There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm slice of banana bread, especially when it comes together with minimal mess and maximum flavor. My grandmother always said the best recipes are the ones you can make in a single bowl — and this One Bowl Banana Bread is just that. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a quick weekday treat, this loaf has become a staple in my kitchen for its simplicity and cozy charm.
Banana bread holds a special place in American baking history. Born out of the 1930s during the Great Depression, it was a clever way to use overripe bananas — and it has stayed popular ever since. This version stays true to that legacy with a modern twist: fewer dishes and quicker cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This One Bowl Banana Bread
- Quick & Easy – Just one bowl, no mixer needed.
- Versatile – Enjoy it all year round — warm in winter, fresh in summer.
- Kid-Friendly – Great for school snacks or breakfast on the go.
- Minimal Cleanup – One bowl means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
Ingredients (Serves 5)
- 3 large bananas (or 4 small bananas), overripe
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make One Bowl Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or a potato masher until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay — they add texture!
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt directly into the same bowl. Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Don’t overmix — this keeps your bread tender.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas – The darker, the better. They bring sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix – Overworking the batter leads to dense bread.
- Customize it – Add chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
Storage and Freezing
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps well for 5-6 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy a slice with a latte in the morning or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It’s also lovely with a smear of salted butter or almond spread.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your twist on this classic in the comments below — maybe you added a spice blend or turned them into muffins? I’d love to hear how you made this One Bowl Banana Bread your own!
One Bowl Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 large bananas or 4 small bananas, overripe
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or a potato masher until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay — they add texture!
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
- Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt directly into the same bowl. Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Don’t overmix — this keeps your bread tender.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
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