When it comes to comfort foods, banana bread holds a special place in my heart. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day—a nostalgic treat that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sweet aroma would waft through the air, making it impossible to resist. This one-bowl banana bread is my go-to recipe, perfect for those moments when you have a few ripe bananas begging for a new life. It’s simple, satisfying, and steals the spotlight no matter the occasion. Trust me, once you bake this, your home will feel like the coziest café on the block.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine this: a loaf that’s irresistibly moist, packed with flavor, and as easy as pie (or should I say, banana bread)! This recipe combines the sweetness of bananas with just a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, comforting vibe. If you’ve ever bitten into a slice and felt a rush of happiness, then you know exactly how special it is.
What makes it even better? You can whip it up in one bowl! No need for a whole dishpan of mess—you’ll have your batter ready faster than you can say “banana split”. Plus, this recipe is forgiving. Overripe bananas lend extra natural sweetness, and who doesn’t love easy cleanup? It’s a delightful way to embrace those quirky brown spots on bananas and turn them into something delicious.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s talk about the building blocks of our banana bread masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
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3 large bananas (or 4 small): The star of the show! When selecting bananas, aim for those with brown spots as they bring the sweetest flavor and a nice moisture balance.
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): This luscious ingredient lends a rich depth to your bread. Unsalted keeps it versatile, allowing you to control the salt content easily.
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2/3 cup granulated sugar: For that sweet touch. You can experiment with brown sugar if you fancy a caramel-like taste.
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2 large eggs (room temperature): These will bind the ingredients beautifully. Room temperature eggs mix more evenly—trust me on this one!
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little splash of vanilla goes a long way in enhancing the flavors and giving your banana bread that home-baked aroma.
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2 cups all-purpose flour: This is what gives structure to our loaf. If you’re watching gluten, feel free to swap out a portion with almond flour for a nutty twist.
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1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: These are our rising agents. Make sure they’re fresh for the best rise!
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1 teaspoon cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and complexity. Want to jazz it up? Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for that extra zing.
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1/4 teaspoon salt: Balancing out the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors.
Preparing One Bowl Banana Bread
Now let’s dive into the heart of the matter. Ready for the step-by-step?
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Trust me; greasing is crucial here to avoid that heartbreak of stuck bread!
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Mash those bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher. Aim for a chunky texture—I love seeing little bits of banana in my bread!
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Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir it all together. This mixture will be dreamy and glossy.
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Whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until everything is combined. This is where the magic happens, as the batter begins to come together.
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Fold in the flour along with baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. No vigorous mixing here—gentle folds will keep your bread tender.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
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Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—the glorious scent will fill your space!
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Cool it on the counter for 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This step will help develop the texture; although it’s tough, let it cool a little!
Best way to enjoy it
Imagine this: a warm slice of banana bread fresh out of the oven—does it get any better? Yet, I’m here to tell you that it does! Consider spreading a bit of butter on a slice while it’s still warm: pure bliss. Want to elevate it further? Try a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top.
Pair your banana bread with a cozy cup of tea or even a traditional coffee for an unforgettable afternoon snack, or toast a slice and top it with yogurt and berries for a decadent breakfast treat.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Now, if you’re like me, you’ll want to enjoy this treat again later. To keep it fresh, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good at room temperature for about 3 days—or if you want to savor it longer, slice it and freeze it wrapped in parchment paper followed by a layer of foil. It should last up to 3 months!
Pro chef tips
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Use overripe bananas: Those dark brown beauties not only mash easier but make for sweeter bread.
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Don’t skip the cooling: Cooling is essential for the texture. Let it breathe, and you’ll achieve the perfect slice.
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Add-ins can elevate things: Consider tossing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an exciting twist.
Creative Twists
Feel free to make this recipe your own with creative variations! Swap in some chopped walnuts for crunch, or add a handful of chocolate chips for a dessert-style treat. If you’re adventurous, try a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella before baking—heavenly goodness awaits!
Common questions
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How ripe should my bananas be? Aim for bananas covered in dark brown spots; they’re the sweetest!
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Can I make this without eggs? Absolutely! You can substitute with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg.
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Is it okay to freeze my banana bread? Yes! Just slice and freeze.
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How long does it take to bake? Approximately 60 minutes, but it can vary based on your oven. Do check with a toothpick.
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What can I serve with it? This bread goes perfectly with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a scoop of ice cream for dessert!
In summary, this one-bowl banana bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a chance to create something truly special. The comforting aroma fills your kitchen, the moist bread melts in your mouth, and each slice brings a moment of delight. So, gather those ingredients, bring your inner chef to life, and dive in! And don’t forget to share your baking moments—let’s connect in the kitchen and cheer each other on!
One Bowl Banana Bread
Description
This moist and flavorful banana bread is made in one bowl, combining ripe mashed bananas with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a comforting treat.Ingredients for One Bowl Banana Bread
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Baking Steps
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.Greasing is crucial to prevent sticking. -
Mash Bananas
Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until chunky. -
Mix Ingredients
Add melted butter to mashed bananas and stir together. Then whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
Fold in flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt gently.Avoid vigorous mixing to keep bread tender. -
Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.Check often as the smell fills your space! -
Cool Down
Cool on the counter for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.Cooling is essential for the texture.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 16g
- Protein 3g6%
- Vitamin A 200 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 0.5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.4 mg
- Phosphorus 60 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 0.3 mg
- Selenium 5 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
