4-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe: Quick and Delicious

by

Banana bread is a classic recipe loved for its simplicity and comforting flavor. It’s the perfect way to use ripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter. In this article, we’ll share a step-by-step recipe, tips to make it better, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Ingredients for 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

  • 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1/2 cup melted butter (unsalted)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Optional add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for extra flavor)
4-Ingredient Banana Bread

Steps to Prepare your 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter and sugar to the mashed bananas. Stir until combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Optional Add-ins: If using nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon, fold them into the batter at this stage.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Cook Time: Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted in the center.
  8. Cool Down: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

  • Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
  • Don’t overmix: Overmixing leads to dense bread. Stir until just combined.
  • Experiment: Add shredded coconut, dried fruits, or a swirl of peanut butter for variation.
  • Storage: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen bananas? Yes. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

2. Can I replace sugar with honey or maple syrup? Yes. Use an equal amount, but the texture may vary slightly.

3. How do I make banana bread vegan? Replace the butter with coconut oil and the sugar with a plant-based sweetener.

4. Why is my banana bread dry? Dry bread usually means too much flour or overbaking. Measure ingredients accurately and check baking time.

5. Can I add yogurt to the recipe? Yes. Adding 1/4 cup of plain yogurt makes the bread moist.

Banana bread is an easy and satisfying treat that you can customize to suit your preferences. Try this recipe and share your experience in the comments!

Leave a Comment