Description
This One Bowl Banana Bread recipe is a simple and classic treat that requires minimal effort and produces a moist, flavorful loaf. Using overripe bananas, a few pantry staples, and just one bowl for mixing, this bread is perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike. The result is a tender bread with a hint of cinnamon that’s wonderful as a breakfast snack or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large bananas (or 4 small bananas), overripe
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth with some small lumps remaining for texture.
- Add melted butter: Pour the ½ cup of melted unsalted butter into the mashed bananas and whisk together until fully combined.
- Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla: Stir in ⅔ cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk all wet ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients — 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt — to the wet mixture. Using a spatula, fold the flour mixture in gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Transfer batter to loaf pan: Pour the batter into the greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake the banana bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Bananas: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
- Sugar alternatives: Granulated sugar can be substituted with raw or coconut sugar, but avoid maple syrup as it adds too much liquid.
- Flavor variations: Enhance the basic recipe by adding chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, dried fruits like cranberries or blueberries, or shredded and well-squeezed zucchini.
- Storage: Store in a zip-lock bag or airtight container. Fresh at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Freezing: Slice before freezing in a zip-lock bag for up to 2-3 months. Easily thaw individual slices when needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of a loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg