Easy One-Bowl Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Easy One-Bowl Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Easy One-Bowl Banana Bread Recipe is a quick and simple way to use up overripe bananas. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this banana bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack!

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:31:15.225Z

This banana bread recipe has been a family favorite for years. It's easy to make, requires only one bowl, and is incredibly delicious. The smell of baking bananas fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist a slice right out of the oven!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Moist and tender texture with a rich banana flavor
Quick prep and minimal cleanup with just one bowl
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

      

The Benefits of Using Overripe Bananas

Overripe bananas are not just a great way to reduce waste; they also offer enhanced sweetness and a rich flavor profile that makes your banana bread truly standout. The natural sugars in overripe bananas caramelize during baking, resulting in a richer taste and a moist texture. Using bananas that are slightly brown allows you to create a dessert that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Moreover, overripe bananas are incredibly versatile. While this recipe focuses on banana bread, you can also use them in smoothies, pancakes, or as a natural sweetener in various baked goods. Embracing overripe bananas in your cooking can lead to a more sustainable kitchen while delivering delectable results.

Perfect Pairings for Your Banana Bread

Banana bread is delightful on its own, but it can be even more enjoyable with the right pairings. A smear of creamy butter or a dollop of nut butter can elevate your banana bread experience, adding richness and flavor. For those who enjoy a hint of spice, consider spreading a light layer of cinnamon cream cheese for a delightful twist.

Banana bread also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk. The warm, comforting flavors of banana bread complement both beverages, making them perfect companions for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You might even consider serving your banana bread with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert option!

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your banana bread fresh and moist, proper storage is essential. After it has completely cooled, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its moisture. Storing it at room temperature can keep it fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, consider placing the wrapped loaf in the refrigerator, where it can last for about a week.

If you want to preserve your banana bread for an even longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Simply slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice of banana bread any time you crave it, without sacrificing freshness.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

Make sure your bananas are really ripe for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, mix in the flour until just incorporated.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade banana bread!

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question is whether you can use frozen bananas for this recipe. Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work beautifully in banana bread, often making it even more moist.

Another frequently asked question revolves around substituting ingredients. If you prefer a healthier option, you can replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a nutty flavor and increase the fiber content, making it a more wholesome choice.

Customizing Your Banana Bread

While this banana bread recipe is delicious as is, it also serves as a fantastic base for customization. Consider adding chocolate chips for a decadent treat or walnuts for added crunch. Dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, can also introduce a delightful surprise in every bite.

For a hint of warmth, you might add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor. These spices blend perfectly with the sweetness of the bananas, creating a comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen while baking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them and mash them before adding to the mixture.

→ How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.

→ Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon.

→ How should I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.