Ever found yourself with overripe bananas and no idea what to do with them? This 3 ingredient banana bread is the easiest, quickest, and most delicious way to use it! With just bananas, eggs, and self-rising flour, you can whip up a moist, fluffy loaf in no time.
No need for fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen this banana bread recipe is perfect for beginners, busy individuals, or anyone looking for a simple, homemade treat. Plus, you can customize it with your favourite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon for extra flavour!
Let’s dive into this super easy banana bread recipe that will become your go-to for a quick and satisfying baked treat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re still wondering why this 3 ingredient banana bread is a must-try, here’s why:
✅ Super Easy – Just three ingredients, one bowl, and minimal effort!
✅ Budget-Friendly – Uses ingredients you probably already have.
✅ Quick to Make – Only takes a few minutes to prep and about 30-40 minutes to bake.
✅ Healthy Option – No added sugar or butter, just natural sweetness from the bananas.
✅ Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to make it your own.
This is a no-fail recipe that even a total beginner can master!
Ingredients You Need
This recipe is as simple as it gets just three basic ingredients!
- 3 large ripe bananas – The more ripe the more delicious! Brown, spotty bananas are ideal.
- 2 large eggs – Help to bind everything and also add moisture.
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour – Contains baking powder, making the bread rise without extra ingredients.
Ingredient Substitutions & Add-ins
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing:
➡ 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour + 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder + ¼ teaspoon salt
Want to take it to the next level? Try adding:
✔ ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm flavour
✔ ¼ cup chocolate chips for a sweet treat
✔ ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch
✔ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra depth of flavour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our three simple ingredients ready let’s get started on making this easy three-ingredient banana bread!
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake.
- Grease and line a loaf pan (9×5 inches) with parchment paper, or lightly coat it with non-stick spray.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher. The bananas should be smooth with minimal lumps to ensure a soft texture.
💡 Pro Tip: If your bananas are slightly underripe, microwave them for 30 seconds to soften them!
Step 2: Mixing Everything
- Add the eggs to the mashed bananas and whisk them together until fully combined.
- Gradually add the self-rising flour, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk. Be careful not to overmix stir until there are no visible streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
💡 Optional Add-Ins: If you want to add chocolate chips, nuts, cinnamon, or vanilla, fold them in at this stage.
Step 3: Baking the Bread
- Pour the batter in your prepared loaf pan and spread it equally.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes mins or till a toothpick placed into the middle is clear.
- Cool the banana bread in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
💡 Pro Tip: If the top starts browning too quickly, lightly cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Baking Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
✔ Use extra-ripe bananas – The spottier, the sweeter!
✔ Don’t overmix – This keeps the bread light and fluffy.
✔ Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick in the centre; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
✔ Let it cool – This prevents crumbling when slicing.
Variations & Add-ins
One of the best things about these three ingredients in banana bread is how easy it is to customize! While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can add extra ingredients to make it even better. Here are some fun variations:
Sweet Add-ins
✔ Chocolate Chips – Stir in ¼ to ½ cup of chocolate chips for a rich, sweet flavour.
✔ Dried Fruits – Add ¼ cup of raisins or chopped dates for a natural sweetness boost.
✔ Coconut Flakes – A handful of shredded coconut adds a tropical twist.
Nutty & Crunchy Add-ins
✔ Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – Add ¼ to ½ cup for a nutty crunch.
✔ Almond Slices – Perfect for a subtle crunch without overpowering the banana flavour.
Spice & Flavor Boosters
✔ Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a warm, comforting taste.
✔ Vanilla Extract – A teaspoon of vanilla enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas.
✔ Peanut Butter or Almond Butter – Swirl in 1-2 tablespoons for a creamy, nutty flavour.
Healthy Variations
✔ Oats – Replace ¼ cup of flour with rolled oats for extra fibre.
✔ Greek Yogurt – Add two tablespoons to make the bread even moister.
✔ Protein Powder – Stir in 1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a protein boost.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
🍞 Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
❄ Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5-7 days in an airtight container.
How to Freeze
- Whole Loaf: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It can last three months or more in a freezer.
- Sliced Bread: Slice before freezing and place parchment paper between slices. This makes it easy to grab a single slice when needed.
Reheating Instructions
✔ Microwave: Heat a slice for 10-15 seconds for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste.
✔ Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Health Benefits of Banana Bread
Even though this three-ingredient banana bread is super simple, it still offers some great health benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients.
1. Packed with Nutrients from Bananas 🍌
- Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps maintain healthy heart function and muscle contractions.
- They provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
- Bananas contain fibre, which promotes digestion and gut health.
2. A Good Source of Protein and Healthy Fats 🥚
- Eggs provide high-quality protein, which supports muscle repair and overall health.
- They also contain essential vitamins like B12, riboflavin, and choline, which are great for brain function.
3. Low in Added Sugar & Artificial Ingredients 🍞
- Since bananas naturally sweeten this bread, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought banana bread that’s often loaded with refined sugar.
- With no preservatives or artificial additives, you know exactly what you’re eating!
💡 Want to make it even healthier? Try substituting part of the flour with whole wheat flour or oats for added fibre!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with just three ingredients, some easy mistakes can affect the outcome of your banana bread. Here’s what to watch out for:
❌ Using Under-Ripe Bananas
✔ The bananas should be very ripe and spotty. If they’re not soft enough, the bread won’t be sweet or moist.
❌ Overmixing the Batter
✔ Stir just until the ingredients are combined overmixing leads to dense, tough bread instead of light and fluffy!
❌ Baking at the Wrong Temperature
✔ Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Baking at too high a temperature can cause the outside to brown too quickly while the inside stays undercooked.
❌ Not Checking for Doneness
✔ Use the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick into the centre if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If you don’t, bake for a couple of minutes more.
❌ Skipping the Cooling Step
✔ Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Too soon cutting could cause it to fall to pieces!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this banana bread without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with:
✔ ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
✔ ½ mashed ripe banana (extra banana for binding)
✔ 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water (let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken)
2. What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
No problem! You can create your own by mixing:
✔ 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
✔ 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
✔ ¼ teaspoon salt
3. Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Why is my banana bread dense and not fluffy?
Dense banana bread usually happens when:
❌ The batter is overmixed (stir just until combined).
❌ The bananas were not ripe enough (use soft, overripe bananas).
❌ You didn’t use self-rising flour or a proper leavening agent.
5. How do I make this banana bread vegan?
To make it vegan, simply:
✔ Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg).
✔ Use plant-based self-rising flour (ensure no dairy ingredients).
6. Can I add sugar if I want it sweeter?
Yes! If you prefer a sweeter banana bread, add ¼ to ½ cup of sugar, honey, or maple syrup. However, the natural sweetness of ripe bananas is usually enough.
Conclusion
And there you have it a super simple, three-ingredient banana bread recipe that’s quick, delicious, and totally foolproof! Whether you’re making this for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up.
This recipe is perfect as-is, but you can always customize it with your favourite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to make it even better. Plus, it stores and freezes beautifully, so you can always have a slice on hand when cravings hit. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ripe bananas and start baking! 🍌🍞