3 Ingredient brownies are moist, delicious, healthy and made with only THREE healthy Whole30 plant-based ingredients! The perfect gluten-free and vegan healthy chocolate dessert recipe for anyone who wants to eat better and still enjoy treats!
Be sure to try my 3-Ingredient Cookies and 5-Ingredient Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies next.
Watch the short video how to make these healthy brownies
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 and the apples are perfect for this Whole30 Apple Crumble Recipe!
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, sautéed 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 ½ 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: 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, sweets and treats! [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!
Whole 30 and paleo recipes you might enjoy
- Almond Pesto Cauliflower
- Cauliflower Tabbouleh
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes Buddha Bowl
- Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Vegan Cashew Ricotta Cheese
- Easy Chicken Breast Recipe
Now let's get to baking our 3 ingredient healthy brownies!
I hope you enjoy this 3 Ingredient Brownie Recipe! Follow along with me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for a feature and more recipe inspiration! And don't forget to rate the recipe in the recipe area and leave a comment below!
3 Ingredient Brownies (Whole30 & Paleo)
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Ingredients
- 3 large bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed) very ripe will give the best flavor
- ½ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 ½ cups raw almond butter crunchy, oil slightly drained
- (optional) ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 8 x 8 inch 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.
Video
Fanny says
These were so easy to make and very delicious! Thanks!
Danielle Fahrenkrug, Certified Health & Nutritional Life Coach says
You are very welcome! I am so glad you enjoy them!
Elie says
Phenomenal. I added some date paste to sweeten and when they were finished I added salted date paste for a “salted caramel” brownie, turned out amazing!!
Danielle Fahrenkrug, Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach says
Oh my gosh, yumm!!! I love the addition of salted date paste you added, that sounds epic! Thank you for sharing and rating this recipe:-).
Kyrie says
These are pretty good and I’ve made them twice now on Whole30! I used cashew butter instead of almond butter because I find cashew to naturally be sweeter. I also used date paste (Whole30 approved sweetener), added 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp maple extract, and cut the cocoa down to 1/3 cup so it was less bitter.
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
Awesome, and I love that you used cashew butter and your additions - yumm!!!!
Angelia says
I really enjoyed this recipe. My bananas were very ripe which made this recipe perfect. I baked them in a regular cupcake tin and I added almonds for the crunch. The recipe was moist, I baked them for 20 min only.
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
That is such a fun way to make these- in a muffin pan! I am so glad you enjoy the recipe Angelia, and thank you for your comment!
Sheri says
I just tried these and first, must say that I will eat almost anything. I love healthy food, I'm a nutritionist so I'm used to bitter flavours. These were terrible. I'm wondering if my bananas were smaller than what was used in the original recipe (perhaps add a cup conversion?) or perhaps my almond butter was less runny. They were so dry and so bitter I could barely get a bite down. I felt like this was a real waste of an $8 jar of almond butter.
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
Hi Sheri! I am sorry these did not work for you. This sounds like it is not enough banana to add the natural sweetness. Do it exactly to the printable instructions and quantities. I am guessing it is not enough bananas and perhaps the almond butter was at the end of the jar? If that happens you can always add a bit more banana.
Kelsey says
These are SOOOOO FUDGY and so good! I think they’re super sweet. Next time I think I’ll use peanut butter instead of almond butter because the banana flavor is very powerful. I love them though and can’t wait to share with my mom.
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
Kelsey, I am so happy you love these brownies. Thank you for commenting and sharing!
C.Hubbard says
In surprised by all the negative comments! I believe you are quite clear... this is a HEALTHY version of a brownie.
I’m on day 16 of the whole 30 and was NEEDING something, anything that resembled sweets... this was perfect!!!
They are right in that it’s not terribly sweet but on the whole 30 you aren’t supposed to be eating sweets. I put 1tsp of date syrup and then did exactly as the recipe called for.
LOVED it. Thank you! 🙌🏼
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
You are welcome! Thank you so much for sharing your experience too Christin:-).
Karen Simp says
These taste like straight cocoa powder and almond butter. They have a great consistency but there is not one ounce of sweet anything. Tried to make a date sauce but that was even worse.
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
Were the bananas used very ripe? That is what helps to sweeten the brownies naturally.
Cynthia Verolla says
Can these be frozen? Also do they need to be refrigerated? I made a batch, love them and want to know how to best store them. 😊
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
These are moist, so can spoil quickly after 2 days on the counter, so I suggest storing in the fridge and warming slightly in the oven. I have never frozen them, but assume they can be. Try thawing then heating at 325 in the oven until warmed.
Dani says
These were good. They’re not really sweet, like the author says, but they’ll do the job if you’re looking for something to help your chocolate cravings. They’re also very filling.
I wasn’t able to find crunchy almond butter, so I bought the creamy kind from Costco and did 1c of that with 1c of chopped walnuts. I also added a 1/2tsp of vanilla extract and a tbsp of coffee grounds.
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
Love your tweaks to these brownies, thank you for sharing!
Lisa says
Dying for something sweet on my Whole 30 and had to try these!
They came out looking beautiful but they seemed a little chalky tasting. I’m guessing the almond butter ( as almonds are pretty dry/bland). What kind of almond butter do you use when making yours?
I will make again!
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
That does make a difference. I use Trader Joe's Almond Butter or Costco's Organic. I have also used Trader Joe's Raw Almond Butter, which I found has a slightly sweeter taste naturally.
Archana says
These are delicious!! Thank you so much! Any tips for making them even more fudgy?
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
So glad you enjoy! Sugar helps with fudginess, so if you are doing Whole30, I don't have a suggestion but if you are not you can try adding 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
Heather says
Can you sub almond butter for peanut butter or regular butter?
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
You can sub almond butter for peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. But I would not recommend regular butter as that is too heavy with little nutrients.
Cyndi Johnson says
that sub
sounds really good to me!
Christina says
Absolutely love them! Amazing brownie texture. Dense and satisfying. Just sweet enough! This will be a favorite around here.
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
Christina thank you for the raving review! So glad you enjoy!
Jessika says
Oh my goodness!!!! These are amazing. Thank you so much for this recipe. I'm pregnant and following whole30 and was looking for something to satisfy that sweet craving. THESE ARE PERFECT! Thank you so much 🙂 My 3 year old son loves them tooooo. YAY.
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
That makes my heart beam! Thank you for rating the recipe and glad you all enjoy. Congratulations on the pregnancy!