3 Ingredient brownies are moist, delicious, healthy and made with only THREE healthy plant-based ingredients! The perfect gluten-free and vegan {healthy} chocolate dessert recipe for anyone who wants to eat healthier!
Come on over and grab rich chocolate brownies that soothe a grain craving without the grains or any added sugars! What-The-What? I know, right? I mean who would guess just by looking at these chocolate beauties!
These 3 ingredient brownies are are not quite as good as my vegan bean brownies and paleo brownies but they are incredibly healthy, delicious (my kids vouch for that!) and soothe a sweet tooth for a Paleo diet when focusing on clean eating to the max!
My boys are obsessed and swooning over these brownies on a daily basis! I feel so good about feeding them these heavenly sweet treats too:-) Made with only 3 ingredients, they are a brownie recipe that is really something to talk about- so lets not waste (or shall I say waist…lol) any time and lets get talking! Ok, grab your cup of tea, coffee, detox water or wine and pull up a chair…
To start, these are a great treat for a healthy lifestyle!
I am so happy to share this recipe with you because I am totally obsessed with these healthy 3 ingredient brownies and have made (and almost consumed) about 4 batches of them in January alone! So I know you will love them too! Can I let you in on a little secret? The secret ingredient to making these brownies super moist? It is….
Oh, I have to tell you how they came about first. Because if I tell you the secret ingredient you might not understand how special these healthy brownies are.
My husbands cousin, sister and brother-in-law plus their three children started the Whole 30 diet in the beginning of January. I am so impressed and inspired by them getting the kids on a grain-free, sugar-free and dairy-free diet – not to mention getting them to stick with it. My sister-in-law has sent me pictures of her kitchen counter full of tons of fruits and vegetables they just purchased from the local farmers market. The fruit and vegetables were ready and waiting to be juiced into bountiful smoothies!
As everyone is on the Whole 30 diet, hubby's cousin had a birthday celebration and of course the menu theme was a Whole 30 meal. We show up at my sister and brother-in-laws to a delectable feast of lemon and herb baked chicken drumsticks, sauteed golden and sweet potato strips and a bountiful salad.
I was in charge of dessert.
Yes, I could have brought just fruit but this was the first time they were doing this diet – kids too! They were doing great but the carb and sugar cravings were making the kids cheat a bit.
No way was I going to be the instigator of cheating on a healthy diet and I figured everyone REALLY wanted something that tasted CAKE-LIKE at this point. A dessert that is slightly sweet, fluffy like bread yet without the guilt! It was the perfect dessert to transition into the diet when everyone was about to give up.
When I showed up at the party I brought my first round of these brownies. For those that “weren't cheating the diet” they drooled over the brownies thinking they were off limits. When I told them they were made with only 3 grain-free and dairy-free ingredients they were beyond overjoyed they could have chocolate! Following that the drool was being wiped off their faces:-)
My 3 ingredient brownies were delicious, I came home with an empty baking dish – but, in my opinion, they could have been better. They needed a bit more texture and chocolate. Everyone loved them but of course I was my own critic.
I have made these with both crunchy almond butter and regular almond butter and everyone agrees that the crunchy is much better! It just gives these brownies just the right texture it needs.
The next round I made for our Thursday guys night dinner. It was the birthday boy, uncle J and my crew. Everyone said this round was even better and they didn't know how that was possible (with more cocoa powder and crunchy almond butter) and again, the pan was almost completely gone! After that these had to be shared with you!
I made 2 more batches – 1 to do a video (which will have to come at a later time) then we ate them too quickly for me to take photos. So another batch happened for photos. I think I should lay off the brownies for a bit, but it is hard to do because when you crave chocolate- these babies are the golden ticket to healthy and they are SOOO EASY TO MAKE!
Let me side track a moment… in most of my vegan recipes I like to use either banana, pumpkin, chia seeds or flax in place of egg. All of which are plant based and nutrient dense. I have used almond flour in my paleo brownies, chia seeds in eggless banana bread and pumpkin puree in my vegan bean brownies. So for these vegan 3 ingredient brownies I use crunchy almond butter in place of almond flour which compliments the banana (think banana almond sandwich only with chocolate cocoa powder into the mix!).
Now that you know the secret to how I make my vegan brownies and breads so fluffy and delicious I can tell you the secret ingredient to these moist brownies. The secret ingredient in 3 ingredient brownies is BANANA! Bananas give the brownies natural sugar and sweetness, flavor, bold consistency, the ability to stick together and just all around goodness!
