One Bowl Banana Bread
There’s something incredibly comforting about a slice of warm banana bread, especially when it’s fresh out of the oven. This One Bowl Banana Bread recipe is a lifesaver for those busy days when you want a delicious treat without the fuss. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will have you whipping up a tender, moist loaf that’s bursting with banana flavor in no time.
The Upside of One Bowl Banana Bread
Who doesn’t love a recipe that doesn’t require a lot of dishes? This One Bowl Banana Bread is just that—easy to make, quick to clean up, and incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can mix everything in one bowl, which means less hassle and more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those overly ripe bananas sitting on your countertop. The result? A deliciously sweet and moist bread that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 medium very ripe bananas, peeled (about 1 1/2-1 3/4 cups mashed)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Gear Checklist
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl to accommodate all the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Fork or potato masher: To mash the bananas easily.
- Loaf pan: A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan works best.
- Spatula: To mix the batter and scrape the sides of the bowl.
- Oven mitts: For safely handling the hot loaf pan.
Step-by-Step: One Bowl Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In your mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Let it cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
Add the very ripe bananas to the bowl with the melted butter. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the bananas until smooth. There should be little to no lumps for a uniform texture.
Step 4: Mix in the Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Stir in the white sugar until well combined. Then, add the large egg and the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay.
Step 6: Pour into the Loaf Pan
Grease your loaf pan lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
No-Store Runs Needed
- Overripe bananas: The star of the show! You’ll want bananas that are brown and spotty for the best flavor.
- Butter: Use what you have at home; it’s the perfect fat for moist banana bread.
- Sugar: White sugar works wonders, but brown sugar can add a lovely depth of flavor.
- Eggs: A kitchen staple that helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the overall sweetness of the bread.
- Flour, baking soda, and salt: Basic pantry items that you probably already have.
Cook’s Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Each addition can give your One Bowl Banana Bread a unique twist. Also, if you prefer a less sweet bread, feel free to reduce the sugar to your liking. This recipe is quite forgiving, so adjust it as necessary to suit your taste!
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Once cooled, you can store your One Bowl Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months. To rewarm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds or toast it lightly for a delicious, warm treat.
Reader Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work great for banana bread.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
You can use coconut oil, vegetable oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version. Each alternative will slightly change the flavor and texture, but they all work well.
How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?
The best test is to insert a toothpick or a knife into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, your bread is ready. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make two loaves! Just make sure to use a larger mixing bowl for combining the ingredients and adjust the baking time if necessary.
The Last Word
One Bowl Banana Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. With its straightforward process and the delicious outcome, it’s easy to see why this banana bread becomes a family favorite. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a quick snack during the week, this banana bread will certainly brighten your day. So the next time you find yourself with some overripe bananas, remember this recipe and indulge in the simple pleasure of homemade One Bowl Banana Bread. Happy baking!
One Bowl Banana Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In your mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Let it cool slightly.
- Add the very ripe bananas to the bowl with the melted butter. Mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the white sugar, then add the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined.
- Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cover with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor.
- For added texture, mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
