Easy 4-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe

 This 4-Ingredient Banana Bread recipe is a game-changer for simplicity! Using just ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and an egg (or a substitute), you can bake a surprisingly moist and delicious bread. Its versatility allows for endless customization with your favorite add-ins. This is truly an easy homemade treat!

• Keyword Focus: 4 Ingredient Banana Bread, Easy Banana Bread, Simple Banana Bread Recipe, Versatile Bread Recipe, Quick Banana Bread.

Recipe Details:

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Total Time: 55-70 minutes
• Yields: 1 loaf (9x5 inch pan)

Core Ingredients:

• 3 very ripe Bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 ½ cups Self-Rising Flour (if you don't have self-rising, see notes below for a substitute)
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1 large Egg (or a flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 min)

Optional Versatile Add-Ins (Get Creative!):

• Chocolate: ½ - 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, milk) or cocoa powder (add 2 tbsp cocoa + increase liquid by 2 tbsp milk/water)
• Nuts: ½ - 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds ¹  
  1. 4-Ingredient Banana Bread (easy & healthy) - Nourishing Niki

  

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• Spices: ½ - 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom
• Extracts: ½ - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, almond extract
• Dried Fruit: ½ cup raisins, chopped cranberries, chopped dates
• Coffee: 1-2 teaspoons instant coffee granules dissolved in a little warm water
• Citrus Zest: Zest of ½ lemon or orange
• Yogurt/Sour Cream: ¼ cup for extra moisture
• Oil/Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons for added richness

Equipment:

• 9x5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Fork or potato masher
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or spatula

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. Some lumps are okay.
3. Combine Core Ingredients: Add the sugar and egg (or flax egg) to the mashed bananas and whisk until well combined.
4. Add Flour: Gradually add the self-rising flour to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Incorporate Add-Ins (Optional): If using any optional add-ins, gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached. Baking time will vary depending on your oven and any added ingredients.
8. Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.