The first time I made 3 ingredient brownies with banana, I didn’t expect much. How good could a dessert be with no sugar, no flour, and only three things? But I had ripe bananas on the counter, a jar of peanut butter in the pantry, and just enough cocoa powder to give it a try. What came out of the oven was a soft, rich, chocolatey square that didn’t need a single extra thing.
These brownies are naturally sweet from ripe bananas and get their texture from creamy peanut butter. There’s no butter, no eggs, and no added sugar, but they hold together beautifully and feel like a true treat. It’s a one-bowl recipe that takes less than 10 minutes to mix and under 30 minutes to bake. No mixer. No fuss.
If you’re looking for a fast, flourless dessert that still delivers, this is the one. Keep a few bananas on hand, and you’re halfway there.
Why These 3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana Work
Natural sweetness, no refined sugar
Bananas are the powerhouse in this recipe. When ripe, they’re sweet enough to carry the flavor without needing sugar or honey. They also provide moisture and structure, acting as a binder so you don’t need eggs. The flavor is mellow, which lets the cocoa stand out without tasting bitter. For best results, use bananas with lots of brown spots.
Just three pantry ingredients
You only need bananas, cocoa powder, and peanut butter. That’s it. Choose a creamy peanut butter for the best texture and balance. If you want a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter works too. Stir everything in one bowl, pour into a lined pan, and bake until set.
Next, we’ll break down how to get the perfect texture, tips for baking, and how to avoid common mistakes. Ready?
3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana
Ingredients
- 3 ripe banana
- 120 grams 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 50 grams 1/2 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and fold a 15 cm x 15 cm (7 inch x 7 inch) brownie pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas. When completely mashed, add peanut butter and stir the mixture until smooth.
- Sift in cocoa powder, give it a mix and transfer to the prepared brownie pan.
- Bake in hot oven for 22 to 30 minutes – mine took 27 minutes. Let cool completely at room temperature before slicing.
Notes
How to Get the Perfect Texture Every Time
Mix smart and keep it smooth
When working with only three ingredients, how you mix matters. Start by thoroughly mashing your ripe bananas in a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to break them down until no chunks remain. This gives your brownies a smooth texture and helps them bake evenly. Once mashed, stir in the peanut butter. Keep mixing until the batter looks thick and creamy. If it’s too stiff, let it sit for a minute to soften naturally.
Sift in the cocoa powder last. This step prevents clumps and helps the batter blend without overmixing. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the brownies gummy or dry once baked. The final batter should look glossy and thick, not runny.
Bake until just set
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a small square pan with parchment paper. A 7×7 inch pan is ideal for getting the right thickness. Spread the batter evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 22 to 30 minutes. Mine took 27, but check at the 22-minute mark. Look for a surface that’s slightly cracked but firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step is key. They will continue to firm up as they cool, and cutting too early can lead to a sticky texture.
Next, we’ll look at storage tips, how to freeze them, and answer common questions like why banana brownies turn out gooey or if flour is ever needed.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage for Banana Brownies
How to store them for best freshness
Once your brownies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, you can refrigerate them to help preserve their texture. They firm up a bit in the fridge but still stay soft and chewy inside. Just let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating if you prefer a softer bite.
These brownies also travel well. Pack them in lunch boxes, bring them on road trips, or tuck a few into your bag for a snack that feels like a dessert but eats like clean fuel.
Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
Yes, you can freeze banana brownies. In fact, they freeze beautifully. Once cooled, slice them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in parchment or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
To enjoy, just pull out a square and let it thaw at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. You can also pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds if you want a warm, fudgy bite on demand.
These brownies are perfect for batch baking. Make a double batch, freeze half, and thank yourself later when that afternoon craving hits. Next, we’ll answer your most common questions—like whether these count as healthy, why they’re sometimes gooey, and whether flour is ever needed.
FAQ About 3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana
Are 3 ingredient banana brownies healthy?
These brownies are considered a healthier dessert option. They contain no added sugar, no refined flour, and no butter or oil. Bananas provide natural sweetness, cocoa powder brings antioxidants, and peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Each brownie is around 143 calories, making it a smart choice for those wanting something sweet without extra junk.
Can you freeze banana brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze well. After they cool completely, wrap each square individually and store them in a freezer-safe container. They keep for up to two months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for a soft, warm texture.
Why are my banana brownies gooey?
Banana brownies will be softer and more moist than traditional brownies due to the lack of flour and eggs. If they’re too gooey, they may have needed a few extra minutes in the oven. Be sure to test with a toothpick. It should come out with just a few crumbs, not wet batter. Letting them cool completely also helps them firm up.
Do banana brownies need flour?
No, these 3 ingredient brownies don’t need any flour. The mashed banana and peanut butter create the structure, and the cocoa powder binds the batter while adding that deep chocolate flavor. If you prefer a cakier texture, you could add a spoonful of oat flour, but it’s not required.
Conclusion
3 ingredient brownies with banana prove that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something rich and satisfying. With just bananas, cocoa powder, and peanut butter, you get a dessert that’s naturally sweet, full of real flavor, and easy to whip up any time. Whether you’re baking for a weeknight treat or freezing extras for later, these brownies deliver fudgy texture without the extras you don’t need. Simple, smart, and delicious.
