4-Ingredient Banana Bread (easy & healthy)

This 4 Ingredient Banana Bread is unbelievably delicious! It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, it’s delicious, soft, and fluffy despite only being made with four ingredients! It makes a perfect dessert, snack, or breakfast.

I like to (humbly) think of myself as the Queen of recreating classic recipes, but making them easier and healthier and I try to use as few ingredients and tools as possible. This 4 ingredient banana bread recipe is exactly that.

Sometimes all you need is a slice of warm banana bread (with butter and cheese), I swear it always puts a smile on my face. But I know that sometimes our kitchen is a bit bare and all we have are a few basic ingredients. So this recipe is the solution to that problem.

I don’t know about you, but I almost always have these four ingredients in my kitchen: bananas, eggs, sugar, and self-raising flour. So I’ve taken those four ingredients and created a delicious banana bread recipe. It’s a game-changer! No butter, no oil, no fancy ingredients – just simplicity and deliciousness.

I hope that whenever you have a few brown bananas in your kitchen, your brain comes to this recipe immediately and that you treat yourself to this very simple yet very delicious 4 ingredient banana bread.

Why you’ll love this 4 ingredient banana bread

• Well, you only need four ingredients: bananas, eggs, sugar, and self-raising flour.
• Contains no oil or butter, making it lower in fats.
• It’s soft, fluffy and delicious.
• It’s quick and easy to make – no special tools or techniques needed.
• It’s good for you! It’s made with coconut sugar, so no refined sugars.
• It’s a great snack, dessert or breakfast.
• It’s perfect for meal-prep.
• It’s good for your soul and your body.

Why This Banana Bread is Good for You

This 4 Ingredient Banana Bread isn’t just delicious; it’s also a healthier option compared to traditional recipes. Here’s why it’s good for you:

1. Naturally Sweetened with Coconut Sugar: Unlike refined sugars, coconut sugar retains some nutrients like iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. It also has a lower glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause sharp spikes in blood sugar levels, making it a more balanced choice for your sweet treats.
2. No Butter or Oil: This recipe is made without butter or oil, reducing its fat content while still delivering a moist and fluffy texture. It’s a lighter option for those looking to enjoy a slice without overindulging.
3. Rich in Nutrients from Bananas: Bananas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They’re also a great source of dietary fiber, supporting digestion and keeping you fuller for longer.
4. No Artificial Additives: This banana bread is free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and unnecessary additives. It’s a simple, wholesome treat you can feel good about eating.
5. Supports Meal Prep and Balanced Snacking: Perfect for meal prep, this banana bread is a convenient, nutrient-dense snack or breakfast option. Pair it with some nut butter or cheese for added protein and healthy fats, or enjoy it on its own as a quick energy boost.

Ingredients Needed

I’ve listed the ingredients below, to see the measurements and the full recipe, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page!

Bananas: Obviously, you will need bananas. The riper the bananas, the better, as they’re sweeter and more flavorful. You want them to be spotty, if not brown. If your bananas aren’t ripe, there’s an easy trick – simply place the bananas (peel on) on a plate, in the oven whilst pre-heating. This will caramelize the bananas and make them sweeter and juicier.

Eggs: To add structure, moisture, and protein to banana bread.

Sugar: I use Coconut Sugar to keep the banana bread refined sugar-free, but you can use white or brown sugar or a sugar replacement that has a 1:1 ratio to sugar.

Self-Raising Flour: Self-raising flour already contains leavening agents, so this saves on ingredients as you don’t need to add any baking powder or baking soda.

If you don’t have self-raising flour, make your own by combining all-purpose flour with leavening agents: for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend or gluten-free all-purpose flour with the same leavening adjustment.

Equipment Needed

• Digital Food Scale – for accurate measuring
• One Mixing Bowl
• Fork or Potato Masher – to mash the bananas
• 2lb Loaf Tin
• Baking Parchment Paper
• Sieve
• Whisk and Spatula

How to make 4 Ingredient Banana Bread

Here is a detailed summary of how to make this Banana Bread; I’ve also included some photos, and you can watch the recipe video here. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.

Step One:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven works its magic, line your loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure your banana bread doesn’t stick. Use a 2lb Loaf Tin if possible. If your loaf tin is smaller, you will need to bake it for longer, and if it’s bigger, you’ll need to bake it for less time. Keep an eye on it.

