3 ingredient banana brownies with cocoa powder

3 ingredient banana brownies with cocoa powder


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3 ingredient banana brownies with cocoa powder

Craving a decadent brownie but short on time and ingredients? These 3-ingredient banana brownies with cocoa powder are your answer! Surprisingly fudgy and intensely chocolatey, they're the perfect guilt-free indulgence for busy weeknights or spontaneous sweet cravings. This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and eggs – making it ideal for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Let's dive into the deliciousness!

What Makes These Brownies So Special?

These brownies stand out due to their simplicity and surprising richness. The naturally sweet bananas provide moisture and sweetness, eliminating the need for added sugar. The cocoa powder delivers that intense chocolate flavor we all love, while the eggs bind everything together, creating a wonderfully fudgy texture. This recipe is:

  • Incredibly easy: Minimal ingredients and steps mean you can whip these up in minutes.
  • Naturally sweetened: Ripe bananas provide sweetness, reducing the need for refined sugar.
  • Deliciously fudgy: The perfect balance of moist and chewy.
  • Adaptable: You can easily customize these brownies to suit your taste (see variations below).

Ingredients You'll Need:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs

That's it! Three simple ingredients are all you need to create these magical brownies.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your brownies.

  2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, thoroughly mash the bananas until completely smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be!

  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cocoa powder and eggs to the mashed bananas. Mix vigorously until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, thick batter. There shouldn't be any lumps of cocoa powder remaining.

  4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Overbaking will result in dry brownies.

  5. Cool & Enjoy: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set and makes for neater slices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I add other ingredients to these 3-ingredient banana brownies?

Absolutely! While the simplicity is part of the charm, you can easily customize these brownies. Consider adding:

  • Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would add a nice crunch.
  • Chocolate chips: For extra chocolatey goodness.
  • Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
  • Vanilla extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract will boost the overall aroma and taste.

How can I make these brownies vegan?

To make these brownies vegan, simply replace the eggs with 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the other ingredients.

How do I store leftover brownies?

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes! Allow the brownies to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

What if my bananas aren't very ripe?

Using less ripe bananas will result in less sweet and slightly less moist brownies. You may want to add a touch of maple syrup or honey to compensate for the lack of natural sweetness.

This simple recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab those ripe bananas and get baking! Enjoy!