Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of fresh banana bread wafting through your kitchen. This delightful 3-ingredient banana bread is not only incredibly simple to make but also uses up those overripe bananas languishing on your countertop. With its tender crumb and natural sweetness, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While everything is warming up, take a moment to grease a loaf pan so your bread can slide right out once it’s baked to golden perfection.
- In a mixing bowl, take those ripe bananas and mash them up until you have a smooth, luscious puree. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
- Add the self-rising flour and sugar to the bowl with the mashed bananas. Mix everything together until just combined. You want to keep it simple—no need to overmix!
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Take a moment to admire your handiwork—it’s about to become something delicious!
- Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The aroma is going to be irresistible! You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can resist the temptation to slice into it right away!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to get creative! Add in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a flavor boost. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day.
Cooking Techniques
Mashing bananas is a breeze with a fork or a potato masher. Just be sure to mash them well so they incorporate smoothly into your batter. Also, using self-rising flour gives your bread a beautiful rise without the need for additional ingredients like baking powder or yeast, simplifying the process even more!
FAQ
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour? Yes, but you will need to add a teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt to mimic the properties of self-rising flour.
How can I store leftover banana bread? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just slice it first for easy thawing!
Conclusion
This 3-ingredient banana bread is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly scrumptious. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this banana bread is sure to become a staple in your home. Happy baking!