Welcome to the simplest, most satisfying brownie recipe you’ll ever make. These 3 ingredient banana brownies are a true game-changer for anyone craving a rich, chocolatey treat without the fuss or the extra ingredients. They’re fudgy, naturally sweet, and packed with flavor.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both incredibly easy and surprisingly healthy, you’ve found it. This recipe proves you don’t need flour, oil, or refined sugar to create a decadent experience. Let’s dive in!
Why This 3 Ingredient Banana Brownie Recipe is a Game-Changer
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons. First and foremost is the sheer simplicity. With just three pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of warm, gooey brownies in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for last-minute cravings.
Beyond ease, these brownies are a healthier alternative. They are naturally gluten-free and can be easily made vegan. The sweetness comes entirely from the bananas, making them a guilt-free indulgence you can feel good about serving to your family.
And let’s talk about the texture. These aren’t cakey brownies; they are dense, moist, and intensely fudgy, just like a classic brownie should be.
The Magic Three: What You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalism. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.
1. Overripe Bananas
This is non-negotiable! The best bananas for this recipe are the ones with plenty of brown spots. Overripe bananas are significantly sweeter and have a higher moisture content, which is essential for creating a fudgy texture and providing all the sweetness without any added sugar.
2. Creamy Nut Butter
Nut butter provides the fat content needed for a rich, brownie-like consistency. Peanut butter is a classic choice, but almond butter or cashew butter work wonderfully too. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is an excellent substitute.
3. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
This is where the deep, dark chocolate flavor comes from. Using unsweetened cocoa powder allows you to control the richness. A high-quality cocoa powder will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies (Step-by-Step)
Ready to see how easy this is? Let’s bake!
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the overripe bananas until they are smooth and almost liquid-like. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Mix the Batter: Add the creamy nut butter and unsweetened cocoa powder to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until the batter is well combined, thick, and glossy.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: This is a crucial step! Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. They will firm up as they cool, which is key to achieving that perfect fudgy texture.
For an even more decadent treat, check out these incredible marshmallow peanut butter brownies.
Tips for the Best Flourless Banana Brownies
Even the simplest recipes have a few secrets to success.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture.
- Use a Small Pan: An 8×8 inch pan is ideal. A larger pan will result in thinner, drier brownies.
- Trust the Toothpick Test: Be careful not to overbake. The brownies are done when a toothpick has moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Fun Variations and Add-Ins
While the three-ingredient version is fantastic on its own, you can easily customize it. Consider stirring in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans for extra texture.
A pinch of sea salt on top before baking can also beautifully enhance the chocolate flavor. For another simple and delicious dessert, give our no-bake marshmallow cheesecake a try!
Storing Your Banana Brownies
These brownies are so good, you might not have leftovers! But if you do, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
They are delicious straight from the fridge or warmed slightly in the microwave. If you’re looking for another healthy treat, you might also love this healthy oatmeal apple cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are a healthier alternative to traditional brownies. They contain no flour, refined sugar, or oil. The sweetness comes from bananas, and they offer fiber and protein from the nut butter.
Definitely! Stirring in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of your favorite chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds is a fantastic way to add extra flavor and texture to these brownies.
Absolutely! Any creamy nut butter like almond, cashew, or even a seed butter like sunflower seed butter will work well in this recipe. Just be sure to use a natural, creamy variety without added sugars.
For the best results, your bananas should be very ripe with plenty of brown or black spots on the peel. This ensures they are sweet enough to act as the sole sweetener and moist enough for a fudgy texture.
This can happen for two main reasons: they were underbaked, or they weren’t cooled completely. It is essential to let these brownies cool fully in the pan, as this allows them to set and firm up into the perfect fudgy consistency.
Share Your Fudgy Brownie Creations!
We hope you love these unbelievably easy 3 ingredient banana brownies! They are proof that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out!
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3 Ingredient Banana Brownies Recipe
3 Ingredient Banana Brownies (Unbelievably Fudgy & Easy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash the overripe bananas until they form a smooth, puree-like consistency.
- Add the creamy nut butter and unsweetened cocoa powder to the bowl with the mashed bananas.
- Stir the mixture until all ingredients are fully combined and the batter is thick and glossy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This helps them set and achieve the perfect fudgy texture.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure you use creamy, natural-style nut butter where the only ingredient is nuts (and maybe salt). Avoid those with added sugars or oils.
Tip 3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
