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    Home » Vegan

    Healthy 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

    Published: Mar 12, 2023 by Samantha Ensinger · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This healthy 4-ingredient banana bread recipe is quick and easy to make using self-rising flour to create a deliciously soft and fluffy texture. Without cake mix or baking soda, this is a simple, fuss-free recipe that's vegan-friendly and refined sugar-free!

    A loaf of 4-ingredient banana bread on a cutting board with parchment paper. The loaf is sliced in multiple pieces, showing the soft fluffy inside.

    Don't let those overripe bananas go to waste! This recipe is a great way to use them up and enjoy a delicious treat at the same time. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. The delicious taste makes it hard to believe this recipe only has four ingredients!

    If you love quick and easy recipes like me, then you have to try this vegan pumpkin banana bread - it's another delicious way to use up those ripe bananas! Or if you're in the mood for something else, check out this blackberry lemon bread that's bursting with citrus flavor.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert Baking Tips
    • Optional Mix-Ins
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storing & Freezing
    • More Healthy Banana Recipes
    • Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Healthy - This banana bread uses natural, simple ingredients and contains no refined sugar or dairy, making it a healthy and vegan-friendly option that's also great for kids and toddlers.
    • Four ingredients - With only 4 ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy and saves you time and effort in the kitchen, not to mention money on other ingredients!
    • Moist and fluffy - Self-rising flour makes this bread super tender, moist, and fluffy.
    • Without cake mix - Unlike other recipes that rely on cake mix, this banana bread is homemade without cake mix and contains no added sugar.

    Ingredients

    Chances are, you already have all the ingredients to make this recipe! Here are some helpful notes on the ingredients and substitutions you can make if needed:

    All ingredient to make the banana bread prepared in small dishes on a marble surface.
    • Bananas - Choose slightly browned and spotted, overripe bananas for the perfect sweetness and delicious banana flavor.
    • Maple Syrup - Use 100% pure maple syrup, or swap in honey as an alternative sweetener. Both work well.
    • Coconut Oil - Melted coconut oil adds moisture and richness to the bread. You can substitute with melted butter or vegetable oil for similar results.
    • Self-Rising Flour - Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, which gives the banana bread its fluffy rise. You may use all-purpose flour instead if you add 3 tablespoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Making this banana bread is a breeze. It only takes 5 minutes to whip up the batter in one mixing bowl! Here are step-by-step instructions for how to make banana bread with four ingredients:

    A large mixing bowl with mashed banana, shown from above.

    STEP 1: Start by peeling the bananas and adding them to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash them until they are creamy and almost liquefied. It's okay to have some small lumps throughout.

    The mixture of ingredients after the maple syrup and coconut oil has been incorporated.

    STEP 2: Then, use a whisk or fork to mix the melted coconut oil and maple syrup with the mashed banana until everything is fully combined. This may take 1-2 minutes to fully incorporate the oil.

    Flour added to the mixing bowl with the banana bread batter, shown from above on a marble counter.

    STEP 3: Add the flour to the bowl and gently stir to incorporate it with the wet ingredients, being very careful not to over-mix. It's okay if some small flour specks remain.

    A loaf pan lined with parchment paper and filled with batter before baking.

    STEP 4: Then, transfer the banana bread batter to a 9x5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper. For best results, spray the pan and parchment with non-stick cooking spray before adding the batter.

    Smoothing the batter into the loaf pan evenly with a rubber spatula.

    STEP 5: If necessary, use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly throughout the pan. Gently wiggle the loaf pan to encourage the batter to spread evenly into the edges.

    A baked loaf of banana bread shown from above with a golden top and done edges.

    STEP 6: Bake the banana bread at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and the edges should be firm and set.

    STEP 7: Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before lifting it out by the edges of the parchment paper. Slice and enjoy with a spread of butter, fresh jam or berries, or simply enjoy as is!

    An overhead photo of multiple soft and fluffy slices of 4-ingredient banana bread on a cutting board.

