These 3-ingredient brownies with banana are a simple yet indulgent dessert made with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and rich cocoa powder. They are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free, offering a guilt-free way to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Perfect for a nutritious snack or dessert, these brownies are fudgy, easy to make, and full of wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for those who crave chocolatey treats but want to keep things healthy. Made with only three ingredients—bananas, peanut butter, and cocoa powder—these brownies are not only delicious but also packed with potassium, healthy fats, and antioxidants. They come together in no time and bake into a rich, fudgy texture that’s sure to hit the spot. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a healthy dessert, or an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownies are perfect. Plus, they’re completely vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free, making them a great choice for a wide range of dietary needs.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
120 grams (½ cup) creamy peanut butter
50 grams (½ cup) cocoa powder
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 7×7-inch brownie pan with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
-
Add the peanut butter to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined.
-
Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared brownie pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
-
Bake for 22-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (around 27 minutes).
-
Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing them into 9 pieces.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 9 brownies.
-
Prep time: 10 minutes
-
Cook time: 25 minutes
-
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
-
Nut-free version: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free alternative.
-
Add-ins: Enhance the flavor and texture by adding chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut to the batter before baking.
-
Protein boost: For an added protein kick, mix in a scoop of protein powder and adjust the consistency with a splash of almond milk or regular milk.
-
Different nut butters: You can experiment with other nut butters such as almond butter or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store the brownies at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. When reheating, place a piece of parchment paper or a damp towel over the brownie and microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of nut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you’re looking for a nut-free option.
2. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, the brownies are done. Bake for about 22-30 minutes, with 27 minutes being the ideal time in most cases.
3. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, chocolate chips are a great addition to this recipe! You can stir in about ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
4. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 9 brownies, but you can easily adjust the portion sizes to your preference.
5. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used. Just make sure to thaw them before mashing, and drain any excess liquid to avoid affecting the batter consistency.
6. Are these brownies really sugar-free?
Yes, these brownies do not contain any added sugar. The natural sweetness comes from the ripe bananas, making them a healthier alternative to traditional brownies.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger pan. Make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
8. How should I store the leftovers?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
9. Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, these brownies are naturally gluten-free since they do not contain any flour or wheat-based ingredients.
10. Can I make these brownies without peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters like almond butter or sunflower seed butter, depending on your preferences or dietary needs.
Conclusion
These 3-ingredient brownies with banana are a simple, healthy, and satisfying treat that anyone can enjoy. Made with whole, natural ingredients, they’re perfect for those on a vegan, gluten-free, or sugar-free diet. Whether you’re in need of a quick snack or a nutritious dessert, these fudgy brownies are a must-try. With endless variations and easy storage options, they’re bound to become your go-to healthy indulgence. Enjoy!
Print
3-Ingredient Brownies with Banana
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 3-ingredient brownies with banana sound delicious and super simple! The combination of ripe bananas, peanut butter, and cocoa powder is not only healthy but also makes for a fudgy treat without added sugars or flour. Here’s the recipe formatted for you:
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
120 grams (½ cup) creamy peanut butter
50 grams (½ cup) cocoa powder
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 7×7-inch brownie pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the peanut butter to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined.
Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared brownie pan and smooth out the top.
Bake for 22-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (about 27 minutes).
Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into 9 pieces.
Notes
For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts can enhance texture and flavor.
For a protein boost, incorporate a scoop of protein powder and adjust the consistency with milk.
Store brownies at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
