3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana – The Ultimate Easy Dessert Guide

3 ingredient brownies with banana : If you’ve ever wanted to make brownies that are fudgy, delicious, and healthy — without turning your kitchen into a flour explosion — these 3 ingredient brownies with banana are about to become your new favorite recipe.

This treat has been making waves across food blogs and social media because it checks all the boxes: simple, budget-friendly, and naturally sweetened. You’ll only need three pantry staples and about half an hour to whip them up.

Whether you’re baking for a quick weekday dessert, a last-minute gathering, or a healthy lunchbox snack, this recipe will fit right in.

Why Choose 3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana?

There are plenty of brownie recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few key reasons:

• No refined sugar if you use ripe bananas as your sweetener
• Minimal cleanup — just one bowl and one baking pan
• Gluten-free and dairy-free options available
• Great for beginner bakers and kids

Bananas aren’t just for sweetness — they’re packed with potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. In fact, they’re so nutrient-dense that the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health lists them as a top fruit for heart and digestive health.

Cocoa powder brings in the rich, deep chocolate flavor we love, but it’s also high in antioxidants. You can check out the USDA FoodData Central for a detailed breakdown of its nutritional profile.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what makes this recipe work with just three ingredients:

1. Bananas – The riper, the better. You want bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and smooth texture.
2. Cocoa Powder – Use unsweetened cocoa powder for best results. Dutch-processed will give a darker, richer flavor, while natural cocoa has a slightly tangy finish.
3. Eggs – These act as the binding agent. If you’re vegan, swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or other egg substitutes.

Optional add-ins:

• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter swirl
• Chopped nuts
• Coconut flakes

Equipment Needed

You won’t need fancy tools for this recipe:

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8 baking dish (or similar)
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
3. Add cocoa powder and stir until well combined.
4. Beat in eggs until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set.
7. Cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, fudgy squares.

Flavor Variations

Want to take your brownies up a notch while still keeping them easy? Try:

• Mocha Brownies – Add 1 tsp espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Nut Lovers’ Brownies – Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Coconut Brownies – Sprinkle shredded coconut over the batter before baking.
• Peanut Butter Swirl – Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter onto the batter and swirl with a knife before baking.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap brownies individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Too dry → Overbaked or not enough banana. Try reducing bake time or using riper bananas.
• Too gooey → Undercooked or extra-large bananas. Bake for an extra 5 minutes.
• Not sweet enough → Bananas weren’t ripe enough; add a touch of maple syrup or honey.
• Dense texture → This is normal for flourless brownies; for a lighter texture, whip eggs before adding.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: ~110
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 3g
• Sugar: ~12g (natural from bananas)

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Drizzle with melted nut butter
• Serve with fresh berries for a balanced dessert

FAQs – Your Brownie Questions Answered

Q: Can I make these brownies vegan?
A: Yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs.

Q: Do I have to use overripe bananas?
A: For best sweetness and texture, yes.

Q: Can I substitute cocoa with melted chocolate?
A: You can, but it will change the texture and sweetness.

Q: How long do they last without refrigeration?
A: Up to 2 days in a sealed container.

Q: Can I make these without eggs?
A: Yes — use any plant-based egg substitute.

Q: Are they suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely — they’re naturally sweetened and easy to chew.

Final Tips

These 3 ingredient brownies with banana are the perfect combination of simplicity, nutrition, and rich chocolate flavor. They’re proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something truly satisfying.

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