Easy One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe – Moist & Perfect Every Time
Easy One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe – Moist & Perfect Every Time
Banana bread is the ultimate comfort food – warm, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. This easy one-bowl recipe transforms overripe bananas into the most moist, tender loaf you’ll ever taste. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Whether you’re craving a simple snack or want to impress guests, this banana bread delivers perfection in every slice.
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Bananas
Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth with just a few small chunks remaining. This creates texture and moisture throughout the bread.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then add the flour. Gently fold everything together until just combined – don’t overmix! If using walnuts, fold them in now.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas: The darker the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid a tough texture
- Test for doneness: The toothpick test is your best friend – a few moist crumbs are okay
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days
- Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this banana bread without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply omit the walnuts for a classic banana bread that everyone will love.
How ripe should my bananas be?
Look for bananas with lots of brown spots – they should be soft and very sweet. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can bake them at 300°F for 15-20 minutes to soften and sweeten them.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the walnuts for a delicious twist.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing is the most common cause. Mix gently and just until the flour disappears for the perfect texture.
Easy One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe – Moist & Perfect Every Time
Ingredients
Method
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth with just a few small chunks remaining. This creates texture and moisture throughout the bread.
- Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then add the flour. Gently fold everything together until just combined – don’t overmix! If using walnuts, fold them in now.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
