This Healthy Flourless Chocolate Cake is rich and moist. Made with just 3 ingredients and no eggs, this banana chocolate cake is vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and nutritious. The best part...It's so easy to make!
Prepare yourself for a melt-in-your mouth chocolate cake with no flour. Decadent, indulgent and so comforting that you'll never guess it is also healthy. And with no chocolate!
What is the history of flourless cake?
This dessert originates from my most popular recipe: 3 ingredient flourless brownies. Maybe because of their simplicity, or maybe because they're so delicious...my brownies went viral on social media. Everyone seemed to love my brownies.
And I do too. I'm so obsessed that I've been making them every week. If not two times a week. But last day, planning to bake some more, I had to compromise with my girlfriend. She needed the brownie pan, so I had to use our springform pan.
Well, most times in life unexpected things are the best. Agree. After 25 minutes in the oven, I realized that I'd just come out with a new recipe. Healthy flourless chocolate cake. With 3 ingredients only: ripe bananas, nut butter and cocoa powder. Rich and moist, this is a dessert to die for.
Why is this flourless chocolate cake healthy?
If it is true that this is a dessert to die for, gladly it won't kill your diet. Literally, eating chocolate cake has never that healthy. You still don't believe me? Here is why!
- This recipe is sweetened with bananas only, no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Made with 3 simple ingredients, this is a flourless chocolate cake with no eggs, no dairy and therefore completely vegan!
- As it uses no flour, this dessert is also gluten-free.
- Funny enough, there is no chocolate in this flourless banana cake recipe. Instead it has cocoa powder, which contains less fats and calories.
- Besides being simple, the 3 ingredients you need are also nutritious. Bananas, cocoa powder and nut butter are all packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- The nut butter is a great source of healthy fats and protein.
The ingredients
This is a flourless chocolate torte with 3 ingredients. Believe it or not, 3 simple ingredients is all you need to put together a delicious dessert. Read though the following lines for all details, tips and substitutes.
- Ripe bananas: this recipe requires three large ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and moister your flourless cake.
- Nut butter: use creamy peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter or any nut butter you like. Or opt for sunflower seed butter or tahini if allergic to nuts. As they mix better, I recommend creamy nut butters.
- Cocoa powder: for a healthier cake, use natural cocoa powder without added sugars. Replace with dutch-processed cocoa powder or cacao if you prefer.
Additional ingredients
The basic recipe for flourless banana cake has just 3 ingredients. But this doesn’t mean you can’t add more. Here are some ideas.
- A hint of espresso powder. It enhances the chocolate's flavor.
- A pinch of salt. It balances the sweetener and helps with the flavors.
- About ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Nothing better than chocolate and vanilla together.
- Crushed walnuts. We love the extra crunchiness.
- Chocolate chips, inside and on top. Bittersweet chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips...who doesn't like chocolate chips?!
Topping and serving ideas
As you may have noticed, my banana cake has a topping. I served my dessert with a healthy chocolate ganache made from mixing cocoa powder with little milk and maple syrup. Still not satisfied, I also shaved some dark chocolate on top.
Quick, simple and tasty, I highly recommend this topping. Or be creative and serve your flourless chocolate cake as you wish. If you need inspiration, here are some serving ideas for your slice of heaven.
- Fresh berries
- Strawberries
- Melted chocolate
- Fresh raspberries
- Greek yogurt
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- More nut butter
How to make 3 ingredient chocolate cake
Everyone will love this healthy flourless chocolate cake. The one who eats, the one who cooks...and the one who cleans after cooking! This recipe is so quick and simple that it comes together in a bowl in under 5 minutes. Bake for around half an hour and let the magic happen. Banana cake with 3 ingredients. No flour, no eggs and no sugar!
So, without further ado, here is how to make this simple dessert.
Step 1: Make the batter
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. When they are completely mashed, add the nut butter and stir until smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, give it a mix and transfer to a prepared pan.
Step 2: Bake
Bake in hot oven for 22 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of your cake comes out clean. Let cool at room temperature before slicing with a sharp knife. Enjoy!
How to store flourless cake
After baking, let the healthy flourless cake cool at room temperature. Then seal in an airtight food container and store. At room temperature, it will last for up to 3 days. In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
If you plan to store it for longer, freeze in an airtight food container or zipping bag for up to 3 months. Before serving, reheat in hot oven.
Recipe tips
- Use overripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and moister your chocolate cake will be.
- Mash the bananas completely until you get a smooth mixture.
- Use creamy nut butter. It mixes much better.
- Whisk the mashed banana and peanut butter very well before sifting in the cocoa powder. This way you won't get lumps.
- Do not overbake the cake. It will get firmer after cooling.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
This recipe works with any type of nut butter. Peanut, almond, cashew or even sunflower seed butter. Pick and choose your favorite, mine are peanut butter and almond butter.
As this recipe uses ripe bananas, I find that the dessert is already perfect. But if you have the sweet tooth, then I recommend adding a couple tablespoons of maple syrup, honey or granulated sugar. For a healthier cake, use coconut sugar, date sugar or organic brown sugar.
