Introduction

These healthy 3-ingredient brownies are a delicious, guilt-free treat that’s both gluten-free and vegan. Made with ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and natural peanut butter, they require no added sugar and come together quickly for an easy homemade dessert.

Healthy 3-Ingredient Brownies | Gluten-Free, Vegan, No Sugar Added Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 ripe bananas (about 450–480g peeled)
⅓ cup (35 g) cocoa powder
⅔ cup (167 g) natural peanut butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides to make removal easier.
Step 2: Place the peeled bananas in a food processor and blend until completely smooth. Add the cocoa powder and natural peanut butter, then blend again until you have a thick, smooth batter.
Step 3: Taste the batter. If you’d like your brownies sweeter, add a sweetener of your choice and blend briefly to combine.
Step 4: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Step 5: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut into squares. The texture will improve as they fully cool.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, stir in some vegan chocolate chips before baking.
If you prefer a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
Add a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Try mixing in chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let come to room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can work well as substitutes for peanut butter, but they may slightly change the flavor and texture.

Do these brownies taste like traditional brownies?

These brownies have a fudgy texture and a rich chocolate flavor, but they’re naturally sweeter and less dense than traditional brownies due to the bananas and lack of added sugar.

Healthy 3-Ingredient Brownies | Gluten-Free, Vegan, No Sugar Added Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 137 reviews

These Healthy 3-Ingredient Brownies are a simple, gluten-free, and vegan treat made without any added sugar. Using ripe bananas, natural peanut butter, and cocoa powder, these brownies are naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick, guilt-free dessert or snack.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies (3×3 squares) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

4 ripe bananas (about 450–480g peeled)
⅓ cup (35 g) cocoa powder
⅔ cup (167 g) natural peanut butter

Instructions

Prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to allow easy removal of the brownies after baking.
Blend the batter: Place the peeled bananas in a food processor and blend until completely smooth. Add the cocoa powder and natural peanut butter, then blend again until the mixture forms a thick and smooth batter.
Optional sweetness: Taste the batter. If you prefer your brownies sweeter, add your choice of sweetener (such as maple syrup or agave) at this stage and blend briefly to combine.
Bake: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Cool & slice: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Using the parchment overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan, then cut into squares. For an improved texture, let the brownies cool completely before serving.

Notes

To make the brownies sweeter, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or agave during the blending step.
Ensure the bananas are very ripe for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
These brownies can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.
If you prefer a nuttier texture, use crunchy natural peanut butter instead of smooth.

Keywords: healthy brownies, 3-ingredient brownies, vegan brownies, gluten-free dessert, no sugar added brownies, peanut butter brownies, banana brownies