This Easy One-bowl Best Banana Bread Recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves a simple, sweet treat. It’s packed with ripe bananas for natural sweetness and has a soft, moist texture that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The best part? You only need one bowl, so cleanup is a breeze!
I love making this banana bread when I have a handful of very ripe bananas sitting on my counter. Mixing everything in one bowl saves so much time and mess, and it’s almost impossible to mess it up. I usually add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra cozy twist or toss in some chopped nuts for a little crunch.
This banana bread is perfect to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea any time of the day. I like to slice it thick and spread a little butter on top while it’s still warm—that’s my favorite way to eat it! Plus, it makes a great snack to share with friends or pack in lunchboxes. It’s quickly become one of those go-to recipes in my kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: The star of this recipe! Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture. If you only have less ripe bananas, microwave them for 30 seconds to soften.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here. For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix, but expect a slightly different texture.
Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness and moisture. You can swap it with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar keeps it simple. You can replace half with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use coconut sugar for a less processed option.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add moisture. For vegan baking, try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) per egg.
Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted if you want nut-free bread.
How Do You Make Banana Bread Moist and Tender without Overmixing?
The most important technique here is mixing the batter just until everything is combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making the bread tough.
- Begin by mashing bananas well, so they’re easy to mix.
- Add wet ingredients to the dry and stir carefully using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Stop mixing as soon as you see no large streaks of flour; some small lumps are okay.
- Folding in any nuts gently helps keep the texture light.
Also, measure flour carefully—too much flour dries out the bread. Using a spoon to fill your cup and leveling it off avoids packing in extra flour.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I prefer a large one so everything fits comfortably and mixes well.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps gently combine ingredients without overmixing.
- 9×5 inch loaf pan – provides the perfect shape and size for baking the bread evenly.
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray – makes removing the banana bread easier and keeps it from sticking.
- Toothpick – for testing doneness; it should come out clean from the center.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap nuts for chocolate chips for a sweeter, richer treat. Add them when folding in the batter.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor complexity.
- Mix in blueberries or chopped apples for fruity variations that add moisture and sweetness.
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of some of the sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Easy One-bowl Best Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and mixing, plus 55-65 minutes for baking. Allow an additional 10-15 minutes for cooling before slicing. Overall, plan for around 1 hour 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir them together to make sure they’re evenly mixed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients and Combine:
Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract directly into the same bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are okay! If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now.
4. Bake Your Banana Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
5. Cool, Slice, and Enjoy!
Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, move it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Slice thick pieces and enjoy plain or spread with butter for extra indulgence.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Banana Bread?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This helps keep your batter from becoming too watery.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Substitute Oil for Butter?
Absolutely! You can replace the melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable or canola oil. This will keep the bread moist but may slightly change the flavor and texture.
What Can I Do If My Banana Bread Is Too Dry?
Sometimes overbaking or too much flour causes dryness. Try reducing baking time slightly or adding an extra banana or a couple tablespoons of yogurt or applesauce next time for added moisture.
