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
Scale
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
