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Best Easy One-Bowl Banana Bread Recipe (Perfect Every Time)

one-bowl banana bread - featured image

This easy one-bowl banana bread is incredibly moist and flavorful, made with simple pantry ingredients and minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect stress-free recipe for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups or 340g)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ cup (85g) chocolate chips (optional)
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Mash the bananas directly in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher. Leave a few small chunks if desired.
  3. Add the melted butter and sugar to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
  4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth, about 20 seconds of gentle stirring.
  5. Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) over the wet mixture. Gently fold until just combined, with no visible flour streaks. Do not overmix.
  6. If using, fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts. Reserve a small handful for topping.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly and tap gently on the counter to release air bubbles. Sprinkle reserved mix-ins and brown sugar on top.
  8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 15 minutes.
  9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment handles to lift the bread onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before slicing (at least 30 minutes).

Notes

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for best sweetness and moisture. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough texture. For best flavor, make the bread a day ahead. To test doneness, internal temperature should be 200-205°F.

Nutrition

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