3 Ingredient Banana Brownies: The Easiest Recipe Ever!

3 Ingredient Banana Brownies: Can you imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy, decadent brownie that requires only three ingredients and minimal effort? I know, it sounds too good to be true, but trust me, it’s absolutely possible! These aren’t your average brownies; they’re a delightful fusion of simplicity and indulgence, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

While the exact origins of this simplified brownie recipe are a bit hazy, the concept of using bananas in baking has been around for ages. Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making them a fantastic substitute for traditional fats and sugars. This particular recipe gained popularity as people sought healthier and more convenient dessert options. It’s a testament to how resourceful home bakers can be!

What makes these 3 ingredient banana brownies so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of a rich, chocolatey flavor with a soft, chewy texture. The bananas lend a subtle sweetness that complements the cocoa powder beautifully, creating a brownie that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. Plus, the sheer convenience of only needing three ingredients makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick treat. Get ready to experience brownie bliss in its simplest, most delicious form!

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)

Preparing the Banana Base

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is prepare our banana base. This is the foundation of our brownies, so it’s important to get it right. Make sure your bananas are nice and ripe – the riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. I’m talking about those bananas that are starting to get brown spots all over them. Those are perfect!

1. Peel and Mash the Bananas: Start by peeling all three bananas. Place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Now, using a fork or a potato masher, mash the bananas until they are completely smooth. You don’t want any big chunks of banana remaining. The consistency should be similar to applesauce. If you have a few tiny lumps, that’s okay, but aim for a smooth puree.
2. Check for Consistency: Take a look at your mashed bananas. They should be quite soft and almost liquid-like. If they seem a bit dry, you can add a tablespoon of water or milk (any kind will do) to help loosen them up. This will ensure that your brownies are moist and fudgy.

Mixing in the Cocoa Powder and Peanut Butter

Now comes the fun part – adding the chocolatey goodness and nutty flavor! This is where our brownies really start to take shape. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of nut butter if you’re feeling adventurous. Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter would work well.

1. Add the Cocoa Powder: Measure out 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. I recommend using a good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. Sift the cocoa powder into the bowl with the mashed bananas. This will help prevent any clumps from forming. If you don’t have a sifter, you can just whisk the cocoa powder before adding it to the bananas.
2. Incorporate the Peanut Butter: Measure out 1/4 cup of peanut butter. You can use creamy or chunky peanut butter, depending on your preference. Add the peanut butter to the bowl with the bananas and cocoa powder.
3. Mix Thoroughly: Now, using a spatula or a spoon, gently fold the cocoa powder and peanut butter into the mashed bananas. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough. Mix until everything is just combined and there are no streaks of cocoa powder or peanut butter remaining. The batter will be quite thick and sticky.
4. Check for Consistency Again: The batter should be thick but still pourable. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water or milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it seems too wet, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder at a time until it thickens up.

Preparing for Baking

Almost there! Now we need to get our baking pan ready. This is crucial to prevent the brownies from sticking and to ensure they bake evenly. I prefer to use a square baking pan, but you can use a round one if that’s all you have. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you put the brownies in, as this will help them bake evenly.
2. Grease and Line the Baking Pan: Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan with cooking spray or butter. Then, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan once they’re baked. The parchment paper is optional, but I highly recommend it.
3. Pour the Batter into the Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan.
4. Smooth the Surface: Gently smooth the surface of the batter with a spatula. This will help the brownies bake evenly and give them a nice, smooth top.

Baking the Brownies

Time to bake! This is the most important step, so pay close attention. The baking time will vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the brownies and check them frequently.

1. Bake in the Preheated Oven: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as they will become dry and crumbly.
2. Check for Doneness: To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are overbaked. You want the toothpick to come out with moist crumbs attached.
3. Cool Completely: Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is important because the brownies will continue to cook as they cool. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they will be too soft and will fall apart.

Cutting and Serving

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – cutting and serving our delicious 3-ingredient banana brownies! This is the best part, so take your time and enjoy.

1. Lift the Brownies Out of the Pan: Once the brownies are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan.
2. Cut into Squares: Place the brownies on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. You can cut them into any size you like, but I usually cut them into 16 squares.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the brownies immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Optional Add-ins

Want to take your brownies to the next level? Here are some optional add-ins that you can try:

• Chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
• A sprinkle of sea salt

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect 3-ingredient banana brownies:

• Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the brownies tough.
• Bake the brownies until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
• Let the brownies cool completely before cutting.
• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Variations

Here are some variations on the 3-ingredient banana brownie recipe:

• Add a tablespoon of coffee or espresso powder to the batter for a mocha flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a richer flavor.
• Top the brownies with a layer of peanut butter frosting or chocolate ganache.
• Sprinkle the brownies with chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common problems and solutions for making 3-ingredient banana brownies:

• Brownies are too dry: Use riper bananas or add a tablespoon of water or milk to the batter.
• Brownies are too wet: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter.
• Brownies are too tough: Don’t overmix the batter.
• Brownies are sticking to the pan: Grease and line the baking pan with parchment paper.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These 3 ingredient banana brownies are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, but trust me, the simplicity of this recipe belies its incredible flavor and fudgy texture. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and guilt-free treat that satisfies your chocolate cravings without any fuss, then this is absolutely the recipe for you. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a little something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer ease of preparation, these brownies are surprisingly delicious. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, creating a wonderfully soft and chewy brownie that’s naturally lower in sugar than traditional recipes. Plus, you’re using ingredients you likely already have on hand! No need for a special trip to the grocery store. It’s a win-win!

And the best part? You can totally customize these brownies to your liking. Want to add a little extra oomph? Consider stirring in a handful of chocolate chips (dark chocolate is my personal favorite!), chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans would be divine!), or even a swirl of peanut butter before baking. For a richer, more decadent experience, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder can elevate the flavor profile even further.

Serving suggestions are endless! Enjoy these brownies warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert. Or, let them cool completely and cut them into squares for a portable snack. They’re also fantastic with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. For a more sophisticated presentation, try drizzling them with melted chocolate or a homemade caramel sauce. You can even crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious and healthy breakfast treat.

I’ve found that these 3 ingredient banana brownies are also a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions. They’re naturally gluten-free (as long as you use gluten-free oats!) and can easily be made vegan by using a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of the egg. This makes them a perfect dessert to share with friends and family, regardless of their dietary needs.

I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their repertoire. It’s a lifesaver when you need a quick and easy dessert, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your bananas, oats, and egg (or flax egg!), and get baking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these simple yet delicious brownies. Once you’ve made them, please come back and share your experience in the comments below! I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what you thought of the flavor, and how you served them. Did you add chocolate chips? Did you try the peanut butter swirl? Let me know! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this fantastic recipe. Happy baking!

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