Turn overripe bananas into 4 Ingredient Banana Bread. Made with bananas, eggs, sugar, and self-rising flour, this easy recipe is a game changer!

You know those bananas sitting on your counter, the ones so brown and spotty that they’re practically begging to be baked into something? Yeah, we’ve all been there. A few weeks ago, I had that moment. My overly ambitious grocery run left me with more bananas than anyone could reasonably eat.

I wasn’t in the mood for anything complicated. Honestly, the thought of pulling out measuring cups, sifting flour, and figuring out ratios sounded like a nightmare. So, I decided to strip it down—just bananas, eggs, sugar, and self-rising flour. Four ingredients. That’s it.

And guess what? It worked. Not just “good enough” worked—this banana bread turned out ridiculously moist, sweet-but-not-too-sweet, and with just the right amount of banana flavor. It’s not fancy, but it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a little win in your day.

Why You’ll Love This 4 Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe?

It’s Effortless: Seriously, if you can mash a banana, you can make this.
Perfect for Beginners: Whether you’re a baking newbie or just feeling lazy, this recipe has your back.
Rescues Overripe Bananas: No more guilt about wasting those sad, spotty bananas.
Minimal Cleanup: Fewer ingredients mean fewer dishes—can I get an amen?
Endlessly Adaptable: Want chocolate chips? Nuts? A swirl of peanut butter? Go for it!

Ingredient Notes:

Here’s why these four simple ingredients make magic happen:

Bananas: The riper, the better. Those brown spots mean sweetness and flavor, so don’t shy away from the ugly ones.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better, but no biggie if you forget. They add moisture and keep the bread light.
Granulated Sugar: Just enough sweetness to highlight the bananas. You could even cut back a bit if your bananas are extra ripe.
Self-Rising Flour: The unsung hero here—it saves you from having to add baking powder and salt separately.

How To Make 4 Ingredient Banana Bread?

Step 1. Preheat Your Oven

First, set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9.5 x 5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper if you hate cleanup as much as I do.

Step 2. Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. I like to leave a few chunks for texture, but if you prefer it silky, mash away. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Step 3. Add the Eggs

Crack the eggs in one at a time, stirring well after each. This is the step where it starts to look like a proper batter. And hey, if your stirring isn’t perfect, don’t stress—this bread is forgiving.

Step 4. Mix in the Sugar

Add the granulated sugar and give it a good stir. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure it’s all mixed in. If you sneak a little taste here, I won’t judge.

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Step 5. Fold in the Flour

Now for the self-rising flour. Add it gradually and mix until just combined. Don’t overdo it—too much mixing can make the bread a little tough. A few lumps? Totally fine.

Step 6. Bake It

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and pop it on the lower center rack of your oven. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs).

Step 7. Cool and Slice

This is the hard part—waiting. Let the bread cool in the pan for 30 minutes before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dive in while it’s still warm, but patience pays off with cleaner slices.

Storage Options:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It stays moist and delicious.
Refrigerator: Want it to last a little longer? Keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge.
Freezer: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Variations and Substitutions:

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:

Add Chocolate Chips: Because chocolate makes everything better.
Go Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a satisfying crunch.
Healthier Twist: Swap out some sugar for honey or maple syrup, or use a sugar substitute.
Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a cozy vibe.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend—it works like a charm.

What to Serve with 4 Ingredient Banana Bread?

This banana bread is great on its own, but these pairings take it up a notch:

Coffee or Tea: Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Butter or Cream Cheese: A little spread makes it extra indulgent.
Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt turns it into a hearty breakfast.
Fresh Fruit: Strawberries or blueberries add a bright contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely. Just thaw them first and drain off any extra liquid before mashing.

What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
No worries! Use all-purpose flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

How do I know when it’s done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, you’re good to go.

Ready to whip up this 4 Ingredient Banana Bread? It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. Let me know if you try it—and if you toss in any fun add-ins, I’d love to hear about them. Chocolate chips, a swirl of peanut butter, maybe even a sprinkle of sea salt? The possibilities are endless!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!