“That’s it? Only 5 ingredients?” my friend said with wide eyes and chocolate on her spoon.
Yes. Just five. And somehow, these 5-Ingredient Vegan Brownies come out rich, fudgy, deeply chocolatey, and so indulgent you’d never guess they’re vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
The batter barely made it to the pan in my kitchen—everyone kept sneaking spoonfuls. And honestly? I don’t blame them.
If you love easy, no-fuss desserts that feel like magic, you’re going to adore these brownies. And don’t forget to subscribe to our email list so you never miss a simple, joy-filled recipe like this one.
Overview of Recipe Content
These 5-Ingredient Vegan Brownies are proof that you don’t need a long grocery list to create something spectacular. No flour blends. No complicated steps. Just wholesome ingredients working beautifully together.
They’re perfect for:
- Busy weeknights
- Last-minute guests
- Chocolate cravings
- Meal prep treats
- Gluten-free gatherings
Why You’ll Love These 5-Ingredient Vegan Brownies
- Only five simple ingredients
- Naturally gluten-free
- Dairy-free and egg-free
- Ultra fudgy texture
- One-bowl, minimal cleanup
The flavor? Deep cocoa richness with a naturally sweet undertone. The texture is dense and moist—almost truffle-like. If you love intensely chocolatey desserts, this is your recipe.
If you’re into easy treats, you might also love this https://poulef.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-cookies/ or this creamy https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/ for another quick fix.
And yes, these are absolutely Pinterest-worthy—save them to your dessert boards at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
The 5 Simple Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (very ripe for sweetness)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Optional (but recommended!):
- Dairy-free chocolate chips
- Pinch of sea salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Spatula
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
Substitutions & Additions
- Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter (nut-free option).
- Add espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Stir in chopped walnuts for texture.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup (not vegan but works).
How to Make 5-Ingredient Vegan Brownies
Let’s keep this easy.
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a bowl, mash bananas until smooth and creamy. The riper they are, the sweeter your brownies will be.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Add:
- Peanut butter
- Cocoa powder
- Maple syrup
- Baking powder
Mix until fully combined. The batter will be thick and glossy.
This is where people start “taste testing.”
Step 4: Fold in Extras
If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in gently.
Step 5: Bake
Spread evenly into your prepared pan.
Bake for 18–22 minutes. The center should be set but still soft. Don’t overbake—fudgy is the goal!
Let cool completely before slicing (if you can wait).
What to Serve with 5-Ingredient Vegan Brownies
These brownies shine on their own, but you can elevate them with:
- Dairy-free vanilla ice cream
- Fresh raspberries
- Coconut whipped cream
- A drizzle of melted dark chocolate
For a dessert spread, pair with https://poulef.com/chocolate-chip-banana-bread/ or https://poulef.com/easy-baked-oatmeal/ for a cozy brunch board.
Tips for Making Them Perfect
- Use very ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overbake—slightly underbaked = fudgy heaven.
- Let them cool fully for clean slices.
- Refrigerate before cutting for extra firm edges.
If the batter feels too thick, add 1 tablespoon of plant milk.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: 2 days in airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices up to 2 months.
They taste amazing slightly chilled—almost like brownie fudge bars.
General Information
Minimal-ingredient baking has become popular for good reason. It reduces processed ingredients while keeping flavor front and center.
These brownies rely on bananas for structure and sweetness—no eggs required. Nut butter replaces flour and fat. It’s simple, smart baking.
And honestly? Sometimes the best desserts are the simplest ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter works well.
Do they taste like banana?
Slightly—but mostly rich chocolate.
Can I reduce the maple syrup?
You can reduce by 1–2 tablespoons if bananas are very ripe.
Are they cakey or fudgy?
Very fudgy. Dense and moist.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×13 pan and adjust baking time slightly.
Conclusion
These 5-Ingredient Vegan Brownies are proof that simple can be spectacular. Fudgy, chocolatey, wholesome, and ridiculously easy.
If you love quick chocolate desserts, this recipe will become your go-to. Just don’t be surprised if the batter mysteriously disappears before baking.
Thank you for baking with me today. Simple recipes like this remind us that joy doesn’t have to be complicated.
Interactive Elements
If you try these brownies:
- Leave a comment and rating below
- Share your slice on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
- Tag us so we can see your chocolate masterpiece
I can’t wait to see your fudgy creations!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per square – 9 squares)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 95mg |
Shockingly Fudgy 5-Ingredient Vegan Brownies – The Ultimate Guilt-Free Chocolate Fix
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
Description
These 5-Ingredient Vegan Brownies are fudgy, chocolatey, gluten-free and dairy-free. A simple one-bowl dessert perfect for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas
½ cup natural peanut butter
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup maple syrup
½ teaspoon baking powder
Optional: dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan.
2. Mash bananas until smooth.
3. Mix in peanut butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and baking powder.
4. Fold in optional chocolate chips.
5. Spread batter into pan and bake 18–22 minutes.
6. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for sweetness.
Do not overbake for fudgy texture.
Store refrigerated for best consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
Let’s be friends!
