Why You’ll Love Healthy Banana Brownies Recipe

Uses only 3 main ingredients you likely already have
Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas — no added sugar
Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and flourless
Rich, fudgy texture with deep chocolate flavor
Ready in under an hour
Kid-friendly and great for school lunches or snacks
Easy to customize with mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips
Perfect way to use up overripe bananas
No special equipment needed
Stores well for days of healthy snacking

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ripe bananas (about 3 large)
unsweetened cocoa powder
natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, unsalted preferred)
optional: dairy-free dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 6-inch square brownie pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
Add peanut butter and cocoa powder to the mashed bananas and mix thoroughly with a spatula until fully combined.
Fold in optional ingredients like chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Remove from oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing into squares.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 brownie squares
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes

Variations

Substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter
Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch
Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor
Use cacao powder instead of cocoa powder for a richer taste
Swirl in some almond butter or melted dark chocolate before baking
Top with flaky sea salt for a salty-sweet finish
Add a tablespoon of maple syrup for extra sweetness if your bananas aren’t ripe enough
Make them festive with shredded coconut or freeze-dried berries on top

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer or with parchment between slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual squares for 15 to 20 seconds or allow to come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

How long do these banana brownies last?

They can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze banana brownies?

Yes, these brownies freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave before serving.

Do I need to add sugar to this recipe?

No added sugar is required if your bananas are ripe enough, but a little maple syrup or coconut sugar can be added if desired.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened cocoa powder. You can also try cacao powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch pan. You may need to increase the bake time slightly.

Why are my brownies too soft or mushy?

This may happen if your bananas were very large or your brownies weren’t baked long enough. Add 5–10 more minutes or let them cool fully to firm up.

Can I make these brownies oil-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally oil-free since it relies on the fat from nut butter for moisture.

Are these brownies kid-friendly?

Absolutely. They’re naturally sweet, chocolatey, and soft — perfect for lunchboxes and after-school snacks.

Conclusion

Healthy Banana Brownies are the ultimate easy treat for when you’re craving something chocolatey but still wholesome. With just three ingredients and minimal effort, these flourless brownies deliver rich flavor and a fudgy texture without any guilt. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for a better-for-you dessert, this recipe is a must-try. Keep a batch in the fridge for quick snacks, post-dinner cravings, or even breakfast on-the-go.

Healthy Banana Brownies (3‑Ingredient Flourless Treat)

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These healthy banana brownies are a delicious and fudgy treat made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, almond flour, and cocoa powder. They are naturally sweetened and perfect for a vegan and gluten-free dessert option.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
1/2 cup almond butter
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Add almond butter and maple syrup to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined.
Stir in cocoa powder, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a thick batter forms.
Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness and flavor.
Can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for later.
Almond butter can be replaced with peanut butter or any nut/seed butter.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 165
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg