Banana Bread with Just Two Bananas

Name: Banana Bread with Just Two Bananas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt (reduce slightly if using salted butter); 1/3 cup butter (at room temperature); 2/3 cup white sugar; 2 large eggs (at room temperature); 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium, very ripe bananas)

Got two ripe bananas sitting on your counter? Don’t throw them out—turn them into a delicious, moist banana bread! This banana bread recipe with 2 bananas is simple, quick, and perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack. No need for extra ingredients—just pantry staples and two bananas will do the trick. If you’re out of baking soda, don’t worry! You can still make delicious banana bread with a few simple adjustments—check out this banana bread recipe without baking soda for an alternative version. Let’s bake!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Minimal Ingredients – Only two bananas required!
✅ Soft & Moist Texture – Thanks to the perfect balance of butter and bananas.
✅ Beginner-Friendly – No special skills or equipment needed.
✅ Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to make it your own. If you love simple and healthier dessert options, be sure to try this healthy cheesecake recipe for a creamy, guilt-free treat.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons (8 g) baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt (reduce slightly if using salted butter)
⅓ cup (75 g) butter, at room temperature
⅔ cup (130 g) white sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (227 ml) mashed bananas (about 2 very ripe bananas)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) (for non-convection ovens). If using a glass loaf pan, reduce the temperature by 25°F. Grease an 8.5 x 4.5-inch metal loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture and mashed bananas, starting and ending with flour (⅓ flour, ½ bananas, repeat). Mix until well combined, then beat for 15 seconds.

6. Bake the Banana Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and level the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool & Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it using the parchment paper handles. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!

Baking Tips & Variations

🍯 Make it Healthier – Swap white sugar for coconut sugar or honey.
🍫 Add Texture – Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips.
🌿 Boost the Flavor – Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra depth.
🧁 Make Muffins – Divide batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes.

FAQs

What if I don’t have enough bananas for banana bread?

If you don’t have enough bananas, you can try these substitutes:
Applesauce – Use ½ cup of applesauce per missing banana.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream – Add ¼ cup per missing banana for moisture.
Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Puree – Use ½ cup as a banana alternative.
Mashed Avocado – This works best in combination with another substitute to maintain sweetness.
These swaps will help maintain the moisture and texture of your banana bread while slightly altering the flavor.

How many bananas are needed for banana bread?

Most banana bread recipes call for 2 to 4 bananas, depending on the recipe and the desired level of moisture and flavor. This specific banana bread recipe uses just 2 bananas, making it perfect when you only have a couple on hand.

How many cups of banana are 2 bananas?

Two medium-sized bananas typically yield about 1 cup of mashed banana. However, if your bananas are larger or smaller, you may need to adjust slightly:
1 medium banana = About ½ cup mashed banana
1 large banana = About ⅔ cup mashed banana
1 small banana = About ⅓ cup mashed banana

What to do if you don’t have ripe bananas?

If your bananas aren’t ripe enough for banana bread, try these quick-ripening methods:
Oven Method (Fastest Option) Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Place whole, unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black. Let them cool before peeling and mashing.
Microwave Method (For Slightly Under-Ripe Bananas) Poke holes in the banana peel with a fork.
Microwave for 30 seconds at a time until soft.
Paper Bag Method (Overnight Ripening) Place bananas in a brown paper bag with an apple or a ripe banana.
Close the bag and leave it at room temperature overnight.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but it will be slightly denser. Try using half all-purpose, half whole wheat for the best texture. If you’re looking for another wholesome breakfast option, you might also love these cottage cheese oat pancakes for a high-protein twist.

Conclusion

This banana bread recipe with just two bananas is proof that simple ingredients can create an incredibly delicious result. Whether you enjoy it plain or customize it with add-ins, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Happy baking! 🍌🍞