- Bananas: Bananas are naturally high in potassium, fiber, and vitamins like B6 and C. They add natural sweetness to the bread, which reduces the need for added sugars. Overripe bananas are ideal for banana bread because their sugars are more concentrated.
- Self-raising Flour: This is essentially flour with baking powder already mixed in. While it’s convenient, it’s also made from refined wheat, which lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains. For a healthier option, you can substitute with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend to increase the fiber and nutrients.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a high-calorie, high-sugar ingredient, which can make the banana bread quite sweet. While it provides moisture and sweetness, it’s not the healthiest option in terms of added sugars. For a healthier alternative, you could try unsweetened condensed milk, or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in smaller quantities.
- Cinnamon : Cinnamon adds flavor without adding any calories or unhealthy components. It’s also known for its potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Add-ins
- Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, pecans, or cashews add crunch and healthy fats.
- Seeds: Chia, flax, or pumpkin seeds for added fiber and nutrients.
- Dried Fruits: Raisins, cranberries, or dates bring sweetness and chewiness.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for a sweet indulgence.
Trust Me, You’ll Love It
You’ll love this 4-ingredient banana bread recipe for several reasons! First, it’s incredibly simple and quick to make, with no complicated steps or special ingredients required. You can whip up this delicious loaf even if you’re a beginner baker! The use of self-raising flour means no need for extra leavening agents, and the ripe bananas give the bread natural sweetness and moisture.
The best part? It’s made from scratch, so you get the homemade goodness without relying on any pre-mixed shortcuts. Plus, the banana chunks in the batter provide a wonderful texture, making each bite soft, moist, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert, this banana bread is perfect for any occasion. It’s simple, tasty, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
How To Make This 4 Ingredient Banana Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing your ingredients. Take five very ripe bananas, ideally with blackened skins and a very soft texture. Peel the bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them thoroughly with a fork until you achieve a smooth puree. Next, add a 400-gram can of sweetened condensed milk to the mashed bananas. If you like, you can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Then, incorporate 2 ½ cups of self-raising flour into the mixture. If you don’t have self-raising flour, substitute with 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour combined with 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it’s perfectly fine if it remains a bit lumpy. The presence of visible banana chunks will add a pleasant texture to your banana bread, making it more moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Loaf Pan and Add Batter
Lightly grease a standard-sized loaf pan with oil spray and line it with non-stick baking paper to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking. Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly so that it reaches all corners of the pan. Smooth the top to create an even surface, which will help the bread bake uniformly and achieve a nice, symmetrical shape.
Step 4: Bake the Banana Bread
Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Place the loaf pan with the batter into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center of the bread; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked. Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it sit in the pan on the counter for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the residual heat to finish the baking process, ensuring the bread remains dense and moist. After 30 minutes, transfer the banana bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
Quick & Moist 4 Ingredient Banana Bread: So Tender and Delicious
Description
This 4-Ingredient Banana Bread recipe is simple, quick, and irresistibly delicious. Made with just ripe bananas, sweetened condensed milk, self-raising flour, and cinnamon, it delivers a moist, naturally sweet loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With minimal prep and pantry ingredients, it's an ideal treat for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the bananas: Peel the bananas and place them in a large bowl. Mash them with a fork until you have a smooth purée, with a few chunks left, depending on your preference.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix the wet ingredients: Add the can of sweetened condensed milk to the mashed bananas. Stir well until fully combined.
Add the flour: Gradually add the self-raising flour to the banana and condensed milk mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until the flour is fully incorporated. You’ll have a thick, slightly sticky batter.
Add the cinnamon: Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the batter and mix again until evenly distributed. The cinnamon will add a lovely warm, spiced note to your bread.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly spread.
Bake: in the preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with a piece of foil to prevent burning.
Cool down: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Note
Tips:
- Ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Variation: You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
This banana bread is perfect for breakfast or a snack, with a moist texture and natural sweetness from the bananas and sweetened condensed milk. Enjoy!
