Banana bread is a favorite treat for many. But did you know you can make a delicious and moist version with just four basic ingredients? This 4-ingredient banana bread recipe is perfect for anyone who loves baking but doesn’t want to deal with too many ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is not only fast and simple, but it’s also very flexible. You can whip this up in under an hour using just a few basic pantry staples. Despite using just four ingredients, the result is still soft and moist, like classic banana bread. Plus, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this easy banana bread, you only need the following four ingredients:
Bananas: 3 large ripe bananas
Flour: 1 ½ cups of self-rising flour (If you don’t have self-rising flour, just add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt to regular flour.)
Eggs: 2 large eggs
Sugar: ½ cup of granulated sugar (You can adjust the amount to make it more or less sweet.)
These four ingredients combine to create a tasty loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
How to Make Easy 4 Ingredient Banana Bread
Heat and Ready: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Next, grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper so the bread doesn’t stick.
Mash the Bananas: Remove the peels from the ripe bananas and place them into a large mixing bowl. Mash them with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, with just a few small lumps.
Mix the Ingredients: Add the eggs and sugar to the mashed bananas. Stir until combined. Next, gently fold in the self-rising flour, stirring just until the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread heavy.
Bake the Banana Bread: Pour the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Evenly spread the mixture, then transfer it to the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: When the bread is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a cooling rack to let it cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice and serve.
Slice and Serve: Transfer the omelette roll to a cutting board. Slice it into rounds, and serve warm.
Optional Add-Ins
This 4-ingredient banana bread is delicious as-is, but you can easily change it up with a few extra ingredients. Here are some ideas:
- Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter loaf.
- Add-Ins: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans to give it a nice crunch.
- Cinnamon Boost: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to enhance the flavor.
- Dried fruit: Stir in some dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
Looking for more substitutions? Check out these Easy ingredients for chocolate banana bread for Baking to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Tips for the Best 4 Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and softer your bread will be. Bananas with brown spots work best.
- Don’t overmix: After adding the flour, stir just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can make your bread tough.
- Check doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread after 40 minutes. Your banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Final Thoughts
In short, this easy 4-ingredient banana bread is perfect when you need a simple, homemade treat. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can bake a moist, tasty loaf that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Next time you have some ripe bananas, don’t throw them out! Try this quick recipe, and enjoy a delicious slice of banana bread for breakfast or as a snack.
