3-Ingredient Brownies

These 3 Ingredient Brownies give your sweet tooth exactly what it needs. Make this simple dessert recipe that will please all the chocolate lovers in your life. This is the perfect treat when you need something sweet fast. 

There are quite a few reasons why this decadent dessert is at the top of my list. Not only do I love the chewiness of the brownies, but I also love the combination of peanut butter and banana flavors.

Easy brownie recipes like this give you a reason to use those ripe bananas that are sitting on your counter, and the best part is that these 3-ingredient brownies are baked and ready in no time at all! The next time that you want fudgy brownies, give this perfect snack a try. 

If you love this 3-Ingredient Brownies Peanut Butter Banana Brownie Recipe, be sure to check out my Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars. Chewy goodness awaits! 

Ingredients

You really only need 3 simple ingredients. You do not need eggs, water, or oil, despite what the boxed mix says.

• Brownie mix - Choose your favorite brownie mix brand. See the recipe notes about adjusting for the size of the mix.
• Peanut butter - I recommend using natural creamy peanut butter for this dessert. It is used in both the batter and as a topping.
• Ripe bananas - The bananas need to be ripe for the sweetness and the ability to be mashed well. Still ripe but slightly firmer bananas work better as garnish.

How To Make 3-Ingredient Brownies

Step One: Pour the brownie mix into a large bowl. Mash the bananas with a fork, and add to the bowl with the brownie mix. Add the peanut butter. Stir well to combine.

Step Two: Spread the brownie batter into a large baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out and make it even and smooth. 

Step Three: Put the baking dish in the oven to bake.

​Step Four: Remove the baked brownies and let the pan cool.

Optional: Add dollops of peanut butter on top of the baked brownies.

Step Five: Use a clean spatula and spread the peanut butter out evenly over the top of the brownies.

Step Six: Slice bananas and place them on top of the peanut butter. It is best to add fresh banana right before serving.

Step Seven: Slice the chocolate brownies, and enjoy. 

Storage

This sweet treat makes the best chocolate brownies, but you'll likely have some leftovers. Just let them cool down all the way, and then store in an airtight container. At room temperature, they last 2-3 days (without sliced bananas). In the refrigerator, they should last 5-6 days.

These 3-ingredient brownies also freeze well. I stacked them three high, froze, and then thawed and cut slices like you would a loaf of cake. With some vanilla ice cream and fresh banana, this made an impressive presentation!

Variations 

• Add unsweetened cocoa powder - You can really make these cakey brownies taste like chocolate by adding a bit of cocoa powder! 
• Sub your favorite nut butter - Peanut butter is great for 3-ingredient brownies, but don't forget that almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or other types of nut butter will work well, too. 
• Nutella - I'm all about taking these traditional brownies and turning them into a surprise! Sub in Nutella to make these into 4-ingredient Nutella brownies. The hint of hazelnut will be a nice treat. 
• Add natural sweetness - To make these brownies sweeter, you can add some maple syrup or other natural sugars like chopped-up bits of Medjool dates. 
• Extra chocolate - Favorite desserts always have room for chocolate. Add some bits of dark chocolate for a sweet pop. A cup of chocolate chips is always a good idea as well. 
• Add protein powders - To give these easy brownies a boost of protein, add a little bit of protein powder to the batter. Just add and stir. 
• Add frosting - If you don't want to put the peanut butter and bananas on top, you can add a frosting instead. A dusting of powdered sugar is also simple. 

📖 Recipe

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Originally Published November 1, 2023. Revised and Republished January 5, 2026.