To make a nut free flourless banana cake, replace the nut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder and adjust the batter with one to four tablespoons of milk to consistency.
Unfortunately this recipe does not work in the microwave. You will need to bake this flourless banana cake in the oven.
More flourless desserts
- Flourless banana brownies
- Flourless Greek yogurt brownies
- Chocolate mug cake without flour
- Banana protein muffins (no flour)
- Flourless protein brownies
Healthy Flourless Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 3 bananas very ripe
- 120 grams (½ cup) creamy nut butter almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter or seed butter (for a nut-free recipe)
- 40 grams (⅓ cup) cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180ºC (360°F) and fold a 20 cm (7.8 inches) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. When completely mashed, add nut butter and stir until smooth.
- Sift in cocoa powder, give it a mix and transfer the chocolate mixture to the prepared springform pan.
- Bake in hot oven for 22 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of you cake comes out clean. Let cool completely at room temperature before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Please note that the nutritional values are approximations only. For precise information, calculate the macros by yourself.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are based on third-party calculations and should be considered approximations. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more. We do not overtake any responsibility.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hodaya
Thank you for this delicious recipe! Sadly, I only had one banana at home so I made just a 1/3 of the recipe.
It was simple to make, with zero added sugar, what else can we ask for?
Going to save it and make it again and again and again. Thank you again!
Matteo
Hey dear Hodaya,
thank you so so much for the feedback! It makes me happy that you liked our flourless chocolate cake recipe 😉 Quick, easy, tasty and oh so delicious. A real winner ahah. You should definitely make it again, next time you have some more bananas 😉
Have a great day,
Matteo
Christy
Do you have a recipe for your ganache?
Matteo
Hey dear Christy,
That’s actually a very good question, thank you very much. I’ll have to add it to the blog post.
So, for the ganache I mixed together cocoa powder with a hint of date syrup (also maple syrup or honey work) and little milk to consistency. When it is smooth, ice the cake and enjoy!
Best,
Matteo
Mia
I used 2/3 cup cocoa powder
3 tbl milk
2 tbl maple syrup
It made enough ganache to comfortably frost inside and the top
Liza Ho
Very excellent recipe, I will make it! Already melted in my mouth ?
Matteo
Hey dear Liza,
Thank you very much for your comment?. So glad you liked this recipe, it's so tasty!
Ken
Hi Chef,
For the creamy seed / nut butter does it have to be only that ingredient (+/- salt) or can it be a more standard brand such as Skippy or Jif work as well in this recipe?
Please let us know.
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Ken
Ken
Hi Chef,
Does it have to be pure creamy nut/seed butter or can you use a brand like Skippy or Jif which has some extra ingredients.
Please let us know.
Thank you.
Ken
Matteo
Hey dear Ken,
First of all, thank you very much for your comment.
Regarding your question, creamy nut butter is indeed better. But you can also opt for other options like standard branded products with additional ingredients. The only thing you should keep in mind is that those peanut butters are usually thicker than the natural ones. Therefore, you may need to adjust the consistency of the batter with slightly more peanut butter or a tablespoon or so of milk. Adjust to your needs and enjoy!
Have a great weekend,
Matteo
Mia
This is a similar recipe to cookies I make routinely with my granddaughter with sunflower seed
butter. For my husbands birthday, I doubled the recipe- used creamy PB- made 2 small layers with added white chocolate chips. Made your ganache (thank you so much) and used a light layer of strawberry puree inside and on top to drizzle. (I’d made for a strawberry cake in May)
So dense and delicious! This will be a tradition…. Always have all the ingredients and hub loves his desserts.
I’ll be following your blog for additional yummy recipes, TYSVM ?
Matteo
Hey dear Mia,
thank you SO MUCH for your lovely comment. I'm so happy to hear that you like my recipe for flourless chocolate cake and that you appreciate my blog. Stay tuned for more, new recipes are posted on a daily here on MattsfitChef 😉
Have a great day,
Matteo
Holly
I tripled the recipe and baked in a 9" pan, when cooled sliced in half and frosted with sugar free frosting like a regular cake. OMG! This recipe is fantastic! It has the density of a torte so a thin slice is perfect! I have passed this on to several friends.
Matteo
Hey my dear Holly,
Thank you SO much for your nice comment. I am incredibly happy you liked my chocolate flourless cake recipe and that you shared it with your friends. You really made my day!!
I wish you a great weekend.
All the best,
Matteo
Carol
Hi there!!! What icing did you use for this recipe?
Matteo
Hey dear Carol,
That's actually a very good question ahahah I wonder why I haven't wrote it down in the blog post. I'll have to add it.
By the way, for the icing I mixed together cocoa powder with a hint of date syrup (also maple syrup or honey work) and little milk to consistency. When it is smooth, ice the cake and enjoy!
Best,
Matteo
Jasson
Very nice recipe chef ???I will make it this evening. Thank you for your effort ??
Matteo
Hey my dear Jasson,
Thank you SO MUCH for your comment!! I am incredibly glad you appreciate this recipe.
Let me know how it will turn out. I'm excited for you!
Have a great day,
Matteo Bertuzzi