4 Ingredient Banana Bread

Name: 4 Ingredient Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk; 2 cups self-rising flour; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)

Freshly baked 4 Ingredient Banana Bread slice served with butter.

Posted OnApril 28, 2025
Sophia

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4 Ingredient Banana Bread: The Easiest Loaf You’ll Ever Bake! 🍌🍞🌟

1. Introduction

Who doesn’t love the comforting aroma and taste of freshly baked banana bread? The sweet, familiar scent wafting through the kitchen is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face. But what if you could achieve that deliciousness with just four simple ingredients? This easy banana bread recipe is a game-changer, perfect for those moments when you crave a sweet treat without the fuss. Our 4 ingredient banana bread is incredibly moist, flavorful, and unbelievably quick to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this simple banana bread recipe will become your go-to. It’s the perfect way to use up those overly ripe bananas sitting on your counter! Get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven with minimal effort. You might even find yourself comparing it to America’s favorite dessert – it’s that good! For another easy yet delicious treat, why not explore our recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Pizza?

2. Why This Recipe Works

Traditional banana bread recipes often call for a long list of ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, sugar, baking powder, salt, and more. This easy banana bread recipe simplifies everything dramatically. By using self-rising flour, we eliminate the need for baking powder and salt, streamlining the process and saving you valuable time. The mashed bananas provide natural sweetness and incredible moisture, resulting in a perfectly tender crumb that melts in your mouth. This recipe is so much easier than making no-knead bread.The condensed milk adds richness and depth of flavor that complements the banana perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. This simple banana bread is so quick, it’s ideal for any day of the week. The magic lies in the combination of these four key ingredients, making this 4 ingredient banana bread a delightful surprise in its simplicity. It’s proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe to create a truly memorable baked good. If you’re looking for another delicious and straightforward recipe, be sure to check out our collection of dessert recipes!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better!)
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor)

That’s it! You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. Ripe bananas are crucial for the best flavor and moisture. Make sure they are spotty and soft for optimum sweetness. They should practically fall apart in your hands! This easy banana bread recipe is designed to avoid complexity, focusing on delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. For a breakfast treat that’s just as simple to whip up, explore our breakfast recipes.

4. Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl (a large one to accommodate all the ingredients)
Loaf pan (standard size is perfect)
Measuring cups and spoons
Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas – a fork works just fine in a pinch!)
Oven

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to prevent sticking. You can also use baking spray with flour. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are okay, but aim for a consistent texture. The smoother the bananas, the more even the texture of your finished bread. This is the foundation of your simple banana bread. Think of it as laying the groundwork for a truly delicious experience. This is even quicker than figuring out what to make in 5 minutes!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract (if using) to the mashed bananas. Mix well until thoroughly combined, ensuring the condensed milk is evenly distributed. Gradually add the self-rising flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough loaf. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense and chewy texture – not what we want for our light and fluffy banana bread! The batter for this 4 ingredient banana bread should be thick but pourable.

Folding self-rising flour and mashed bananas for 4 Ingredient Banana Bread.

Step 3: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. This ensures consistent baking. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – ovens vary, so start checking around 50 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil. You’re on your way to a delicious loaf of quick banana bread! Baking is a science, but this recipe makes it feel like art.

Pouring banana bread batter into a loaf pan for baking 4 ingredient banana bread.

Step 4: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from sticking to the pan and allows it to cool evenly. Slice and serve. Enjoy this easy banana bread recipe warm or at room temperature. It’s fantastic on its own or with a pat of butter. It’s also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like our Strawberry Clafoutis!

Banana bread baking in the oven for 4 ingredient banana bread.

6. Tips and Tricks for the Best Banana Bread

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily spotted with brown or even completely brown.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined, ensuring there are no large lumps of flour remaining.
Grease and Flour the Pan: This ensures the bread releases easily from the pan. You can also use parchment paper to line the pan for extra insurance.
Toothpick Test: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for the best texture. Slicing warm bread can result in a gummy texture.

These tips will help you make the most delicious simple banana bread every time. If you’re still craving baked goods, consider making cowboy cookies

7. Variations and Add-Ins

Want to customize your 4 ingredient banana bread? Here are a few ideas to take your banana bread to the next level:

Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips would all be delicious.
Nuts: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor. Toasting the nuts before adding them can enhance their flavor even further.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a warm, spiced flavor. These spices complement the banana flavor beautifully.
Dried Fruit: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese swirl by mixing softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla extract, then swirling it into the batter before baking.

Feel free to experiment and create your own signature version of this quick banana bread! You can even check out this recipe on Allrecipes for inspo! Need other ideas? Check out lunch recipes

8. Serving Suggestions

This easy banana bread recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s delicious anytime!

Plain: Serve slices plain for a simple and satisfying snack. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
With Butter: Spread with butter for extra richness. Salted butter adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bread.
Toasted: Toast slices and serve with your favorite toppings, such as jam, honey, or nut butter.
With Cream Cheese: Spread with cream cheese for a decadent treat. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice touch.
As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for an even more indulgent experience.

Or, make it like the Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake.

9. Conclusion

This 4 ingredient banana bread recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lot of ingredients to create something truly delicious. Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting treat. This recipe is so quick and simple that you’ll want to make it again and again. Bake it as a gift for those you care about. Enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of this easy banana bread recipe, and share the joy with your loved ones! After, checkout some awesome dessert choices!