3-Ingredient Banana Brownies: The Easiest Healthy Dessert You’ll Ever Make
It all started with one overripe banana and a serious craving for chocolate.
I remember standing in my kitchen, staring at that banana on the counter like it had betrayed me. I wasn’t in the mood for a smoothie. I didn’t want banana bread (again). And I was 100% not in the mood to drag out the mixer or deal with a sink full of dishes.
But I wanted something warm, chocolatey, and quick. You know, one of those “I need dessert but I also want to be healthy” moments.
And that’s how these 3 ingredient brownies with banana came into my life. Moist, fudgy, and shockingly good. I had my first bite while standing barefoot in the kitchen, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These 3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana
These brownies are the holy grail of healthy desserts. No flour. No sugar overload. No long list of ingredients.
They’re:
- Super fudgy and rich
- Naturally sweetened
- Gluten-free and dairy-free
- Perfect for those late-night chocolate cravings
The best part? These 3 ingredient brownies with banana take less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and they’re made in one bowl. Fewer dishes = happier you.
If you’re someone who’s always on the lookout for simple, real-food snacks, this recipe fits right into your routine. It uses ingredients you likely already have at home, and it delivers every time. No fancy tools, no complicated steps just delicious results.
Plus, these brownies are a total crowd-pleaser. My kids love them, my friends ask for the recipe, and I’ve even brought them to potlucks. No one ever believes they’re made with just banana, cocoa, and egg. It’s like kitchen magic!
And here’s the kicker: they’re surprisingly satisfying. Because of the fiber in the banana and the richness of the cocoa, just one or two squares will curb your sweet tooth and keep you going. Healthy snack recipes don’t get much easier or more delicious than this.
3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan or small baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
- Whisk in the egg until fully combined.
- Add the cocoa powder and mix until smooth. Batter will be thick.
- Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Add optional toppings now.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool completely before slicing for the best fudgy texture.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
You literally only need 3 pantry staples:
- 1 ripe banana – The riper, the better. Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Go for Dutch-processed or raw cacao for deep chocolate flavor.
- 1 egg – Binds everything together and gives that brownie texture.
Want a vegan version? Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, set for 10 mins).
Optional Add-ins:
- A pinch of sea salt
- Vanilla extract
- Dark chocolate chips or walnuts for texture
Want to keep it refined-sugar-free? You’re already there. Want to level it up a notch? Try swirling in a spoonful of almond butter before baking.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Brownies with Banana
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan or small baking dish with parchment.
- Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
- Whisk in the egg and stir until fully combined.
- Add the cocoa powder and mix until smooth. The batter will be thick.
- Pour into your pan and spread evenly. Add any toppings now.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool completely before slicing. Trust me—this makes them extra fudgy.
Pro Tips for the Best Texture
- Use a super ripe banana. It should be spotty and soft it brings the natural sweetness!
- Don’t overbake. These brownies should be soft in the center. Overbaking makes them dry.
- Cool before cutting. This helps them firm up and gives that dense, chewy texture.
Why These Are a Favorite Among Healthy Chocolate Snacks
It’s rare to find a recipe that checks every box easy, budget-friendly, healthy, and satisfying. But these 3 ingredient brownies with banana do exactly that.
They’re sweet enough to kill a craving, chocolatey enough to feel indulgent, and light enough to enjoy any time of day.
Pair them with a cup of coffee, tuck one in a lunchbox, or serve with a scoop of coconut ice cream for a guilt-free dessert.
Creative Twists to Try
Want to get fancy? You can add…
- Chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Shredded coconut
- A swirl of peanut butter
Each one adds something special, but the base recipe is pure gold.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped brownies for up to 3 months. Great for meal prepping!
They also taste amazing cold out of the fridge super fudgy like a dense chocolate truffle.
FAQs 3 ingredient brownies with banana
Can I make 3 ingredient brownies with banana vegan?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water). Let it sit for 10 minutes before using.
Are 3 ingredient brownies with banana gluten-free?
They sure are! Since there’s no flour, these 3 ingredient brownies with banana are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes! You can sub 1 tbsp of the cocoa with chocolate protein powder, but don’t go overboard it’ll change the texture.
How sweet are these brownies?
They’re naturally sweet from the banana, but not overly sugary. If you have a super sweet tooth, you can stir in a little maple syrup or a few chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
3 ingredient brownies with banana prove that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated or unhealthy. They’re fudgy, fast, and full of real ingredients. No boxed mix. No guilt.
Just a banana, cocoa, and an egg.
Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your snack stash.
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