TIP: Make sure the bananas are very ripe and to use 3 large bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed).
The kids love these brownies (who wouldn't?) and I really do not mind serving them for breakfast. So we eat lots of brownies for breakfast:-) But with banana, almond butter and antioxidant-rich cocoa powder- its an energy boosting meal with no refined sugars, they are rich in potassium, healthy fats, fiber and they keep you full from the protein and healthy fats!
(Side note based off a reader comment below- The Whole30 book reads this about mixing cocoa with fruit: “However, we highly discourage mixing cacao (cocoa) with dates, figs, or other fruits to make chocolate-y confections during your program.” This is discouraged (not off limits) due to the fact that more sweets feeds more sugar cravings- with any diet. This recipe has not been approved by them. But it is out there because if you feel on the program you will falter and cave into a cookie or regular brownie, this is a great recipe to transition to keep the diet on-track as you detox from sugars!) [source].
Keep going friends, you've got this and I am cheering you on every step of the way! I want to make sure you stay on-track or just enjoy these brownies for a healthier diet in-general!
PIN 3 INGREDIENT BROWNIES AND SHARE!
Whole 30 and paleo recipes you might enjoy:
- Almond Pesto Cauliflower
- Cauliflower Tabbouleh
- Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes Buddha Bowl
- Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Vegan Cashew Ricotta Cheese
- Easy Chicken Breast Recipe with Delicata Squash Pan Sauce
Now let's get to baking our 3 ingredient healthy brownies!
3 Ingredient Brownies (Whole30 & Paleo)
Ingredients
- 3 large bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed) very ripe will give the best flavor
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 1/2 cups raw almond butter crunchy, oil slightly drained
- (optional) ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9-in. x 9-in. square baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray or rubbing coconut oil around the sides and bottom so the brownies do not stick.
- In a large bowl mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the almond butter and mix until smooth. Add the cocoa powder and optional cinnamon and blend until no visible cocoa powder is seen.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until set and slightly dark on the top. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing.
Karly says
These are going to SAVE me while I’m dieting. They look SO good- a great solution for my dessert cravings!
Danielle at Delightful Mom Food says
You will love them! And with only 4 grams of natural sugar – your body will thrive! I ate FOUR of these brownies for breakfast this morning! haha!
Sarah says
These look delicious, However they are not Whole30. While the ingredients maybe compliant, mixing them into a brownie is not. The book specifically says not to do this.
Danielle at Delightful Mom Food says
Sarah, great comment! Although these ingredients are all Whole30 it just says “However, we highly discourage mixing cacao (cocoa) with dates, figs, or other fruits to make chocolate-y confections during your program.” This is only discouraged due to the fact that more sweets (even with fruit) feeds more sugar cravings- with any diet. If you feel on the program you will falter and cave into a cookie or regular brownie, this is a great recipe to transition to keep the diet on-track.
Beth says
Hi! How did you store these? Are they still good if you make them a day ahead?
I’m planning a first birthday party for my son and trying to avoid too much cooking on his actual birthday.
Thanks so much!
Danielle at Delightful Mom Food says
How fun for his birthday! I had them left out for 1 day and then stored in the fridge. So you are fine to make them a day ahead but store them after that in an airtight container in the refrigerator:-)
Anitha says
This is not correct. One of the Whole30 plan rules states “ “DO NOT RECREATE BAKED GOODS, “TREATS,” OR JUNK FOODS WITH APPROVED INGREDIENTS”
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
Hi Anitha! Thanks for your comment- you are correct and I state that in the post, with a link to where it is written in the Whole30 about mixing ingredients into sweet desserts. This is if you are finishing the program and want to stay on track or are wavering and to offer a healthy 3 ingredient natural brownie recipe so you keep going. Because it is doable! Wishing you all the best!
Glaurea says
Hello, can I used peanut butter too or is that a no,no?
Danielle at Delightful Mom Food says
Peanut butter is not allowed on a Whole 30 diet as it is a legume. However if you are making these brownies for fun and not for a specific diet (or have a nut allergy) then you can swap the nut butter and use peanut butter instead:-)
Gina says
These look amazing but sadly are not Whole30 compliant. I will be saving the recipe to enjoy on day 31.
