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Wholesome One-Bowl Banana Bread: Easy & Perfect Every Time

wholesome one-bowl banana bread - featured image

This wholesome one-bowl banana bread is simple, forgiving, and always delivers. It’s the perfect last-minute treat for potlucks, breakfasts, or lazy Sunday mornings, with a moist texture and deep banana flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
  • ⅓ cup neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
  • ½ cup maple syrup or honey
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.
  3. Add the oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Let the banana mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve and flavors to meld.
  5. Sprinkle the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon over the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. If using, fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut gently.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For best flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. Letting the banana mixture rest for 5 minutes before adding dry ingredients enhances the flavor. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough bread. Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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