The first time I made these 3 ingredient brownies with banana, it was a rainy Tuesday and I had exactly 15 minutes before school pickup. There were three overripe bananas staring me down from the counter, and I just wanted something warm and chocolatey. No fancy mixers. No grocery runs. Just a cozy little moment in my kitchen. And oh, these brownies delivered.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These 3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana
Naturally healthy and allergy-friendly
These brownies feel indulgent, but they’re naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and flourless. Bananas bring sweetness and structure. Peanut butter adds healthy fats and plant-based protein. Cocoa gives them that deep, rich chocolate flavor. It’s a treat you can feel good about sharing.
Quick, simple, and minimal cleanup
With just one bowl and three pantry ingredients, this recipe comes together in minutes. There’s no flour to sift or butter to melt. And cleanup? Practically non-existent. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sunday cravings, or surprise playdates.
Rich, chocolatey, and fudgy texture
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you. These brownies are deeply chocolatey with a moist, almost fudgy bite. The banana keeps them soft, while the peanut butter brings that creamy density you’d expect from a classic brownie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ripe bananas
Use bananas that are soft, spotty, and extra sweet. The more overripe, the better. They mash easily and bring natural moisture and sweetness to the batter.
Natural creamy peanut butter
Stick with the kind made from just peanuts (and maybe salt). Avoid added oils or sugars. The natural version keeps the batter smooth and wholesome.
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Look for natural cocoa powder, not Dutch-processed. It’s rich in antioxidants and gives these brownies their intense chocolate flavor.
Optional add-ins and variations
If you want to mix it up, toss in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts. A pinch of sea salt can also balance the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana
Step-by-step instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 15×15 cm (7×7 inch) baking pan with parchment paper so nothing sticks.
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter and stir until well combined. Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until everything is blended into a thick, dark batter.
If you’re adding extras like chocolate chips or walnuts, now’s the time to stir them in.
Recommended baking time and pan size
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 22 to 30 minutes. I usually pull mine out around 27 minutes for that soft, fudgy center. A smaller pan works too, just keep an eye on the timing.
How to know when they’re done
The edges should look set, but the center might still appear a bit soft—that’s okay. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Tips for the Best Results
Use overripe bananas
They’re sweeter, softer, and easier to mash. If they’re almost black, you’re golden.
Fully mash and mix before adding cocoa
Make sure the banana and peanut butter are completely blended first. This helps the cocoa mix in evenly and prevents clumps.
Avoid overbaking
These brownies continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking will dry them out, so trust your timer and the toothpick test.
Storage and Freezing Guide
At room temperature
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them away from heat or direct sunlight.
In the fridge
If you want to keep them a little longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. They firm up slightly but stay delicious.
Freezing and reheating tips
Wrap individual pieces and freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. To serve, pop one in a hot oven for a couple of minutes. Warm and gooey, just like fresh-baked.
FAQ – Banana Brownie Baking Questions
How long do you bake banana brownies for?
Bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 22–30 minutes. I recommend checking at the 27-minute mark. The center should be set but still soft.
How to make a 3 ingredient brownie?
Mash 3 ripe bananas, mix in ½ cup creamy peanut butter, then stir in ½ cup cocoa powder. Pour into a lined 7×7 pan and bake at 350°F for about 27 minutes. That’s it!
How long do banana brownies last?
At room temp, they last up to 3 days in an airtight container. In the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana Recipe
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3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana – Easy, Fudgy, and Flourless
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
Description
Fudgy, rich, and healthy—these 3 ingredient brownies with banana are naturally sweet, flourless, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
1/2 cup (120g) creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
Optional: chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 15×15 cm (7×7 inch) brownie pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until completely smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter and stir until well combined.
4. Sift in the cocoa powder and stir until fully incorporated.
5. Fold in any optional add-ins if using.
6. Transfer the batter to the lined pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 22–30 minutes, or until edges are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Cool completely at room temperature before slicing into 9 pieces.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and sweetness.
Avoid overbaking to keep brownies moist and fudgy.
Store in airtight container at room temp (3 days), refrigerate (5 days), or freeze (3 months).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Related Recipes to Try
If you love wholesome bakes, don’t miss my healthy baked pumpkin donuts for a cozy fall treat.
These zero sugar brownies that are fudgy and guilt-free are another chocolatey favorite.
Or try chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies made with wholesome ingredients for something sweet and spiced.
Need a grab-and-go snack? My flourless pumpkin muffins for a naturally gluten-free snack are perfect.
For more cozy baking inspiration, you’ll find tons of ideas over on Pinterest.
