3-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe

The Easiest 3-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe Ever Made

Baking delightful banana bread with just three simple banana bread recipe ingredients sounds like a dream come true for busy home cooks.

Every kitchen should have a quick and effortless recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This straightforward method ensures you can whip up a delicious treat without complicated steps or hard-to-find components.

The magic happens when ripe bananas, a few pantry staples, and a touch of love come together in perfect harmony.

Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredient lists that make baking feel overwhelming.

You’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe can be, creating a moist and tender bread that fills your home with warmth and comfort.

Let’s turn those overripe bananas into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

3 Ingredient Banana Bread: Why It Works

  • This super simple banana bread recipe requires only three ingredients, making it perfect for novice bakers or anyone craving a quick homemade treat.
  • Utilize basic ingredients like ripe bananas, condensed milk, and self-rising flour that are likely already in your kitchen, eliminating last-minute grocery runs.
  • Enjoy a moist, sweet banana bread that delivers classic comfort food vibes with minimal effort, ideal for satisfying sudden sweet cravings or serving unexpected guests.
  • The straightforward recipe and delicious result make this banana bread a hit with children, who can even help mix ingredients under adult supervision.

Banana Bread Ingredient List—Short & Sweet

Main Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe, sweet bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
  • Condensed Milk: Creamy, sweetened milk adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Self-Rising Flour: Pre-mixed flour that contains leavening agents for a light and tender texture.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal of the bread from the pan.
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures the bread doesn't stick to the pan and adds a slight richness.
Optional Additions:
  • Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon: Can enhance the overall flavor profile of the banana bread.

Gear for Banana Bread Simplicity

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending wet ingredients thoroughly.
  • 7×4-inch loaf pan: Exact size for creating the perfect banana bread shape.
  • Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes removal easier.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Skewer or toothpick: Helps check bread's doneness by testing center.
  • Sifter: Helps break up flour lumps for a lighter texture.
  • Spatula: Great for gently folding ingredients and scraping batter into pan.

How to Make Easy 3 Ingredient Banana Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Grab a 7×4-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

Give the paper a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash and Blend Bananas

Take ripe bananas and crush them into a smooth mixture.

Pour in condensed milk and whisk everything together in a big mixing bowl until the ingredients are perfectly combined and look creamy.

Step 3: Fold in the Flour

Sift self-rising flour into the banana mixture.

Use a gentle folding motion to mix the ingredients.

Stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears – this keeps the bread light and fluffy.

Avoid aggressive mixing which can make the bread tough.

Step 4: Transfer and Bake

Pour the banana batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Remove the bread from the oven.

Let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Then carefully lift out the bread using the parchment paper edges.

Place on a wire rack and allow to cool completely before cutting into delicious slices.

Simple Tips for Banana Bread Magic

  • Opt for overripe, spotted bananas for deeper, more intense natural sugar flavor.
  • Sift self-rising flour thoroughly to ensure smooth, lump-free banana bread texture.
  • Insert a skewer near the center – a few moist crumbs are perfect, but no wet batter indicates ideal doneness.
  • Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 3-4 days at room temperature.
  • Slice bread before freezing, so you can easily thaw individual portions for quick snacking or breakfast.

Fun Banana Bread Variations to Try

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace self-rising flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon baking powder for structure.
  • Nutty Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and protein boost.
  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Mix in 1/4 cup chocolate chips or cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
  • Vegan Alternative: Substitute condensed milk with coconut cream and use a plant-based flour option for dairy-free adaptation.

Serving Up Banana Bread Slices

  • Breakfast Buddy: Slice this banana bread and pair with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
  • Dessert Companion: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert experience.
  • Afternoon Snack: Pack a slice in lunchboxes or enjoy with a cold glass of milk for a quick and satisfying midday pick-me-up.
  • Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that spreads warmth and love.

Keeping Banana Bread Moist & Tasty

  • Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, and store in freezer bag. Reheat single servings directly from frozen in microwave for 20-30 seconds.
  • Keep bread at room temperature in sealed container for 2-3 days. Best enjoyed within first 48 hours for maximum freshness and soft texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

No, you’ll need to add 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt to regular flour to mimic self-rising flour’s properties.

  • What type of bananas work best for this recipe?

Very ripe or overripe bananas with dark spots are perfect because they’re sweeter and softer, which creates a more moist banana bread.

  • Is condensed milk necessary for this recipe?

Yes, condensed milk provides sweetness and moisture, replacing traditional sugar and some of the liquid ingredients in standard banana bread recipes.

  • How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.

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3-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe

3-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Rich, moist banana bread delights with its simple 3-ingredient magic, blending ripe bananas, flour, and eggs into a classic comfort treat. Home bakers can whip up this easy recipe in minutes for a satisfying sweet slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) mashed bananas (very ripe)
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) coconut condensed milk (or regular condensed milk)
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) self-rising flour, sifted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (180C) and line a 7×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are lightly greased for easy removal.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the ripe mashed bananas with condensed milk using a whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
  3. Sift the self-rising flour into the banana mixture, folding gently with a spatula until ingredients are just incorporated. Avoid vigorous stirring to maintain a tender texture.
  4. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a smooth motion to create a level surface.
  5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted skewer emerges with minimal, moist crumbs.
  6. Remove from oven and allow the banana bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully lift out using parchment paper edges.
  7. Complete cooling on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing to ensure structural integrity and optimal flavor development.

Notes

  • Customize banana ripeness for deeper, sweeter flavor by using extremely dark, speckled bananas with brown spots.
  • Prevent dense texture by gently folding flour, avoiding aggressive stirring which develops gluten and creates tough bread.
  • Transform recipe into gluten-free version by substituting self-rising flour with gluten-free self-rising flour blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
  • Elevate taste profile by adding optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon to enhance basic recipe without compromising simplicity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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