gourmet twist. Like our 3 Ingredient No-Bake Oat Bars, this one is endlessly flexible.
Ready to bake something quick, easy, and delicious? Let’s go!
How to Make 3 Ingredient Brownies With Banana
Quick Overview
These brownies are a lifesaver when you’re short on time or ingredients. No flour, no eggs, no mess. Just mix, pour, and bake. Prep takes 5 minutes, bake time is about 20. That means you can go from craving to cozy chocolate squares in under 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute guests or lazy weeknight cravings.
Key Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Brownies With Banana
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
(Optional Add-ins: 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth. The riper, the better.
- Add peanut butter and cocoa powder. Stir everything together until fully combined and no dry streaks remain. Fold in any optional add-ins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the top looks set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. The texture sets more as it cools.
- Slice and enjoy! Store extras in an airtight container.
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What to Serve 3 Ingredient Brownies With Banana With
These brownies are wonderful on their own but even better with a few pairings:
- A cold glass of almond milk or oat milk
- A dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey
- Fresh berries on the side
- A scoop of banana ice cream for a healthy sundae twist
- Coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy combo
Whether you’re snacking or celebrating, these brownies play well with others.
Top Tips for Perfecting 3 Ingredient Brownies With Banana
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moistness.
- Natural peanut butter works best (just peanuts and salt). Avoid sweetened or oily spreads.
- Sift the cocoa powder if it’s clumpy, for smoother mixing.
- Don’t overbake! They continue to firm up after coming out of the oven.
- Customize with toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
These tips ensure your brownies come out rich, moist, and perfectly chocolatey every time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Texture becomes even fudgier.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 20 seconds.
- Reheating: Microwave briefly or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
These brownies are make-ahead friendly and perfect for meal prep or snack boxes.
FAQ: 3 Ingredient Brownies With Banana
1. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
It already is! Just double-check that your cocoa powder doesn’t contain milk.
3. Are these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely. No flour involved—just banana, cocoa, and nut butter.
4. Can I add protein powder?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with chocolate protein powder.
5. What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
You can microwave them for 30–60 seconds to soften and sweeten them slightly.
6. Can kids help make these?
Totally! It’s a fun, mess-free recipe that doesn’t require knives or hot stoves.
7. Why are my brownies too soft?
They might need a few extra minutes in the oven or more cocoa powder to thicken the batter.
Ready to make the easiest dessert ever? These 3 ingredient brownies with banana will surprise you with how simple, tasty, and satisfying they are. Whip up a batch today and see why this sweet little recipe wins every time!
