3 Ingredient Banana Fudge Brownies (High Protein)

Decadent, yet healthy, 3 ingredient banana fudge brownies that have 7 grams protein per brownie! They are super easy to make, as well as grain-free, oil-free, vegan and Paleo.

Allow me to propose a pivot.

Brownies. For breakfast. Moreover, a healthy breakfast.

It gets even better. The brownies in question are 3-ingredient brownies. Three ingredients. You likely have the ingredients in your kitchen at this very moment: ripe bananas, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almond butter (or any other nut butter or seed butter).

That’s it! But if you want more (chocolate chips or chocolate chunks, vanilla, a pinch of flaky sea salt, etc), you can embellish these indulgent tasting healthy brownies in multiple ways.

Are you with me? I sure hope so. You will not regret it, or forget it.

Recipe Benefits

• 7 grams protein per brownie
• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• Made with 3 ingredients
• Gluten-free
• Grain-free
• Oil-free
• Flourless
• Paleo
• No added sugar (refined sugar-free)
• Quick & easy to make

Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Healthy Banana Brownies

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.

You will only need the following three humble ingredients to create some of the best vegan brownies you have ever eaten:

1. Very ripe bananas (mash them super fine)
2. Unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
3. Almond butter (or any other nut butter or seed butter you prefer)

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper (if you are ok with some oil, you can, alternatively grease or spray pan with nonstick cooking spray).

Step Two: Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium mixing bowl (or a large bowl), whisk the mashed bananas, almond butter and cocoa powder until smooth. (Add any extra ingredients, if using).

Tip: Make sure your mashed bananas are very smooth. I like to use a stick blender to make a smooth puree so that I do not end up with lumps of banana in the batter.

Step Three: Spread Batter in Pan

Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

Step Four: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 18 minutes until firmly set at outer edges and just barely set at the center. (Do not overbake! The brownies will continue to set as they cool)

Step Five: Cool & Cut

Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely in pan. Cut into 9 squares.

Taste & Texture of the Brownies

The brownies have a fudge brownie texture (as opposed to a cake brownie texture). They are rich and luscious. They have a deep chocolate taste and a natural sweetness (not too much, not too little) from the bananas.

FAQ

• How Should I Store the 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies? Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator / fridge for 1 week or freezer for up to 6 months. The brownies will keep during the day in a lunch bag without refrigeration, so long as it is not a very hot day.
• Can I Make these Flourless Brownies in a Muffin Tin? Yes! This saves you from messy cutting. Spoon the batter into nine cups of a standard size muffin tin (line the cups with silicone muffin liners, or give the cups a generous coating of nonstick cooking spray). Begin checking for doneness at 12 minutes.
• What can I use in place of the almond butter? An equal amount of another creamy nut butter or seed butter can be used in place of the almond butter. For example, cashew butter, natural peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, pumpkin seed butter, or tahini. You can also use an equal amount of coconut butter (not coconut oil).

Tip: Use Very Ripe Bananas

For optimal results, it is important to use very ripe, squishy bananas. This affects both the flavor and texture of the brownies.

The starch in the bananas needs to break down, a lot (this happens as the banana ripens) ,so that there is (a) a lot of sweetness (+ flavor) and (b) more liquid than solid (texture). So long as you stick with squishy, you will have magnificent brownies.

Add-In Suggestions

Add any and all embellishments you like to your batch of banana fudge brownies! Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

• Coffee: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, or 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder to the batter.
• Spices: Add 1/8 to 3/4 teaspoon of your favorite spice, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice. Or add a combination of spices (no more than 3/4 teaspoon total) for fragrant banana fudge brownies.
• Dried Fruit: Add up to 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruit, such as raisins, dried apricots, dried cherries, or dried cranberries.
• Chocolate: Add up to 1/2 cup of your favorite dark chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or 2 to 3 tablespoons of cacao nibs.
• Nuts or Seeds: Add up to 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, pecans, peanuts, green pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or sunflower seeds. Alternatively, sprinkle a few nuts or seeds on top before baking.
• Extracts or Zests: Add a teaspoon of vanilla, or 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, rum extract or coconut extract. Or add one to two teaspoons of finely grated orange zest.
• Coconut: Add up to 1/2 cup shredded or flake unsweetened coconut (toasted or un-toasted). Alternatively, sprinkle the tops of the brownies with coconut before baking.

Try Another Healthy Brownie Recipe!

• Tiger Nut Flour Brownies {grain-free}
• Chickpea Flour Brownies {grain-free}
• Vegan Coconut Flour Brownies {grain-free, oil-free}
• Grain-Free Zucchini Brownies 
• 5 Ingredient Banana Brownies {grain-free, oil-free}
• Black Bean Brownies
• Clean & Lean 70 Calorie Brownies
• Breakfast Blender Brownies
• Sweet Potato Brownies {grain-free, oil-free}