4-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe
Introduction
This 4-Ingredient Banana Bread is a simple, wholesome treat that comes together quickly with minimal effort. Made with ripe bananas and natural sweeteners, it’s perfect for an easy breakfast or snack that everyone will love.

Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups mashed banana (about 4 large ripe bananas, peeled and mashed)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (or any liquid sweetener like agave or coconut nectar)
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or canola oil or light olive oil)
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips (or chopped walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly oil the paper and pan with coconut oil. Set aside.
- Step 2: Peel and mash the bananas with a fork on a flat surface, then measure 1 3/4 cups for the batter.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil until well mixed.
- Step 4: Stir in the self-rising flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and chocolate chips or walnuts gently, just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake on the center rack for 50 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 6: Lift the parchment paper to remove the bread and transfer it onto a cooling rack.
- Step 7: Let the bread cool for about an hour before slicing to set its texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest flavor and moistest bread.
- Switch out chocolate chips for chopped nuts or dried fruit for different textures.
- If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of dairy-free yogurt or applesauce to the batter.
Storage
Store the banana bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Thaw at room temperature the day before serving. Warm slices in a toaster or microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to substitute for self-rising flour.
How ripe should the bananas be for banana bread?
Choose bananas that are very ripe, with lots of brown spots on the skin. They are sweeter and mash more easily, which improves the flavor and texture of the bread.
Print
4-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 4-Ingredient Banana Bread recipe is a simple and wholesome treat made with ripe bananas, natural sweetener, coconut oil, and self-rising flour. Enhanced with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, and optional dairy-free chocolate chips or walnuts, this moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s a great way to use up ripe bananas while enjoying a naturally sweetened, comforting bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup Mashed Banana (about 4 large ripe bananas, peeled and mashed)
- 1/3 cup Maple Syrup (or any liquid sweetener like agave or coconut nectar)
- 1/3 cup Melted Coconut Oil (or canola oil or light olive oil)
- 2 cup Self-Rising Flour
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips (or chopped walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, then lightly oil both the paper and pan with coconut oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mash the bananas: Peel the bananas and mash them thoroughly using a fork on a flat surface until smooth. Measure exactly 1 3/4 cups for the recipe.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the mashed bananas with the maple syrup and melted coconut oil until the mixture is well blended.
- Add dry and optional ingredients: Gently stir in the self-rising flour along with the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and dairy-free chocolate chips or walnuts if using. Mix just until everything is incorporated, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan on the center oven rack and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and remove from pan: Once baked, lift the banana bread out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper and place it onto a cooling rack.
- Rest before slicing: Allow the bread to cool for about 1 hour before slicing to ensure clean cuts and best texture.
- Store properly: Keep the banana bread in an airtight container. It will last for 4 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen. If frozen, thaw at room temperature the day before serving.
Notes
- Self-rising flour already contains leavening; do not add baking powder or baking soda.
- You can substitute maple syrup with other liquid sweeteners such as agave or coconut nectar.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and use chocolate chips or omit both.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense banana bread.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, grease the pan thoroughly.
- For best results, use ripe bananas that have brown spots for maximum sweetness.
- Store leftover bread in the fridge to extend freshness, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread, 4-ingredient banana bread, healthy banana bread, easy banana bread, dairy-free banana bread, maple syrup banana bread, vegan banana bread

