One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you probably love recipes that are simple, fuss-free, and taste absolutely delicious. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe with you—because it’s straightforward but yields the most tender, flavorful banana bread you’ll want to make again and again. The best part? It all comes together in just one bowl. No mess, no stress, just pure baking joy.

I discovered this recipe on a busy weekday afternoon when I had a bunch of overripe bananas begging to be used. Since I didn’t feel like pulling out every mixing bowl in the kitchen, this one bowl method was a lifesaver. You’ll find that it’s perfect whether you’re baking for breakfast, afternoon tea, or just because you want a cozy snack. Trust me, once you try this One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe, it’ll be your go-to for years to come.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe plays a role in creating that classic, comforting flavor—plus a few simple pantry staples that you probably already have. I love that you don’t need anything fancy to make this come together beautifully.

• Bananas: Overripe bananas are key—they add natural sweetness and moisture that keeps the bread soft.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter creates a tender crumb and rich flavor, plus it’s easy to mix right into your bananas.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning; I sometimes swap in coconut sugar for a subtle caramel note.
• Eggs: Bring structure and stability to the bread, so make sure they’re at room temperature for the best texture.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla really lifts the flavors and blends perfectly with cinnamon.
• All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together—a classic choice for a tender but sturdy crumb.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These give the bread just the right amount of rise and fluffiness.
• Cinnamon: My secret little spice that adds warmth and depth; you can adjust to your preference.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and highlights the flavors.

Variations

I like to switch up this One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. It’s a super flexible base that welcomes so many tasty tweaks. Feel free to make it your own and experiment!

• Nutty Delight: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a wonderful crunch and nuttiness that my family always raves about.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Toss in a handful of chocolate chips for an extra treat — it makes the bread feel a bit more indulgent without being too heavy.
• Berry Burst: Fresh or dried blueberries or cranberries add a fresh zing, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• Sneaky Veggies: Shredded zucchini squeezed dry blends right in and keeps the loaf incredibly moist; I started doing this to sneak some greens into my kids’ snacks.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and add a little extra baking powder to keep it light.

How to Make One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bananas

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This step might seem obvious, but greasing the pan well is key to getting the bread out easily without any sticking. Next, grab 3 large or 4 small overripe bananas and mash them right in your mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher. I love how quick this is; you want the bananas smooth but with some small lumps for texture.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Pour in ½ cup of melted unsalted butter to the mashed bananas and whisk until it’s all blended. Then add ⅔ cup granulated sugar, 2 room-temperature eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk again until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This is where your batter starts to come together — don’t worry about any flour yet.

Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add the dry ingredients to your wet banana mixture and gently fold everything together using a spatula. Make sure not to overmix — just until the flour disappears, or your bread could turn out dense.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with the spatula. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. I like to start checking at 55 minutes because ovens can vary. When done, let it cool on the counter in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my banana bread slices with a bit of softened butter or cream cheese — it melts right into the warm bread and adds an extra layer of indulgence. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few toasted nuts or a light drizzle of honey for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for that perfect cozy afternoon break. If you want to make it a fuller breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit salad for a balanced start to your day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to slice the banana bread into thick rounds and layer them with fresh berries and whipped cream to make mini banana bread trifles. It’s a gorgeous and unexpected way to dress it up for brunches or celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover banana bread in an airtight container or zip-lock bag at room temperature; it stays moist and fresh for a couple of days this way. If I want it to last longer, I pop it into the fridge where it keeps well up to a week.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option if you make a large loaf — I slice it first, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When I want a quick snack, I just pull out a slice or two and let it thaw or toast it straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer to toast slices lightly or warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that freshly-baked feeling. Microwave works too, but be careful not to overheat or it can turn rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe turns out every time—moist, tender, and packed with that comforting banana-cinnamon flavor I crave. It’s such a simple recipe but feels like a warm hug from your oven. Give it a try next time you have some ripe bananas waiting—your family and friends will thank you, and you’ll be surprised how often you’ll want to make it. Baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be amazing, and this recipe proves it perfectly.

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