If you’re craving a comforting, moist, and delightfully flavorful treat, this One-Bowl Banana Bread from Scratch Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s incredibly simple yet delivers richly buttery notes paired with naturally sweet bananas, all baked to golden perfection without unnecessary fuss. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a cozy dessert, this recipe combines the best of ease and taste, requiring minimal cleanup and maximum happiness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each plays a crucial role in bringing this banana bread to life. From the ripe bananas that provide natural sweetness and moisture to the all-purpose flour that gives structure, every element ensures your bread emerges soft, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
- 3 very ripe bananas mashed: Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and a tender crumb to your bread.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted: Adds rich flavor and a moist texture; melting it helps with easy mixing.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread while helping to create a lovely golden crust.
- 1 large egg room temperature: Binds ingredients and helps with the bread’s tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the banana’s natural flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the bread, helping it rise to a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for the perfect sliceable loaf.
How to Make One-Bowl Banana Bread from Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your banana bread won’t stick and will develop that beautiful crust we all love once baked.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash your very ripe bananas until mostly smooth. This step is so satisfying and effortless, turning your bananas into the luscious base that will carry the whole bread’s flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until combined. Then mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, blending everything together until you have a smooth, enticing batter that smells amazing already.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt evenly over the wet mixture, stirring gently to incorporate. Finally, fold in the flour carefully until just combined. This gentle mixing keeps your bread tender and prevents it from becoming tough or dense.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely—this step is key for perfect slicing.
How to Serve One-Bowl Banana Bread from Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of softened butter or cream cheese complements this banana bread beautifully, bringing out the subtle vanilla and banana flavors. For an indulgent touch, drizzle a bit of honey or sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea in the morning. For a wholesome brunch, serve it alongside fresh berries or a yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness with fruity freshness and creamy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your banana bread into an inspiring dessert by layering slices with ice cream and caramel sauce? Or, use slices to make delicious banana bread French toast for a weekend brunch that will WOW your family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil to maintain moisture and place it at room temperature for up to three days. This helps the bread stay soft and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the banana bread first, then freeze individual slices in airtight containers or freezer bags. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes, with no waste.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds to refresh those warm, comforting flavors. Adding a little butter before warming makes the experience even more delectable.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the One-Bowl Banana Bread from Scratch Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips is a delightful way to add texture and extra flavor. Just fold them in with the flour to ensure even distribution.
What if I only have brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
You can substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor that complements the bananas perfectly without compromising texture.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even mostly brown skin. They’ll be sweeter and softer, which is perfect for a naturally sweet and moist banana bread.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
While you can swap in whole wheat flour, it may make the bread denser. For best results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to keep a tender crumb.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and thawing later?
Yes, this banana bread freezes wonderfully. Just slice first and freeze individual pieces to thaw and enjoy a fresh-tasting slice anytime you want.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this One-Bowl Banana Bread from Scratch Recipe, I promise it will become your go-to comfort bake for any occasion. It’s easy, quick, and satisfies every craving for a moist, flavorful treat. So grab those ripe bananas and treat yourself to a homemade slice of happiness—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
One-Bowl Banana Bread from Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf, about 10 slices
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One-Bowl Banana Bread from Scratch is a simple and delicious treat made with ripe bananas, melted butter, and a handful of basic pantry ingredients. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it comes together quickly with minimal cleanup and offers a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for slicing and sharing.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth, creating the base of the batter.
- Add Butter: Stir in the melted and slightly cooled butter until well combined with the mashed bananas.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl; mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt evenly over the mixture, stirring to incorporate them thoroughly.
- Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour and gently fold it into the wet mixture just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Transfer and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices.
Notes
- For added texture, you can mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips before baking.
- To enhance the flavor, substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer, caramel note.
