These easy 3 ingredient banana brownies combine ripe bananas, peanut butter, and cocoa powder to create rich, fudgy brownies without eggs or flour. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, peanut butter gives structure and richness, and cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor. The result is a soft, dense brownie with a satisfying texture—all ready in about 30 minutes.
Answer-ready explanation:
These 3 ingredient banana brownies work because bananas replace sugar and eggs, while peanut butter provides the binding and structure normally created by flour. Cocoa powder adds concentrated chocolate flavor, allowing you to make complete brownies using only simple pantry ingredients.
Whether you’re trying to use overripe bananas or want a quick chocolate dessert, this recipe delivers reliable results with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why These 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies Work So Well
Each ingredient plays a critical role in the final texture and flavor.
Ripe bananas act as both the sweetener and moisture source. Their natural sugars enhance the chocolate flavor while their soft texture helps bind the batter together.
Peanut butter replaces traditional structural ingredients like flour and eggs. Its natural oils and proteins help the brownies hold their shape while creating a dense, fudgy consistency.
Cocoa powder provides pure chocolate intensity without needing melted chocolate. It blends easily into the batter and creates the rich flavor expected from traditional brownies.
This combination creates healthy banana brownies with 3 ingredients that feel indulgent while using only simple whole-food ingredients.
Easy 3 Ingredient Banana Brownies (Peanut Butter & Cocoa, No Eggs)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Fudgy banana brownies made with peanut butter and cocoa powder. No eggs, no flour, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas
½ cup peanut butter
¼ cup cocoa powder
Optional:
2 tbsp chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
-
Mash bananas in bowl
-
Mix peanut butter
-
Add cocoa powder and stir
-
Spread in baking pan
-
Bake 18–22 minutes
-
Cool and slice
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: 3 ingredient banana brownies, banana peanut butter brownies, healthy banana brownies
Why These Brownies Are Naturally Flourless and Egg-Free
One of the biggest advantages of these 3 ingredient brownies no eggs is their naturally flourless structure. Instead of relying on eggs or flour, bananas and peanut butter work together to stabilize the batter.
Bananas provide moisture, while peanut butter adds density and binding strength. This makes the brownies ideal for anyone looking for:
- flourless brownie recipes
- gluten-free dessert options
- simple banana-based chocolate treats
Despite the minimal ingredient list, the texture remains rich, soft, and satisfying.
Ingredients You Need

You only need three main ingredients:
- 2 large ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy works best)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Optional topping:
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
Ripe bananas are essential because they provide sweetness and improve texture. Peanut butter ensures the brownies hold together properly, and cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor.
This 3 ingredient brownie recipe with cocoa powder is one of the simplest chocolate desserts you can make at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mash the bananas
In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Small lumps are fine, but the mixture should be mostly uniform.
3. Mix in the peanut butter
Add peanut butter and stir until fully combined. The mixture will become thick and creamy.
4. Add cocoa powder
Mix in cocoa powder slowly, folding until the batter becomes smooth and evenly chocolate-colored.
5. Transfer and bake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Add chocolate chips on top if desired.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft.
6. Cool before slicing
Allow the brownies to cool for at least 15 minutes. This helps them firm up and improves texture.
These 3 ingredient banana peanut butter brownies come together quickly using only one bowl.
Texture: What to Expect

These brownies have a dense, fudgy interior rather than a cake-like crumb.
You can expect:
- soft, moist center
- rich chocolate flavor
- smooth, dense consistency
- clean slices after cooling
The banana flavor is subtle and blends naturally with the chocolate and peanut butter.
Why Peanut Butter Makes These Brownies Better
Peanut butter plays a critical structural role in these banana peanut butter brownies with 3 ingredients.
It provides:
- binding strength
- creamy consistency
- healthy fats and protein that help improve texture and structure
- improved texture
- enhanced flavor depth
Without peanut butter, the brownies would lack stability and richness.
Both natural and regular peanut butter work, but smooth varieties produce the best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using unripe bananas
Ripe bananas provide better sweetness and blend more easily.
Adding too much cocoa powder
Excess cocoa can make brownies dry and bitter.
Overbaking
These brownies should remain soft in the center. Overbaking reduces fudginess.
Skipping cooling time
Cooling allows the brownies to firm up properly.
Variations You Can Try
These brownies are flexible and easy to customize.
You can:
- add chocolate chips
- use almond butter instead of peanut butter
- add vanilla extract
- sprinkle sea salt on top
If you enjoy experimenting with simple ingredient desserts, you may also like these
3 Ingredient Zucchini Brownies (Vegan, Paleo & Keto Friendly), which use vegetables to create a similarly rich texture with minimal ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make 3 ingredient banana brownies without eggs?
Yes. Bananas and peanut butter naturally bind the batter together, eliminating the need for eggs.
Can I use cocoa powder in banana brownies?
Yes. Cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavor and blends easily with the banana mixture.
Are banana peanut butter brownies healthy?
These brownies contain whole ingredients with no refined flour or added sugar, making them a simpler alternative to traditional brownies.
Storage Tips
Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Room temperature: 2–3 days
- Refrigerator: up to 6 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
They maintain their fudgy texture well over time.
Final Thoughts
These easy 3 ingredient banana brownies prove that delicious chocolate desserts don’t require complicated ingredients. Bananas provide natural sweetness, peanut butter creates structure, and cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor.
The result is a rich, fudgy brownie that’s simple, reliable, and easy to prepare.
If you enjoy simple chocolate recipes like this, exploring other 3 ingredient brownie variations can help you discover new ways to create satisfying desserts with minimal effort.

