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4 Ingredient Banana Bread

4 Ingredient Banana Bread That’ll Save Your Sanity (and Use Up Those Spotted Bananas!)

This 4 ingredient banana bread is your new go-to solution for using up ripe bananas. It’s moist, simple, and packed with flavor—no fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just pantry basics, a bowl, and an hour in the oven. Perfect for busy moms, snack-happy kids, or anyone who needs a little banana-powered comfort.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 small ripe bananas, divided (about 4½ ounces each)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar (for topping)
  • 2 cups self-rising flour

Don’t have self-rising flour? Make your own by combining 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mash 4 of the bananas with a fork until smooth (a few lumps are totally fine).
  3. Add the eggs and ½ cup of dark brown sugar to the bowl. Whisk everything together until well blended.
  4. Fold in the self-rising flour gently. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated—no overmixing here.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  6. Slice the fifth banana lengthwise and place it on top of the batter. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the top.
  7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
  • Want muffins instead? Bake in a muffin tin for 18–22 minutes at 350°F.
  • For extra flavor, stir in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or a dash of cinnamon.
  • Store leftovers at room temp for 3 days or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 2.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 37mg

Keywords: 4 ingredient banana bread, easy banana bread, banana bread with brown sugar, banana bread no butter, pantry banana bread