This easy one-bowl banana bread is super simple and oh-so-delicious! Just mix ripe bananas, sugar, and a few other ingredients in one bowl—no fuss!
I love how it fills the kitchen with a warm, sweet smell. The best part? It’s perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Plus, who doesn’t love a slice of warm banana bread? 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key, as they bring out the sweetness and moisture in the bread. If you don’t have ripe ones, just place them in a paper bag for a day to speed up ripening. Overripe bananas are the best for flavor!
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or melted margarine works great as a substitute!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is classic for sweetness, but you can swap half of it for brown sugar for a deeper flavor and extra moisture. Maple syrup or honey can also be used, but adjust the flour slightly to balance the liquid.
Egg: If you want to make this recipe vegan or egg-free, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the beaten egg.
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Banana Bread Batter?
Overmixing can lead to a denser bread—yikes! To avoid this, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Here’s how:
- Once you add the flour, use a spatula or wooden spoon and fold gently.
- Turn the bowl as you mix to ensure everything combines without vigorous stirring.
- If you see a few small lumps in the batter, that’s okay. They usually bake out!
Following these tips will help you achieve a light and fluffy banana bread every time!
Easy One-Bowl Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Time Needed
This banana bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. So, you can have delicious banana bread ready in about an hour and a half!
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them up using a fork or potato masher until smooth. It’s okay if there are still a few small lumps!
3. Mix in the Butter
Next, pour the melted butter into the bowl with the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s well combined—this is where the wonderful coconut aroma starts! 😊
4. Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Now, let’s sweeten things up! Add the granulated sugar, the beaten egg, and the vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Mix until everything is nicely blended.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until you can’t see any more dry flour—be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are just fine!
6. Pour and Smooth the Batter
Pour your delicious banana batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps it bake evenly, which is key to perfect banana bread!
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check it with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your banana bread is done!
8. Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently move the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step is essential, as it helps the bread set properly.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your banana bread and enjoy it plain or spread with a little butter. It’s wonderful as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or anytime you crave something sweet!
This recipe is simple and produces a moist, delicious banana bread bursting with flavor—just like in the photo! Happy baking! 🍞💛
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in banana bread. Just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature until soft, then mash them as usual. They’ll be even sweeter than fresh bananas!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
If you want a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure you select one that can be used as a 1:1 swap for all-purpose flour, and add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Banana Bread?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in up to 1 cup of your favorite add-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for an extra twist. Just fold them in gently when you add the flour.