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A close-up of freshly baked banana bread with a golden-brown crust, sliced to reveal a soft, fluffy interior. The slices are placed neatly on a cloth.

3 Ingredient Banana Bread You Won’t Believe is That Easy

Stewart
Make delicious 3 ingredient banana bread in no time! Quick, easy, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. Bake a simple, moist loaf today!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients
  

2 Ripe Bananas

  • The essential ingredient in this recipe is the humble banana. Overripe bananas are actually perfect for banana bread because they’re naturally sweeter and give the bread a moist flavorful texture. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots—they may seem too ripe to eat on their own, but they’re just right for baking!

1 Egg

  • The egg plays an essential role in binding the ingredients together and adding richness to the bread. It helps to achieve a tender moist texture and a subtle rise. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can easily substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). It works wonderfully!

1 Cup Self-Rising Flour

  • Self-rising flour is a game-changer for this recipe because it contains both flour and a leavening agent baking powder, which means no need to worry about adding extra baking powder or soda. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • While this recipe is delicious in its simplest form you can add some fun extras to make it your own! Here are a few ideas:
  • Chocolate Chips: Add a sweet surprise with a handful of chocolate chips.
  • Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch to the bread.
  • Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A pinch of either spice will give your banana bread a warm cozy flavor.
  • These optional ingredients are entirely up to you and they give you the freedom to experiment and make this banana bread uniquely yours!

Instructions
 

Mash the Bananas

  • Start by peeling the bananas and placing them in a large mixing bowl. With a fork or potato masher, mash the bananas until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps. Overripe bananas work best here because they’re naturally sweeter and easier to mash, giving your bread a soft, moist texture. No need to be exact—just ensure the bananas are thoroughly mashed.

Mix in the Egg

  • Crack the egg into a separate bowl and whisk it gently to break the yolk. Once it’s lightly beaten, pour the egg into the mashed bananas and stir until well combined. The egg adds moisture and richness to the bread, making it soft and tender.

Add the Self-Rising Flour

  • Now it’s time to add the self-rising flour. Gradually pour 1 cup of self-rising flour into the banana and egg mixture. Fold the ingredients together gently until just incorporated—avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf. The batter needs to be thick but still able to pour.

Prepare the Loaf Pan

  • Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the banana bread from sticking. You can also use parchment paper to line the pan, which makes removing the bread easier. This step ensures your banana bread will come out of the pan without any trouble.

Pour the Batter and Bake

  • Once combined, pour the batter evenly into the prepped pan. Smooth the top with a spatula if necessary. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the banana bread for about 40-45 minutes. Since ovens vary, begin testing the bread around 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick emerges clean, your banana bread is baked to perfection and ready to be enjoyed!

Cool and Enjoy

  • Allow the banana bread to sit in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently lift it out and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy! The bread will be slightly crisp on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Potassium: 300mg
  • Calcium: 20mg
  • Iron: 1mg
(Note: The nutrition info is an approximation based on typical ingredients and serving sizes. Adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts may alter the nutritional values.)
Keyword 3-ingredient banana bread, Easy banana bread, quick banana bread