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Easy One-Bowl Banana Bread Recipe (No Mixer)

easy one-bowl banana bread - featured image

This easy one-bowl banana bread requires no mixer and minimal cleanup. It’s a forgiving, fast recipe that uses overripe bananas and simple pantry staples to create a moist, tender loaf with a crackly top—perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups or 340g)
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ cup (85g) chocolate chips (optional)
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Optionally, line with parchment paper.
  2. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.
  3. Add the melted butter and stir until combined and smooth.
  4. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir vigorously until well combined and slightly lighter in color.
  5. Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) over the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
  8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use overripe bananas (brown or black spots) for best sweetness and flavor. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture. Measure flour correctly by fluffing, spooning, and leveling, or use a kitchen scale (190g). Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture. The bread is even better on day two.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, easy banana bread, one bowl banana bread, no mixer banana bread, quick banana bread, moist banana bread