Healthy 3 Ingredient Brownies
on Nov 29, 2023, Updated May 09, 2025
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These Healthy 3 Ingredient Brownies are a dream come true for busy parents and hungry toddlers! Made with just mashed banana, peanut butter, and cocoa powder, they have no added sugar or flour, and it comes together in one bowl. They have a rich, fudgy texture and are packed with simple wholesome ingredients—perfect as a quick snack, lunchbox treat, or healthy dessert. Best of all, they’re allergy-friendly and freezer-friendly too!

Why 3 Ingredient Healthy Brownies are Great for Toddlers
- Nutrient-Rich Goodness: The mashed bananas contribute essential vitamins and minerals, while peanut butter adds a dose of healthy fats and protein – making these brownies a nutrient-rich treat.
- No Added Sugar: Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness to the recipe, eliminating the need for added sugars. This makes the brownies a guilt-free option for your toddler’s snack time.
- Simple and Quick: With just three main ingredients, this recipe is incredibly simple and quick to make, perfect for busy moms and hungry toddlers.
Ingredients
- 3 mashed bananas
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- Optional: honey, maple syrup, or chocolate chips for added sweetness
How to Make Healthy Banana Brownies
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 baking dish for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and form a smooth batter. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas adds a delightful flavor without the need for added sugars.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared 8×8 dish. Alternatively, you can mix the ingredients directly in the baking dish for a hassle-free preparation. Spread the batter evenly in the dish and bake at 350°F for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Sweeten to Taste: Taste the batter before baking and, if your toddler prefers a sweeter treat, consider adding a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or scattering a few chocolate chips on top. This step allows you to customize the sweetness level according to your little one’s preferences.
- Cool and Set: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the dish. This cooling period is crucial for the brownies to set properly. Once cooled, cut them into toddler-sized portions for easy serving.
A Note To Remember Before Baking
These brownies are ONLY sweetened with banana, so they are not as sweet a sugary brownies you are used to! If you want to add more sweetness, you could add some chocolate chips. Also you can add some honey (if over age 1), or maple syrup. Taste the batter before cooking!
Substitutions
Peanut Butter: You can swap for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free option.
Bananas: Very ripe bananas work best, but you could try unsweetened applesauce in a pinch (just note the texture may be softer).
Cocoa Powder: Carob powder is a great substitute if you’re avoiding caffeine or want a slightly sweeter flavor.
Optional Sweeteners: If your bananas aren’t super ripe, feel free to mix in a little maple syrup, honey (for kids over 1), or mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Storing Leftover 3 Ingredient Brownies
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the brownies and reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Common Questions
Do these healthy brownies have a strong banana flavor?
- Yes—they definitely taste like banana, especially if you’re not adding extra mix-ins. If your little one isn’t a banana fan, you might want to add mini chocolate chips to balance it out.
Are these banana brownies safe for babies?
- They can be! Just skip any added sweeteners (and avoid honey if your baby is under 1). The basic version is soft, easy to gum, and naturally sweet from the bananas, making them perfect for baby-led weaning.
Can I make these healthy brownies allergy-free?
- Yes! These flourless brownies are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. To make them nut-free, simply swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter. Just be sure to check your cocoa powder and peanut butter to make sure they don’t have gluten or dairy.
More Simple Recipes for Kids
Apple Oat Bars – These Apple Oat Bars are soft, naturally sweetened, and packed with real fruit and oats—perfect for a healthy snack or quick breakfast for toddlers. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and great for little hands.
Raspberry Yogurt Bites – Creamy, fruity, and fun to eat, these Raspberry Yogurt Bites are made with just a few wholesome ingredients and freeze into the perfect toddler snack. No added sugar, just simple goodness in every bite!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge – This Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge is rich, creamy, and naturally sweetened with no refined sugar. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s a toddler-friendly treat that is full of wholesome fats and protein.
Healthy Brownie Cookies – These soft and fudgy Healthy Brownie Cookies combine the rich flavor of chocolate with a naturally sweet twist—perfect for toddlers and adults. Made with simple ingredients and no added sugar!
PB&J Oat Cups – A fun twist on the classic sandwich, these PB&J Oat Cups are made with oats, peanut butter, and fruit spread for a wholesome, no-refined-sugar snack toddlers love. Great for breakfast or lunchboxes!
If you try these easy brownies, I’d love to see them! Tag me on Instagram @reallittlemeals and share your creations with me!

Healthy 3 Ingredient Brownies
Ingredients
- 3 bananas, mashed, the riper the better
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, or any nut butter
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
- Either in a mixing bowl, or right into your 8×8 dish, mix all 3 ingredients together. Smooth the batter out and make sure it fills the whole pan.
- Taste the batter. If it isn't sweet enough (as these are only sweetened with banana), you can add some honey, maple syrup, or chocolate chips.
- Cook for 25 minutes.
- Let sit for at least 10-15 minutes to cool and for the brownies to finish setting all the way.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.




Love the simplicity!
Perfect ideas
For what it is these came out pretty good! It’s a pretty good substitute! Thanks!
Easy and good
Great healthy Recipe, I added 1/3 c. Semi Sweet chocolate chips, turned out Great, just the right amount of sweetness ….. Thank You
loved this recipe! SO simple!
Not made yet but will. Will substitute Almond Butter for peanut butter but that’s just because I prefeer the almond butter. LOL
Can you add dates to this? How many?