Danielle at Delightful Mom Food says
If you are on a roll with the diet and sticking to it- awesome job!!! Yes, save it for day 31!
Pooja Pujari says
Loved this recipe. Just wanted to know if I can replace banana with apples. Also did you use sweetened cocoa powder or unsweetened?
Danielle at Delightful Mom Food says
I would not suggest replacing the banana with apples. It will give it a different flavor and consistency. Use unsweetened cocoa powder:-)
Robbi says
does it matter what almond butter you use or do you have a favorite? they vary so much from brand to brand on consistency.
Danielle | Delightful Mom Food says
Robby that is a great question. I use the almond butter from Costco or the one found at Trader Joe’s with the oil slightly drained out first then stirred with a slightly thick consistency. I hope that helps!
Nichole says
What diet?🤪🥴 These look great, and I love the ease. Guilt free goodies, I am all over it! Great recipe-Thank you!
Danielle | Delightful Mom Food says
Thank you Nichole! Enjoy!
Carlye says
I love these!! I have made them twice (both times when I’ve been on a diet/trying to eat better), and they help me so much!! Otherwise, it would be far too easy to fall into the trap of the chocolate truffles sitting on my coffee table!
Side note: I’ve used creamy almond butter the times I’ve made it, and I think it is pretty good that way! But I haven’t tried it with crunchy so I don’t have anything to compare it to 🙂
Danielle | Delightful Mom Food says
Carlye, so glad you enjoy these brownies!
Jill Black says
So easy and delicious! I added some honey and that rocked too! Mmmmm.
Danielle | Delightful Mom Food says
Thank you Jill! So glad you loved these, they are so healthy!
brooke says
Do you think I can make these with cashew butter? I’m doing Whole30, but have an almond allergy!
Stephanie Kempton says
I didn’t have almond butter, so, I used cashew butter instead and added walnuts! Mmmmmm! So good!
Danielle | Delightful Mom Food says
I was just going to write to you and say I think cashew butter will be amazing in these brownies! That is my favorite nut butter:-). I am so glad you enjoyed!
Kim says
Can I use avocado butter instead? I’m allergic to almonds and peanuts
Danielle | Delightful Mom Food says
I have not tried that. Can you have cashew butter? One reader said it turned out delicious with cashew butter! If you use avocados- will you please comment back on how it turned out, for other readers:-). I would love to hear!
Jamie says
Hi! my co-worker made me these brownies for my birthday (which coincidentally was also day 30 of my Whole30). I enjoyed 2 brownies with absolutely ZERO guilt – and have eaten them in the days since. I actually almost like them more than traditional brownies – the cocoa gives it the rich taste without the sugar – perfect! And,I feel like they are way more filling/satisfying than traditional brownies 🙂 Anyway, I wonder how it would turn out if you added in some avocado or a bit of coconut oil? She used fresh ground almond butter from Whole Foods – so no added oil. Thank you!!
Danielle | Delightful Mom Food says
This is by far the sweetest comment I have seen! Thank you so much! I am so happy your co-worker made these brownies for you and you enjoy them so much! That is their job! Happy Birthday and I hope you had a wonderful celebration.
Love your suggestion! I am in the process of testing a keto brownie recipe using avocado, cocoa powder and monkfruit – just like how you described- so look out for that recipe!
Felicia says
Hii, since you recommend to store these in the refrigerator, do I have to reheat them or is it ok to consume it cold?
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
These are totally fine cold, but taste best slightly warm. I suggest storing in the refrigerator so they last longer since they are a moist baked good.
Jamie says
Hi! I usually grind my fresh grind my almond butter at Whole Foods (cost effective, fresh and yummy). Anyway, there really isn’t any associated oil – should I add some coconut oil to the brownies to makes them a bit moist? I wonder how it would work if I added in some avocado? Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Jamie says
Haha – I didn’t realize I had already commented on your recipe back in February (my co-worker made these brownies for me) … anyway, I still super love them! ❤️ Also wondering if I should add in coconut oil to make it more moist? Thank you!
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
Lol! Well Jamie I am so glad you are enjoying them again! They get natural moisture from the oil in the almond butter (even if you don’t visually see the separation) and natural sugars, when heated, from bananas. You should be good! But if you feel you want to try more moisture, you can try 1 tablespoon of coconut oil if it seems you need more moisture (also depends on size of bananas). Please come back and comment on your results:-).