Indulge in simplicity with these 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies. These fudgy treats redefine easy baking, proving that creating delicious fudgy brownies can be effortlessly wholesome. This easy brownie recipe features simple ingredients and is perfect for all diets.
It's no secret that I love making healthy brownies. Between my Date Sweetened Brownies, my Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies, and my Fudgy Nut-Free Brownies, I have just about everything. Everything except a super minimal and simple ingredient brownie recipe. That's exactly what this flourless brownie recipe is.
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Jump to:
- Ingredients For 3-Ingredient Brownies:
- How to Make These Flourless Brownies:
- Substitutions:
- Fudgy Vegan Banana Brownie Variations:
- Equipment:
- How To Store Healthy Banana Brownies:
- Top Tip:
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Related Vegan Brownie Recipes:
- 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies (Vegan And Paleo)
- More Banana Recipes:
Ingredients For 3-Ingredient Brownies:
I love this healthy brownie recipe because it is made with a handful of ingredients that are clean and simple ingredients that you can pick up from your local grocery store or easily order online from Wilderness Poets.
- Ripe or Overripe Bananas - bring a natural sweetness to this sweet treat. They are packed with potassium, vitamin C, and fiber for a nutrient-rich addition. Their natural sugars offer an energy boost, reducing the need for added sugar. I recommend using very ripe, or slightly overripe, bananas for the best results because they are much sweeter and easier to mash.
- Almond Butter - introduces healthy fats, primarily monounsaturated fats that support heart health and provide plant-based protein. It also brings essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and iron. Almond flour is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. It is a great flour and oil replacement, which makes these the perfect oil-free paleo brownies. I love getting mine from Wilderness Poets because it is made in micro batches and is 100% organic.
- Raw Cacao Powder - not only enhances the chocolatey flavor but is a powerhouse of antioxidants, combating oxidative stress and offering minerals like magnesium, iron, and potassium. It contributes to mood enhancement and overall well-being. I prefer using cacao powder over unsweetened cocoa powder because it has the perfect rich chocolate flavor, and it's less processed.
- Vanilla Bean Powder (optional) - if added, vanilla elevates the flavor of these healthy banana brownies without the need for extra sweeteners. It introduces a delightful aroma and provides additional antioxidants. Vanilla bean is something that quickly became a staple in my kitchen. I use it so much that I have to buy it in bulk from Wilderness Poets.
- Walnuts (optional) - not only do they add a delightful crunch, but they also contribute omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, protein, fiber, and more antioxidants, making your 3-ingredient brownies a wholesome treat for both taste buds and well-being.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make These Flourless Brownies:
These brownies may have a slightly different taste and texture than traditional brownies, however, that doesn't make them any less delicious. The bonus of them being so different is that they are so much easier to make.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth.
- Add Almond Butter:
- Stir in the almond butter until well combined with the mashed bananas. I recommend using a whisk to ensure that everything is evenly combined.
- Incorporate Cacao Powder:
- Sift in the cacao powder to avoid lumps and mix until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Optional: Add Vanilla Bean Powder and Walnuts:
- If using, add the vanilla bean powder for extra flavor. Fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture. You can also add a pinch of salt if you love that chocolatey nutty salty flavor combination.
- Transfer to Baking Pan:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Slice a banana in half lengthwise and press the two pieces lightly into the top of the bananas.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Cut:
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve these delightful and nutritious vegan brownies on their own or with a dollop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce.
These brownies are not only simple to make but also a healthier alternative to traditional recipes. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious treat!
Hint: Make sure the parchment paper goes above the sides of the baking dish for easy removal of the brownies.
Substitutions:
There are a couple of easy substitutions that can be made to these chocolate banana brownies if needed. Here are some of the common ones.
- Nut-Free - If you are looking to make these brownies nut-free, you can replace the almond butter with sunflower seed butter. My personal favorite is Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter. You can also use this in my Creamy Blended Overnight Oats.
- Sweet Potatoes - If you don't love the taste of bananas or if you have an allergy, you can substitute sweet potatoes. I recommend using about a cup of mashed sweet potatoes.
- Nut-Butters - The almond butter can also be replaced with any nut butter. Raw cashew butter and peanut butter are two great options.
If you have any questions about a particular substitution not listed, make sure to leave a comment, and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible!
Fudgy Vegan Banana Brownie Variations:
If you're looking for some more ways to mix up these 3-ingredient banana brownies, there are plenty of ways to do so. Here are some of my brownie variations.
- Chocolate Chips - If you're a chocolate lover like me, and you are always down for extra chocolate, you can add a handful of your favorite vegan chocolate chips. Remember, always measure chocolate with the heart!
- Extra Sweet - If you have a sweet tooth like me, you can add a fourth of a cup of maple syrup or coconut sugar for added sweetness.
- Protein Brownies - If you love these brownies and want a little extra protein added to them, you can make a protein powder frosting similar to the one I use in my Vegan Protein Brownies.
Equipment:
These healthy brownies are great because they don't require any crazy equipment, and they are absolutely delicious. Here's what I recommend having on hand when making these fudgy vegan banana brownies.
- Large Bowl - You will need a large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.
- Sturdy Whisk - I recommend using a sturdy whisk that you can mash the bananas with and mix the ingredients together.
- Square Baking Pan - You will need a square baking pan to bake the 3-ingredient banana brownies.
- Wire Rack - I recommend having a wire rack to speed up the cooling process.
How To Store Healthy Banana Brownies:
Storing leftover brownies can be a bit tricky. I always recommend storing any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve them for as long as possible. Since these fudgy brownies are flourless, it's important to place a sheet of parchment paper in between the slices of brownies to prevent them from sticking together.
These brownies will keep for a full week if stored properly.
Top Tip:
If you don't like any chunks of bananas in your brownies, you can make the brownie batter in a food processor. This will ensure that the bananas are blended completely and the mixture is very smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Use a standard-sized baking pan, typically 8x8 inches, for a thicker brownie. If you prefer thinner brownies, you can use a larger pan.
The bananas should be ripe, preferably with brown spots on the peel. Ripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, enhancing the natural sweetness of the brownies.
Yes, these brownies are naturally gluten-free as they don't contain any wheat flour. However, always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
Related Vegan Brownie Recipes:
Looking for other delicious vegan brownie recipes like this? Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!
If you try this 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies Recipe, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Make sure to share it on social media and tag @theallnaturalvegan to be featured! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!
3 Ingredient Banana Brownies (Vegan And Paleo)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas Option to add a 4th one on top
- 1 cup almond butter
- ½ cup cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth.
Add Almond Butter:
- Stir in the almond butter until well combined with the mashed bananas. I recommend using a whisk to ensure that everything is evenly combined.
Incorporate Cacao Powder:
- Sift in the cacao powder to avoid lumps and mix until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Optional: Add Vanilla Bean Powder and Walnuts:
- If using, add the vanilla bean powder for extra flavor. Fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture. You can also add a pinch of salt if you love that chocolatey nutty salty flavor combination.
Transfer to Baking Pan:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Slice a banana in half lengthwise and press the two pieces lightly into the top of the bananas.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Cut:
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve these delightful and nutritious vegan brownies on their own or with a dollop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce.
More Banana Recipes:
Are you a banana lover? Make sure to check out more of the banana recipes on my website!
Alena
All my favorite ingredients 😍 these are healthy and delicious! Now I can eat brownies more often.
Delaney
What a simple and delicious looking recipe! Can't wait to make this one!
Sharon
Gorgeous!! I love the banana on top, can't wait to make it this weekend.