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Transform overripe bananas into the most perfectly moist, flavorful bread using just one bowl and basic pantry ingredients. This recipe proves that simplicity often creates the most delicious results, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. After perfecting this recipe through countless tests, it's become my go-to banana bread for both everyday treats and special occasions.
Last weekend, I served this at a brunch gathering, and everyone was amazed by how something so simple could taste so perfect. Sometimes the best recipes come from keeping things uncomplicated.
Essential Ingredients
- Very Ripe Bananas: The browner and spottier, the better
- Melted Butter: Creates rich, moist texture
- Room Temperature Eggs: For proper mixing
- All-Purpose Flour: Measured carefully for perfect texture
- Cinnamon: Adds warm, complementary flavor
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances banana flavor
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Banana Preparation:
- Start with very ripe bananas - they should be deep yellow with lots of brown spots. This ensures maximum sweetness and flavor. Mash thoroughly with a fork or potato masher in your mixing bowl.
- Wet Ingredient Integration:
- Add melted butter to mashed bananas, whisking until well combined. Then mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. The wet ingredients should be thoroughly blended but not overmixed.
- Dry Ingredient Addition:
- Fold in flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt using a spatula. Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour remains visible. Overmixing will create tough bread.
- Perfect Baking:
- Pour into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan and bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes. Test with a toothpick for doneness - it should come out clean.
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This recipe evolved from wanting to create the perfect banana bread with minimal cleanup. Sometimes the most practical needs lead to the best recipes.
Storage Strategy
Keep at room temperature in an airtight container or zip-lock bag for a couple of days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For freezing, slice first then store in freezer bags - this way you can thaw individual pieces as needed. Frozen slices stay fresh for 2-3 months.
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Customization Options
Make this basic recipe your own by adding:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Chocolate chips
- Dried fruits or berries
- Shredded zucchini (squeezed dry)
- Extra cinnamon or spices
Moisture Tips
The key to keeping this bread moist lies in using very ripe bananas and melted butter. After slicing, always store in an airtight container to prevent drying out. The natural moisture from the bananas helps keep it fresh for days.
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Final Thoughts
This One Bowl Banana Bread proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. Each slice delivers perfect texture and flavor while creating minimal dishes to wash. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe shows that great baking doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use overripe bananas?
- Overripe bananas are sweeter and provide more moisture and flavor to the bread.
- → Can I reduce the sugar?
- Yes, you can reduce sugar to ½ cup if using very ripe bananas.
- → How do I store this bread?
- Store in airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- → Can I make muffins instead?
- Yes, use the same batter in a muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- → Why do ingredients need to be room temperature?
- Room temperature ingredients blend better and create a more even texture.