    Expert Baking Tips

    • Line the pan with parchment - To easily remove banana bread from the pan, line it with parchment paper hanging over the sides and spray it with non-stick spray. This allows you to easily lift the bread out of the pan when it is ready.
    • Properly measure flour - To ensure your bread turns out fluffy and moist, it's important to spoon and level the flour when measuring it. Avoid sticking the measuring cup directly into the flour, as this can pack it down, resulting in over-measuring the flour and causing the loaf to dry out.
    • Use overripe bananas - For the best-tasting banana bread, go for bananas that are slightly brown and have some spots on them. These are the ones that are perfectly sweet and will give your bread that delicious banana flavor we all love.
    • Don't over-mix the batter - Mix the flour into the batter until just combined, being careful not to overdo it. It's okay if there are a few small specks of flour in the batter. Over-mixing can result in dense and tough bread, which we want to avoid!
    • Check for doneness - With its pale color, it can be tricky to know when the banana bread is done. Insert a toothpick in the middle of the bread to check for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter or a lot of moist crumbs, bake for another 5 minutes and check again. If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done! Let it cool in the pan for 30 minutes before slicing.
    Close-up of slices of the bread, showing the texture of a moist and fluffy crumb.

    Optional Mix-Ins

    While this banana bread tastes amazing as is, you can take it to the next level by adding some of your favorite mix-ins. Here are some of my favorite additions that pair deliciously with the banana flavor!

    • Chopped Nuts - Mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans adds a nice crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the recipe.
    • Dried Fruit - Adding dried cranberries, raisins, dates, or apricots enhances the natural sweetness of the bread.
    • Nut Butter - Satisfy your cravings by adding a few tablespoons of peanut butter or almond butter to the batter. This goes perfectly with banana flavor!
    • Chocolate Chips - Make this a chocolate banana bread by adding your favorite chocolate chips. Both dark chocolate and milk chocolate taste delicious!
    • Cinnamon - A dash of cinnamon adds a warm and cozy flavor.
    • Vanilla Extract - A teaspoon or two of vanilla extract is an easy way to enhance the delicious sweetness of the bread and bring out the core flavors.

    Save this healthy banana blueberry muffin recipe so you have something to make with your next batch of bananas that ripen too quickly!

    A loaf of banana bread sliced on a cutting board.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is banana bread considered healthy?

    Yes! This 4-ingredient banana bread is considered healthy because it uses simple, whole-food ingredients without any refined sugar, animal products, or artificial additives. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread recipes, which can be high in sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy fats.

    Why do bananas have to be over-ripe for banana bread?

    Overripe bananas have the strongest banana flavor, which is perfect for banana bread. The softness of overripe bananas makes them easier to mash, and their natural sweetness and moisture add flavor and texture to the bread, so you don't have to add as much sugar or liquid to the recipe.

    Can you use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

    Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour in banana bread, but you will need to add baking powder and salt to the recipe. Self-rising flour contains these ingredients already, so if you use 2 cups of all-purpose flour, you will need to add 3 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt.

    What can I use if I don't have ripe bananas?

    If you don't have ripe bananas, you can use 2 cups of thick applesauce as a substitute, but keep in mind that using applesauce will result in a different flavor and texture compared to using ripe bananas and may need to bake longer.

    What happens if you don't use baking soda in banana bread?

    Baking soda is commonly used in banana bread to help it rise and create a light and fluffy texture. However, banana bread can be made without baking soda by using self-rising flour. This is because self-rising flour already contains a leavening agent, making it unnecessary to use baking soda.

    Two slices of bread on a white plate next to a loaf of banana bread.

    Storing & Freezing

    To keep leftover banana bread fresh, allow it to cool completely before placing the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the bread moist for up to 3-5 days. Feel free to reheat a slice in the microwave to enjoy it warm.

    Got too much banana bread to eat in one week? No worries! To freeze it, wrap the slices of bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then keep it in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Your banana bread can stay frozen for up to three months. Remember to let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying it again.

