Banana bread has long been a beloved classic, cherished for its comforting, sweet aroma and soft, moist texture. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, offering a delightful way to use up overripe bananas. What makes it even better is the simplicity of the process, especially with our 1 Banana Bread Recipe. This recipe not only delivers delicious results but also ensures that you don’t need a bunch of bananas to create the perfect loaf. By using just one ripe banana, you can whip up a small batch of banana bread without wasting any ingredients. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe lets you enjoy a homemade, flavorful banana bread with minimal effort and maximum taste.
1 Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients for 1 Banana Bread Recipe
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect loaf of banana bread with just one ripe banana:
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1 ripe banana
- The star of the show! A ripe banana adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. The more overripe the banana, the better the flavor. Make sure to mash it well for an even consistency.
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1 cup all-purpose flour
- This forms the base of your bread. You can use whole wheat flour if you want a slightly denser, heartier texture, but all-purpose flour gives the best result for soft, light bread.
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1/3 cup sugar
- Granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the moist texture. You can substitute this with brown sugar for a richer flavor or use a sugar substitute if preferred.
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1/4 cup melted butter
- Butter provides flavor and moisture. For a lighter option, you can swap this for vegetable oil or coconut oil.
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1 large egg
- The egg helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness. For a vegan version, you can use a flax egg or another egg substitute.
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1 teaspoon baking soda
- This leavening agent helps the banana bread rise, giving it a soft and fluffy texture. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for best results.
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1/4 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For a subtle, aromatic depth of flavor, vanilla extract complements the banana’s natural sweetness.
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Optional add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit – Add-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or raisins can elevate the flavor and texture of your banana bread. Feel free to experiment with your favorite mix-ins!
These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully moist, flavorful loaf. The recipe is simple and uses items that are typically found in most kitchens, making it perfect for a quick, homemade treat.
Directions for 1 Banana Bread Recipe
Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create a delicious loaf of banana bread with just one ripe banana:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread bakes evenly.
- Grease a small loaf pan (approximately 8×4 inches) with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread after baking.
Step 2: Mash the banana and mix the wet ingredients
- Peel the ripe banana and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the banana until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for added texture if you like.
- Add the melted butter to the mashed banana and stir to combine.
- Crack the egg into the bowl and whisk it in until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly throughout the flour, ensuring the banana bread rises properly.
Step 4: Mix wet and dry ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, and there are no dry spots left.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the pan and bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. After about 50 minutes, check the bread by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your banana bread is ready. If not, continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and serve
- Once the banana bread is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove.
- After 10 minutes, carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Let the bread cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and serve! Enjoy it on its own, with butter, or a drizzle of honey. You can also pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
Optional Step: Add any toppings or variations
- If you’ve added chocolate chips or nuts, feel free to sprinkle some on top of the batter before baking for a more textured finish. You can also spread a little butter or nut butter on the warm slices for an extra layer of flavor.
Enjoy your homemade banana bread! It’s the perfect combination of sweet, moist, and comforting, making it an ideal snack or dessert.
1 Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls Two medium-sized bowls: one for mixing wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons To measure flour, sugar, butter, and other ingredients accurately.
- Fork or Potato Masher To mash the ripe banana.
- Whisk or Spoon For mixing the wet and dry ingredients together.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a small loaf pan.
- Mash 1 ripe banana and mix with melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: The riper your banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Overripe bananas, with lots of brown spots or even blackened skin, are ideal.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense, heavy bread.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your bread around 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is done.
- Add-Ins: If adding ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, fold them gently into the batter. You can sprinkle some on top before baking for extra texture.
- Cooling Time: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it. Let it cool completely on a wire rack to prevent it from being too mushy or falling apart when sliced.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
- Pan Size: If using a different-sized loaf pan, the baking time may need adjusting. A larger pan will bake the bread faster, while a smaller one may take a bit longer. Keep an eye on it!
Tips for Perfect 1 Banana Bread Recipe
To ensure your banana bread turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly baked, here are some helpful tips to follow:
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Use a Very Ripe Banana
- The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully brown skin. Overripe bananas are not only easier to mash but also provide the best natural sweetness.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough banana bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
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Measure Flour Correctly
- To avoid dense bread, make sure you measure your flour correctly. The best method is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. This prevents you from packing too much flour into the cup.
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Check for Doneness with a Toothpick
- Start checking your bread around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
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Add-Ins and Toppings
- Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients like chocolate chips, walnuts, or raisins for added texture and flavor. If you’re using delicate ingredients like berries, gently fold them into the batter to avoid crushing them.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some sugar or cinnamon on top of the batter before baking. This creates a sweet, crunchy crust on top of the bread.
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Let the Bread Cool Before Slicing
- After removing the banana bread from the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This ensures the bread sets properly and slices cleanly.
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Storage Tips
- Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices of banana bread and thaw them as needed.
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Experiment with Flavors
- While the base of this recipe is simple, you can easily customize it. Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm flavor. For a richer texture, substitute some of the butter with sour cream or yogurt.
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Test for Gluten-Free Option
- If you need a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, which helps the bread hold its structure. Make sure to check that your baking soda is also gluten-free.
With these tips, you’ll be able to bake a delicious loaf of banana bread every time! Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with others, it’s sure to be a hit.
Conclusion
The “1 Banana Bread Recipe” is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. With just one ripe banana, a few basic ingredients, and minimal prep, you can create a moist, sweet loaf that’s ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The ease of this recipe makes it perfect for anyone, whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one looking for a quick, delicious treat. Each slice is packed with banana goodness, and the result is a comforting, homemade classic that everyone will love.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations! Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor and give the banana bread your personal touch. Whether you like it simple or loaded with goodies, this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate all kinds of delicious twists.
For the ultimate serving experience, try enjoying a slice of banana bread warm with a pat of butter, or serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s also a fantastic snack for guests, and leftovers (if there are any!) can be enjoyed as a sweet treat any time of day. Enjoy baking, and most importantly, enjoy eating your homemade banana bread!
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!