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Easy One-Bowl Moist Banana Bread: Best 3-Ingredient Recipe

easy one-bowl moist banana bread - featured image

A simple, moist banana bread made in one bowl with minimal prep time. This reliable recipe uses ripe bananas as the base for sweetness and structure, resulting in a tender, fudgy loaf that stays fresh for days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large ripe bananas
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup melted unsalted butter or neutral oil
  • ½ cup granulated white sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or cooking spray, optionally lining with parchment paper.
  2. Peel bananas and mash them in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth (about 1 ½ cups).
  3. Add melted butter (or oil), sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir vigorously until combined into a uniform wet sludge.
  4. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the wet mixture, then add the flour. Stir gently until the flour is just incorporated; do not overmix.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Add optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly around the 40-minute mark. Test for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
  7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Ensure bananas are very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough texture. The bread continues to cook from residual heat after removal, so use the toothpick test carefully. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, easy recipe, one bowl, moist banana bread, quick bread, vegan option, gluten-free option, breakfast, snack