3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes brownies to a whole new level, offering a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor or texture. The combination of ripe bananas and peanut butter creates a naturally sweet, fudgy base, while the cocoa powder adds the perfect amount of rich, chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a healthier dessert option, these brownies will hit the spot. Plus, with just three simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas

• 120 grams (1/2 cup) creamy peanut butter

• 50 grams (1/2 cup) cocoa powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 15 cm x 15 cm (7 inch x 7 inch) brownie pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

3. Add the peanut butter to the mashed bananas and mix until fully combined and smooth.

4. Sift in the cocoa powder and mix everything together until well incorporated.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared brownie pan and spread it evenly.

6. Bake for 22 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. (Note: The baking time may vary depending on your oven. For reference, this batch took 27 minutes.)

7. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Nut Butter Swap: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can swap it for almond butter or any other nut butter of your choice.

• Add-ins: Feel free to add in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.

• Sweetener: If you’d like a bit more sweetness, try adding a small drizzle of maple syrup or a pinch of stevia to the batter.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply pop a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of banana for this recipe?

Yes, ripe bananas work best as they are naturally sweet and mash easily. Make sure the bananas are well-ripened for the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I substitute the peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter with any other nut butter like almond butter or cashew butter. Just make sure the consistency is similar to peanut butter for the best results.

3. Can I make this recipe without cocoa powder?

While cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor, you can try substituting it with carob powder for a different flavor, or even use a chocolate protein powder for an extra protein boost.

4. Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, these brownies are gluten-free as they contain no wheat flour or gluten-containing ingredients.

5. Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, these brownies can be frozen. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

6. How do I know when the brownies are done?

You can check if the brownies are done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, they are ready.

7. Can I make these brownies without using parchment paper?

While parchment paper makes it easier to remove the brownies from the pan, you can also grease the pan lightly with oil or non-stick spray if you don’t have parchment paper.

8. How many calories are in each brownie?

These brownies are relatively low in calories due to the use of bananas and peanut butter. The calorie count will depend on the size of the brownies, but roughly each serving is around 120-150 calories.

9. Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of bananas?

Bananas are key for natural sweetness and binding, but if you need to avoid them, you could experiment with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol, though it may alter the texture.

10. Can I make these brownies in a different size pan?

Yes, you can make these brownies in a larger or smaller pan, but keep in mind the baking time may change. Use the toothpick method to check for doneness if you’re using a different pan size.

Conclusion

These 3-ingredient brownies with banana are a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dessert. With their fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor, they’ll satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugars or gluten. Simple to make and easy to customize, this is one brownie recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation!

Print