    More Healthy Banana Recipes

    • healthy banana oatmeal cookies on parchment paper with chocolate chips.
      Easy 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
    • vegan pumpkin bread sitting on a gray tray with walnuts on top of the bread.
      Vegan Pumpkin Banana Bread
    • two jars of vegan banana cinnamon overnight oats on a silver tray, with fresh bananas on top.
      Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats (Vegan)
    • Almond Flour Banana Muffins

    Did you make this healthy 4-ingredient banana bread with self-rising flour? Please leave a star rating and review to support my blog and help other readers who may want to try the recipe. Don't forget to tag me if you post a photo of your bread on Instagram, I would love to share it! Remember to keep up-to-date with the latest recipes by joining my email list and following me on Pinterest. Happy baking!

    Recipe

    Multiple slices of 4-ingredient banana bread on parchment paper next to the larger loaf.

    Healthy 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

    Samantha Ensinger
    If you're looking for a healthy and easy banana bread recipe, then give this 4-ingredient banana bread a try. It uses self-rising flour to create a soft and fluffy texture that's absolutely delicious. The best part? It's made without cake mix and without baking soda, so it's a fuss-free option that you can easily whip up and enjoy!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Total Time 55 mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9 slices
    Calories 228 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
    • 1 9x5 Loaf Pan
    • Parchment Paper

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 large bananas, mashed (ripe and spotty)
    • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey*
    • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
    • 2 cups self-rising flour spooned and leveled**

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the edges of the pan. Coat the parchment with non-stick cooking spray, then set aside.
    • Peel the bananas and use a fork to mash them in a large mixing bowl until creamy and almost liquified. Small lumps are expected and okay.
      4 large bananas, mashed
    • Add the maple syrup and melted coconut oil. Mix the ingredients with a whisk or fork until the oil and syrup are fully incorporated with the mashed banana.
      ⅓ cup pure maple syrup, ¼ cup melted coconut oil
    • Add the self-rising flour and stir gently until just combined with the batter. Be very careful not to over-mix or the bread will become dense.
      2 cups self-rising flour
    • Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan as necessary.
    • Bake the banana bread for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the toothpick comes out wet with batter or with a lot of moist crumbs, bake for 3-5 more minutes and check again. The top should be lightly golden and the edges should look firm and set.
    • Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Then, lift the bread out of the pan by the edges of the parchment paper. Slice and enjoy!

    Notes

    Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. To freeze, store the slices in an airtight container with parchment paper between each slice. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw at room temperature before enjoying it again.
    *Honey: You can replace the maple syrup with honey if you prefer.
    **Measuring Flour: Use a spoon to sprinkle flour into the measuring cup and level the top with the straight edge of a knife. Or, measure the flour with a baking scale. It is very important not to pack flour into the cup or over-measure the flour. This will make the banana bread dry and dense.
    Flour Alternative: If you don't have self-rising flour, you can use 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.
    Optional Additions: This recipe is so easy to make with four ingredients, but that doesn't mean you can't add your own twist. Mix in a dash of cinnamon, vanilla extract, chopped walnuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, or nut butter to add extra flavor.
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    Comments

    1. Autumn says

      March 12, 2023 at 9:50 pm

      5 stars
      YUM!! This quick bread is so delicious! I always have some leftover bananas that get too ripe before I can eat them and I hate throwing them out. I'm always looking for easy recipes to use bananas and this one is definitely EASY! Thank you for the no-mess, quick, and VERY delicious banana bread! I will for sure be making it again and will add some chocolate chips next time.

      Reply
      • Samantha Ensinger says

        March 12, 2023 at 9:52 pm

        Hi Autumn,
        Thank you for the rating and review! I can totally relate to having ripe bananas more often than not. I am so glad I could share this easy banana bread recipe with you. Thank you for making it! I am thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. Chocolate chips are the perfect addition for next time!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Samantha! I created Savor The Spoonful during my sophomore year of college with the goal of sharing dietary-friendly recipes that are truly delicious. I'm passionate about inspiring others to live a life without food rules and dieting. That means enjoying desserts like these, and having fun while doing so. Learn more about me.

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