Sometimes the best things in life are the ones that keep it simple, and that’s exactly why I adore these 3-ingredient banana brownies. They’re soft, fudgy, and bring together the natural sweetness of bananas with just enough cocoa to make you feel like you’re indulging in something decadent. I mean, who wouldn’t love a dessert that tastes this good without a mountain of sugar or a complicated list of ingredients? When I first baked these, I remember standing by the oven, halfway skeptical. Could three ingredients really come together to make something worth sharing? Well, the answer hit me with that first warm bite—rich, chocolatey, and so moist it almost felt like banana bread and brownies decided to have a tiny cake recipe baby. The kind of treat that makes you grin even when your kitchen looks like a tornado swept through. These banana bread brownies are perfect for when you’ve got overripe bananas giving you the side-eye on the counter. Instead of banana bread, try this quick twist. They’re part of my favorite easy banana recipes, especially when I want something that feels indulgent without the effort. Honestly, this might just become one of your go-to banana dessert recipes easy enough to make even on a busy weeknight.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
- 4) How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
- 5) Tips for Making 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
- 6) Making 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
- 8) Try these Desserts next!
- 9) 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- These banana brownies need just three ingredients you already know and love.
- They’re naturally sweetened, fudgy, and taste like banana bread and brownies had a baby.
- You can whip them up in about half an hour, start to finish.
- They’re freezer-friendly, kid-approved, and a clever way to save overripe bananas.
2) Easy 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies Recipe
Some recipes require a full shopping list and a free afternoon. This one? Just bananas, cocoa, and nut butter. When I first tried it, I laughed at the idea that three things could become brownies. But trust me, they do. They bake into a dense, chocolatey square that feels like comfort food but with way less fuss.
The best part is how forgiving they are. Bananas that look too sad for banana bread can still shine here. And because the recipe is simple, you don’t stress about measuring perfectly. Scoop, stir, and bake. That’s it.
If you love banana dessert recipes that lean into natural sweetness, this one will win you over. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes to wash. That’s always a win in my kitchen.

3) Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
Bananas: Use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. They mash easily and give the brownies their sweet flavor. The riper the fruit, the deeper the taste. If your bananas look too far gone, they’re probably perfect here.
Cocoa Powder: Go for unsweetened cocoa. It balances the sweetness of the bananas and gives that rich chocolate punch. You don’t need anything fancy, just the pantry staple works wonders.
Nut Butter: Peanut, almond, or cashew butter all work. This holds the batter together and adds creamy depth. I like peanut butter for its bold taste, but almond butter keeps things lighter. Either way, you win.

4) How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a small pan with parchment paper so cleanup is easy. Grease if you don’t have parchment, but I find the paper trick makes cutting squares less messy.
Step 2. Mash the bananas in a medium bowl until smooth. A fork works fine. A few small lumps are okay, but the smoother the better for mixing in the cocoa.
Step 3. Add the cocoa and nut butter to the mashed bananas. Stir until thick and well blended. The batter looks heavy but spreads out evenly once poured into the pan.
Step 4. Spread the mixture in the pan. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the top is firm and the edges pull slightly away. Let them cool before cutting, or they’ll crumble in your hands.

5) Tips for Making 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
Use bananas that look almost too ripe. They sweeten the brownies naturally without added sugar. If you use bananas that are still yellow, the flavor won’t be as bold. I’ve learned this the hard way more than once.
Add chocolate chips on top if you want extra richness. They melt into little pockets of joy. You can even swirl in more nut butter before baking. The recipe bends easily to whatever you crave that day.
These brownies cut best once cooled. I know it’s tempting to grab a hot square right from the pan, but waiting makes a huge difference. Cooling firms them up and gives the texture you want from a brownie.
6) Making 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies Ahead of Time
These brownies store well, which makes them great for meal prep. You can bake them on Sunday and still enjoy them by Thursday. They’re soft enough to stay pleasant, yet firm enough to pack in a lunchbox without falling apart.
If you want to freeze them, slice the brownies first, then wrap each piece. That way, you grab just one when you need a quick snack. A minute in the microwave brings them back to life.
I’ve tried freezing them whole and cutting later, but honestly, slicing first saves you a headache. They thaw evenly and keep their texture better that way. Perfect for when you want banana dessert recipes at your fingertips.
7) Storing Leftover 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They don’t dry out quickly because of the bananas and nut butter. If you live somewhere warm, pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.
I like storing them in the fridge anyway because I prefer them chilled. Cold brownies have a fudge-like bite that makes them feel even more decadent. A warm brownie feels cozy, but a cold one feels indulgent.
If you freeze them, layer parchment between slices so they don’t stick together. Pull one out whenever you want an easy treat. These are the kind of easy banana recipes you’ll keep coming back to for busy days.
8) Try these Desserts next!
9) 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies

Banana Dessert Recipes 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a small baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder and nut butter, stirring until the mixture is thick and well combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and edges look firm.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares and enjoying.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 square | Calories: 120 | Sugar: 6 g | Sodium: 20 mg | Fat: 5 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Carbohydrates: 16 g | Fiber: 3 g | Protein: 3 g

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