What is a 4 ingredient banana bread recipe?

A 4 ingredient banana bread recipe is the most stripped-down version of banana bread you can make. It typically includes mashed bananas, eggs, flour, and sugar. This minimalist take is ideal when you're short on time or pantry items, but still want something sweet and satisfying. It’s a great way to introduce kids to baking or to put overripe bananas to good use. Many bakers, like Lisa, enjoy this as a go-to fallback when life gets busy.

What is the secret to the best banana bread?

The secret to the best banana bread is all in the details: very ripe bananas , gentle mixing, and the right balance of moisture and flavor. Let the bananas get nearly black on the outside they’ll deliver the richest taste. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf. Lisa always adds a pinch of cinnamon and uses a blend of butter and oil for the ideal texture in her easy banana bread recipe .

What is the number one mistake made when making banana bread?

The biggest mistake? Overmixing. When you stir your batter too much, the gluten in the flour becomes overdeveloped. This results in a dense, rubbery loaf instead of the light, moist texture banana bread is known for. Another common issue is using bananas that aren't ripe enough they just won’t deliver the same sweetness and softness.

What are the ingredients of making banana bread?

A classic banana bread recipe generally includes: Ripe bananas Eggs All-purpose flour Sugar Butter or oil Baking soda Salt Vanilla extract (optional) Some versions of an easy banana bread recipe keep it minimal with just four ingredients, while others add extras like chocolate chips or nuts. The beauty of banana bread is its flexibility it can be as simple or as loaded as you want.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe: Moist, Quick & Foolproof

Description

This easy banana bread recipe is moist, quick, and uses only 4 basic ingredients. Perfect for busy mornings, beginner bakers, or making the most of ripe bananas.

Ingredients

Scale

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, walnuts, cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas with a fork until smooth.
Add eggs, sugar, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best flavor. Add cinnamon or brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 10

Keywords: Egg, baking soda, ripe bananas, all purpose flour, white sugar