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3 Ingredient Brownies

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These rich and decadent 3-ingredient brownies are made with just ripe bananas, nut butter, and cocoa powder. This effortless recipe is not only gluten-free, but also egg-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions. Ready in just 30 minutes, these flourless brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt.

A close-up of three stacked squares of 3-ingredient banana brownies, showing their fudgy texture with chunks of banana and a glossy top layer.

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I think we can all agree that all of us are hooked on sugar. Both kids and adults love sweet treats, but more often than not, those sweet treats are less than good for us. That’s why I love this simple chocolate dessert recipe so muchβ€”these 3-ingredient brownies are free from refined sugar. If you’re craving a more traditional chocolate treat, check out my gluten-free brownies with almond meal for a delicious, wholesome twist on classic brownies.

πŸ“ Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for 3-ingredient brownies, including ripe bananas, peanut butter, and cacao powder.
  • Bananas: To make these chocolate brownies, you’ll need ripe bananas. Just like in my gluten-free banana bread recipe, the riper the bananas, the better.
  • Nut butter: In my opinion, nothing beats the combination of bananas and peanut butter, but if you prefer cashew or almond butter, those will work well too. I like using crunchy peanut butter for a little extra crunch in every bite.
  • Cacao powder: To keep this recipe healthy, choose high-quality raw cacao powder. Avoid cocoa powder, which is often mixed with sugar and other additives.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients πŸ‘‡

Variations

  • If you don’t like bananas, you can use applesauce instead.
  • For a nut-free version, use seed butter like sunflower seed butter or sesame tahini paste.
  • Add a splash of maple syrup or honey if you’d like the brownies to be a little sweeter.
  • I love adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
  • Some chocolate chips will add a richer chocolate taste to the brownies.
  • You can also mix in nuts, such as walnuts, for a bit of crunch.

If you’re in the mood to try other gluten-free options, explore my gluten-free dessert recipes for more inspiration!

πŸ§‘β€πŸ³ How To Make 3-Ingredient Chocolate Brownies

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the 3-ingredient brownies from sticking.

A glass bowl with mashed ripe bananas being prepared for 3-ingredient brownies.

Step 2: Using a fork or small food processor, mash the ripe bananas. You can make the mixture completely smooth or leave it a little chunky if you prefer a different texture in your banana brownies.

Peanut butter and cacao powder added to mashed bananas in glass bowl.

Step 3: Add the nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) and cacao powder to the mashed bananas. This combination gives the brownies their rich chocolate flavor.

Chocolate brownie batter in a glass bowl.

Step 4: Gently mix all the ingredients together until you have a smooth, chocolatey batter. Make sure the cacao powder is well incorporated.

Nine square pieces of chocolate brownies.

Step 5: Transfer the batter to your prepared baking tray and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

β˜€οΈ Top Tips

  • Adjust baking time to your liking. For moist, fudgy brownies, stick to 15 minutes. For a drier, cakier texture, bake them for 20 minutes or slightly longer.
  • Opt for high-quality cacao powder to get a rich, chocolatey taste without added sugar or fillers.
  • Use crunchy nut butter to add extra texture to each bite of the brownies.

❄️ How To Store

Refrigerate: The best way to keep the brownies fresh is to store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.

Freeze: If you want to enjoy your brownies for a longer period, simply freeze them in a freezer-safe container. You can place baking paper between the pieces to prevent them from sticking, but honestly, it’s not really necessary. Just grab a piece whenever you want a healthy treat. Oh, and by the wayβ€”they taste amazing frozen!

Freshly baked 3-ingredient banana brownies, cut into squares and ready to serve.

Recipe FAQs

What makes brownies cakey vs fudgy?

Since we don’t use flour in this recipe, the baking time will determine if your brownies are fudgy or cakey. A shorter baking time will result in undercooked, moist, and fudgy brownies. If you prefer cakier brownies, bake them a little longer for a firmer texture.

How to fix cakey brownies after baking?

Unfortunately, there’s no real way to make brownies fudgy once they’ve turned dry. You can try placing them in an airtight container for a while to help add some moisture, but the best solution is to adjust the baking time next time you make this recipe.

How long should I bake a double batch?

For a double batch, you may need to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes, but be careful not to overbake. Always use the toothpick test to ensure the center is baked through​.

What type of peanut butter should I use?

It’s best to use natural peanut butter, which contains only peanuts and salt. Avoid peanut butter with added sugar or oils for a healthier option.

If you’ve tried this 3-Ingredient Brownie Recipe or any other recipe on my website, I’d love to hear how it went! Don’t forget to leave a 🌟 star rating and drop a note in the πŸ“ comments below. Happy baking! πŸ§‘β€πŸ³

Freshly baked 3-ingredient banana brownies, cut into squares and ready to serve.

3 Ingredient Brownies

Elena Elliott
These rich and fudgy 3-ingredient banana brownies are incredibly easy to make with just ripe bananas, peanut butter, and cacao powder. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and contain no refined sugarβ€”perfect for a guilt-free treat. Ready in just 30 minutes, these brownies are the ultimate quick and healthy dessert for any chocolate lover!
5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 square slices
Calories 117 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bananas large ripe bananas
  • Β½ cup peanut butter or use almond or cashew.
  • Β½ cup cacao powder
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Mash the bananas using a fork or food processor until smooth. You can leave them slightly chunky if you prefer some texture in your brownies.
  • Add the nut butter and cacao powder to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, well-combined batter.
  • Transfer the batter to the prepared baking tray and spread it evenly.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For fudgier brownies, bake for about 15 minutes; for a cakier texture, bake closer to 20 minutes.
  • Let the brownies cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Bake for:
  • 15 minutes for moist, fudgy brownies.
  • 20 minutes for a firmer, cakey texture. Insert a toothpick into the center to check for donenessβ€”it should come out with a few moist crumbs for fudgier brownies or clean for cakier ones.
  • For best results, use ripe bananas, as they add more natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Adjust sweetness: If you want extra sweetness, add a small amount of maple syrup or honey to the batter.
  • Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Variations: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance flavor and texture.
Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 48mgPotassium: 264mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    These chocolate brownies are so easy to make. With only three ingredients, they are as healthy as they are delicious. I hope you’ll give them a try too!

5 from 1 vote

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