5 Ingredient Brownies
If you are craving rich, chocolatey brownies but want something quick and simple, these 5 ingredient brownies are exactly what you need! They are incredibly fudgy, deeply chocolatey, and made with basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
No complicated steps. No special equipment. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Only 5 simple ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfectly fudgy texture
- Beginner friendly
- Easy to customize these 5 ingredient brownies
Ingredients
2 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas
1 ½ cups all natural creamy peanut butter
½ cup gluten free flour, see note
¼ cup dark cocoa powder
1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and gluten free flour. Stir until a dough is formed.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
Transfer this mixture into the lined pan. Smooth into an even layer.
Bake for 18 to 21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
Finally, remove these 5 ingredient brownies from the oven. Allow them to cool before slicing.
Texture Guide
If you want to customize your 5 ingredient brownies, here is how each factor affects texture:
| Texture Result | What To Do |
| Fudgier brownies | Bake for less time; use more butter. |
| Cakier brownies | Add 1 egg to the batter. |
| Chewier brownies | Use more sugar and reduce the baking time. |
Pro Tips for the Perfect Batch
For Fudginess: Avoid using a toothpick to test for “cleanliness.” You want a few moist crumbs sticking to it when you pull it out.
For Chewiness: Try swapping some of the granulated white sugar for brown sugar. The molasses adds moisture and that classic “tackiness.”
For Cakiness: Be sure to cream your butter and sugar thoroughly to incorporate air, which helps the lift along with that extra egg.
Pro Tips for Perfect Brownies
- Do not overmix once you add flour
- Slightly underbake for a fudgy center
- Use high quality chocolate chips
- Let brownies cool completely before cutting
Easy Variations
Flourless Version
Replace flour with almond flour for a grain free option
Healthier Option
Swap sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup
Extra Chocolate
Add chunks of dark chocolate before baking
Troubleshooting
Why are my brownies dry?
You likely overbaked them. Remove when the center is slightly soft.
Why are they too gooey?
They may need a few more minutes in the oven or more cooling time.
Why did they not rise?
This recipe is meant to be dense and fudgy, not fluffy.
Storage
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe does not use any eggs!
Use semi sweet or dark chocolate chips for the best flavor balance.
Yes, simply swap the flour with almond flour or a gluten free blend.
Reduce baking time slightly and use a higher fat ratio like more butter or chocolate.
Yes, use a larger pan and adjust baking time slightly.
You May Also Like
- 3 Ingredient Brownies
- Sweet Potato Brownies
- Vegan Mug Brownie
- 4 Ingredient Protein Brownies
- 4 Ingredient Brownies
If you make this 5 Ingredient Brownies recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along! For more ideas, check out these Dessert Recipes.
Get the Recipe: 5 Ingredient Brownies
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1 ½ cups all natural creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup gluten free flour, see note
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and gluten free flour. Stir until a dough is formed.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Transfer this mixture into the lined pan. Smooth into an even layer.
- Bake for 18 to 21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Finally, remove these brownies from the oven. Allow them to cool before slicing.
Notes
- If you are not gluten free, feel free to use all purpose flour.
- Use all natural creamy peanut butter. It should be made from only peanuts and salt.
- Use ripe bananas for best results.
- Bake only until the middle looks barely set. These brownies are meant to be gooey.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Then, store in the fridge or freezer.