Whilst the oven is preheating, you can pop your bananas on a plate in the oven, this will make them even sweeter! 

Step Two:
In a large mixing bowl, lay your three ripe bananas. Using a fork, whisk, potato masher, or even your hands, mash the bananas until they become smooth and creamy. You can also mash your bananas on a plate, I find this easier.

Step Three:
Into the mashed bananas, add your eggs and sugar. Use a whisk to whisk until it’s as smooth as possible.

Step Four:
Sieve your flour into the wet ingredients then gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.

Step Five:
Transfer the banana bread batter to your parchment-lined baking tin. You can slice a banana down the middle and place this on top if you like.

Step Six:
Bake the banana bread for 45-50 minutes, check for doneness after 45 minutes, a skewer should come out with a few moist crumbs on.

Step Seven:
Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing.

Tips and Notes

• Choose the Right Bananas: The riper, the better! Spotty or brown bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, giving your banana bread a natural sweetness and moist texture. If your bananas aren’t ripe, pop them (in their peel) on a plate and into the oven while it preheats. This will soften them and enhance their sweetness.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you’ve added the flour, gently fold the ingredients together. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Line Your Tin Properly: Use parchment paper to line your loaf tin. This ensures the banana bread doesn’t stick and makes it easier to remove once baked.
• Adjust Baking Times for Different Tin Sizes: Using a tin smaller or larger than the recommended 2lb loaf tin? Keep an eye on the baking time! Smaller tins may need a bit longer, while larger tins might bake faster. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.
• Check for Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to test if the bread is baked. Insert it into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect. If it’s wet, bake for a little longer.
• Let It Cool Completely: Allow the banana bread to cool fully in the tin before slicing. This helps it set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
• Customize Your Toppings: For an extra touch, slice a banana in half lengthwise and lay it on top of the batter before baking. You can also sprinkle the top with coconut sugar for a caramelized crust.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy warm with butter, cream cheese, or even cheese for a savory twist. It’s also delicious on its own as a quick snack or breakfast.

Customization Ideas

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Add Texture with Mix-Ins: Fold in ½ cup of your favorite add-ins to the batter:

• Chocolate Chips: For a classic, indulgent twist.
• Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for natural sweetness.
• Coconut Flakes: Add a tropical vibe.

Spice It Up: Add 1 teaspoon of spices to the batter to enhance the flavor:

• Cinnamon for warmth.
• Nutmeg or ginger for a cozy, autumnal feel.
• Pumpkin Spice for a festive touch.

Top It Off: Dress up your banana bread with toppings before baking:

• Sliced Bananas: Place a halved banana on top for a beautiful presentation.
• Sprinkle of Sugar: Coconut sugar or demerara for a caramelized crust.
• Oats or Seeds: Sprinkle rolled oats, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds for texture and visual appeal.

Make It Dessert-WorthyAdd a drizzle or spread after baking:

• Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle melted chocolate over the loaf.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a light layer on top for extra indulgence.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A natural sweet glaze.

Boost the Nutrition: Mix in healthy additions for an extra nutrient punch:

• Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds: Add omega-3s and fiber.
• Protein Powder: Replace 2 tablespoons of the flour with protein powder for a post-workout snack.
• Grated Veggies: Add grated zucchini or carrot for moisture and nutrients (squeeze out the liquid before mixing in).

How to store 4 ingredient banana bread

Room Temperature: Store your banana bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature. Avoid storing it in the fridge at this stage, as refrigeration can dry it out.

Refrigeration: If you need it to last longer, you can refrigerate the banana bread. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it securely to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. It will stay fresh for up to a week. For the best texture, bring it to room temperature or lightly warm it before serving.

Freezing: Banana bread freezes beautifully for long-term storage. Slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to grab a single serving when needed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave a slice at room temperature for 1-2 hours or warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

more easy and healthy banana recipes:

• Gluten-free Banana Cake with Chocolate Frosting (made with oat flour)
• Healthy Banana Blackberry Muffins (made with just 5 ingredients)
• Healthy Carrot and Banana Muffins (only 5 ingredients!)
• 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Muffins (easy & healthy recipe)
• Easy and Healthy Oat Flour Banana Bread Recipe (made in one bowl!)
• Easy and Healthy Banoffee Cake

Hey! If you make this oat flour banana bread, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page!

Let me know in the comments below if you make this 4 Ingredient Banana Bread!