If you’re looking for the easiest, most delicious banana bread, this One-Bowl Banana Bread is the perfect recipe! No mixer, no fancy steps—just a simple, moist, and flavorful banana bread that comes together in minutes.

It’s the perfect way to use up overripe bananas, and the best part? Less dishes to wash! This recipe is kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable (add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter!).
🛒 What You’ll Need
For the Banana Bread:

- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or ½ cup for less sweetness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, but recommended!)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
👩🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas – The riper, the better! Dark brown bananas make the sweetest, moistest bread.
- Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread soft and tender.
- Add a Banana on Top – For a bakery-style look, slice a banana in half and place it on top before baking.
- Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let It Cool – Let the bread cool before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free? Swap butter for melted coconut oil or vegetable oil.
- Gluten-Free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier Version? Reduce sugar to ½ cup and use whole wheat flour.
- Chocolate Lovers? Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
⏳ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Store at Room Temp – Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze for Later – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight or microwave for 20 seconds!
- Make Banana Muffins – Pour batter into muffin tins and bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F.
🍌 How to Make One-Bowl Banana Bread
1️⃣ Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.

2️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients
To the same bowl, add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.

3️⃣ Mix in Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon over the wet ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined.

4️⃣ Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
If using, fold in chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.

5️⃣ Pour Into Loaf Pan
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and pour the batter in, smoothing the top. If desired, place a sliced banana on top for decoration.

6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7️⃣ Cool & Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

🥡 Leftovers & Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Fridge: Keeps for a week—just warm before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 20 seconds.
🍽️ Time to Enjoy!
This One-Bowl Banana Bread is moist, easy, and packed with flavor! Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or with a drizzle of honey, it’s the perfect way to use up ripe bananas.
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! 🍌🍞✨
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