- Why I love this recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How to make 3 ingredient banana bread
- Storage instructions
- Recipe tips
- Common Questions
- Give this crazy easy banana bread a go!
Ever come home grumpy, tired, and totally uninterested in messing with a complicated bake? Trust me, I’ve been there, and that’s exactly when an easy banana bread recipe 3 ingredients swoops in like a baking superhero.
In fact, one lazy Saturday I was gazing into my pantry (hoping for a snack to magically appear—didn’t happen) when I remembered the bananas on my counter. With nothing but pancake mix and eggs in the fridge, I whipped up the fluffiest loaf. Honestly, it tasted as good as some of my five-star restaurant adventures. Looking for more easy magic like this? If you’re in a comfort food mood, check out these game-changers: best crunchy zucchini chips recipe or for a cozy dinner, easy crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe. Get ready—your kitchen is about to smell incredible, all with barely any effort.
Why I love this recipe
Alright, here’s the deal—I’m obsessed because this banana bread is what I make when my brain feels fried and there’s just no energy for sifting, measuring, or drama. It’s literally three things. The loaf always comes out sweet and sticky, with a little crust on top that’s totally drool-worthy. Plus, I can make it while half-watching TV. My grandma used to say, “If you’ve got old bananas, you’ve got gold.” Guess she wasn’t wrong! It’s no overstatement to say I’ve eaten this for breakfast, snack, and, um, once for dinner (don’t judge). There’s just a low-pressure happiness about this—no stress, no wild cleanup, pure banana goodness.
Key Ingredients
Let’s break it down. Three ingredients, that’s it—no hidden stuff, no “optional but required” drama.
First, you need ripe bananas. The spottier and uglier, the better for flavor. If yours look sad, they’re perfect.
Second is eggs. Any eggs, just regular size, not those tiny ones from fancy stores.
Third, you’ll want either self-rising flour or a store-bought pancake mix. Both work—pancake mix adds a gentle sweetness, while self-rising gives a classic, less sweet vibe.
Some folks ask, “Can I toss in nuts or chocolate chips?” Yes, but honestly, it’s awesome plain. That’s the magic. Simple can be wonderful.
I mean, am I the only one secretly thrilled to finish up those old bananas like some eco-friendly kitchen magician?
How to make 3 ingredient banana bread
Here’s how I do it every single time: Mash your three bananas in a big bowl. Smash ’em up good (lumps are cool, just not huge ones—think oatmeal, not gravel). Crack in two eggs and stir until they’re blended in—just use a fork, no fancy gadget needed.
Now, dump in the cup of pancake mix or self-rising flour. Give it a quick mix until you can’t spot any dry bits. And don’t freak out if it looks thick—banana does that. Pour it into a greased loaf pan and toss it in the oven, 350°F, for about 35-40 minutes. Sometimes mine looks lumpy or rises wonky, but it always tastes dreamy.
Be patient, let it cool a little (I know, the wait is torture!). It slices better, I promise. The result is tender and moist, and your house will smell borderline illegal, it’s so good.
“I tried this recipe last week when my kitchen was nearly empty. Not only was it ridiculously easy, but my picky kid ate half the loaf before dinner. Five stars for taste and no-fuss cleanup!” – Sandy F.
Storage instructions
Alright, confession: this bread rarely lasts long enough to worry about leftovers. But just in case you’ve got more self-control than me, here’s what you do.
Wrap the loaf up in foil or tuck it into a plastic bag—it’ll stay nice and soft at room temperature for two days. Got a freak heatwave or you live somewhere muggy? Pop it in the fridge, tightly wrapped, and it should last up to a week.
Tip if you’re feeling wild: Freeze it in slices, then toast ‘em up later. This trick is a game changer for late night cravings or surprise visits from chatty neighbors.
Recipe tips
A few quick little nuggets of wisdom before you start mixing (if you want a more detailed zucchini treat try the easy moist zucchini bread recipe instead):
- Don’t rush the mashing—creamier bananas make a softer bread.
- If you only have two bananas, reduce the flour or pancake mix a smidge—fudge it, nobody’s grading you.
- Want a crisp edge? Butter your pan before baking.
- Sneak in a handful of nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re fancy—or not, it’s your bread.
Common Questions
Can I use a gluten-free pancake mix for this banana bread?
Yes! I’ve swapped in gluten-free mix a bunch of times. Stays tasty, doesn’t get weird. The texture’s a tad softer, but no complaints.
Do I need to add sugar to make it sweet enough?
Nope. Ripe bananas bring out enough sweetness so you don’t miss sugar, but if you want it dessert-level, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
How do I know when it’s ready?
Just poke the center with a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a crumb or two, it’s done. If you don’t have a toothpick, poke with a fork. Old-school but it works.
Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy?
Usually too much flour or not enough mashing. Try measuring the pancake mix loosely next time, and mash the bananas really well.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Double everything and use a bigger pan—add about 10 more minutes to your bake time, but check it at 40 minutes just in case.
Give this crazy easy banana bread a go!
If you’re craving that homemade, comforting smell (and a treat that’s honestly easier than most TV dinners), this is it. The easy banana bread recipe 3 ingredients is pure simplicity, and you don’t need a fancy mixer or a ton of patience. For more super simple recipes, try this 3 ingredient banana bread version from The Big Man’s World—it’s got a cool no-butter twist. Want to branch out with savory favorites? Don’t miss my recommendations for easy crockpot chicken thighs recipe or snag the crispy shortcut from this trick to getting things crispy with an air fryer article. Your kitchen, your rules. Give it a shot, and trust me—banana bread will never look the same again.
PrintEasy 3 Ingredient Banana Bread
A simple and delightful banana bread made with just three ingredients: ripe bananas, eggs, and pancake mix or self-rising flour.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup pancake mix or self-rising flour
Instructions
- Mash the bananas in a big bowl until they are creamy with some lumps.
- Crack in the eggs and stir until blended.
- Add the pancake mix or self-rising flour and mix until there are no dry bits.
- Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
For a crispy edge, butter your pan. You can also add nuts or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: banana bread, easy recipe, baking, dessert, comfort food