Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm slice of banana bread fresh from the oven. This 3-ingredient banana bread recipe is a delightful twist on the classic, making it perfect for those moments when you want to bake something simple yet scrumptious. With just ripe bananas, self-rising flour, and sugar, you’ll create a loaf that’s moist, sweet, and bursting with rich banana flavor. So, let’s dive in and enjoy this effortlessly delicious treat!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 cup of self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup of sugar
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and take a moment to grease a loaf pan. This will ensure your banana bread slides out easily once it’s perfect and golden.
- In a mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth and creamy. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
- Add in the self-rising flour and sugar to the mashed bananas. Gently mix until everything is just combined—remember, don’t overmix! You want that batter to have a few lumps for that lovely texture.
- Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. It’s okay if it’s not perfect; rustic is the name of the game.
- Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, leaving you with that inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen.
- Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting might be the hardest part!
Notes or Tips
- For an extra touch, consider adding vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter.
- If you have nuts or chocolate chips on hand, feel free to throw in a handful for added texture and richness.
- This banana bread can also be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully—just wrap it tightly!
Cooking Techniques
Mashing the bananas is key to a smooth and moist loaf. Make sure your bananas are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots, as this will increase the sweetness and overall flavor. Self-rising flour is a simple way to avoid the hassle of measuring out leavening agents, making this recipe perfect for a quick bake.
FAQ
- Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour? Yes! If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can mix all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for the equivalent.
- What can I substitute for sugar? You can replace sugar with honey or maple syrup, but you may need to adjust the wet ingredients to maintain the proper batter consistency.
- Is it necessary to let the bread cool? While you could slice into it right away, allowing it to cool enhances the flavor and makes it easier to slice. Plus, the texture improves as it sits!
Conclusion
This delightful 3-ingredient banana bread is the perfect way to make use of those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Whether you enjoy it as a sweet breakfast treat, a satisfying snack, or a dessert, each bite offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and a hearty texture. So gather your ingredients, give it a try, and savor the delightful aroma and taste of homemade banana bread. Happy baking!