4 Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

September 29, 2020July 9, 2023

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With just four simple ingredients and five short minutes, you’ll have a loaf of banana bread in the oven. This 4 Ingredient Banana Bread recipe uses self-rising flour, bananas, eggs and sugar to create a quick bread option without needing an endless list of ingredients.

4 Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe

Yes, you read that correctly. Baby, this banana bread only has four ingredients. It doesn’t get much easier than this.

• Bananas (of course)
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Self Rising Flour

If you’ve got five minutes to spare to whip together the batter, and these four ingredients on hand, then what are you waiting for?

What is self-rising flour?

Self-rising flour is the secret ingredient. What is self-rising flour? It’s all purpose flour that has salt and baking powder already blended in with it. With that being said, you can’t substitute all purpose flour for self-rising flour and visa versa. The recipes won’t work.

The other secret (not so secret) ingredient is the bananas. Be sure that these bananas are really black and mushy. Leave them on the counter for a couple extra days just to be sure before making this Self Rising Flour Banana Bread.

Easy Banana Bread Recipes

I love how there are so many versions of banana bread. Personally, I typically lean towards a Classic version from my friend Debbie. But other times, I like to free up the oven and I make slow cooker banana bread. Or, if I’m craving chocolate, I go for Chocolate Banana Bran Muffins.

Yet even with all those recipes at my disposal, I still couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try this Simple Banana Bread (no baking soda) with Only 4 Ingredients when I found it in North Carolina State Elks Association Cook Book. The recipe was titled Larry’s Banana Bread. Thanks Larry, wherever you are (probably in North Carolina somewhere…).

Truth be told, I’m a sucker for recipes with a only a handful ingredients. Need proof? Check out our entire section of recipes with 6 ingredients or less!

How to Make Self Rising Flour Banana Bread (without baking soda):

Step By Step Instructions

1. Add over-ripened bananas and eggs to mixer and mash until smooth.
2. To the mashed banana mixture, add sugar and self-rising flour.
3. Mix until just incorporated.
4. Pour into a loaf pan that has been greased.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool for a few minutes in the pan before removing to a cooling rack.
7. Slice and enjoy.

For the full recipe with ingredients for easy banana bread with self rising flour, scroll to the bottom of this post.

Recipe FAQs

• Be sure your bananas are extra ripe and very black. This ensures the sugar content it just right.
• This is a self rising flour banana bread. You cannot substitute all purpose flour in and have the same results.
• Prep your 9 x 5 inch bread pan by greasing or spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
• Do not overcook – it leads to a dry texture. Watch the bread toward the end of the recommended cooking time. Some ovens cook faster or slower.
• Test the bread with a toothpick to see if it’s done. If it comes out clean, remove the bread from the oven.
• To make banana bread with frozen bananas, follow the same recipe using partially thawed bananas. You will need to add 5-15 minutes additional baking time if the bananas are still cold when you make the batter.

What Do I Do With Overripe Bananas?

If you’ve got a bunch of overly ripe bananas on the counter and no time to make banana bread, you can save them for later.

Simply, peel the bananas, break into halves or smaller pieces and freezer in a zip-lock baggie.

What can I do with frozen bananas?

I use my frozen banana cubes to make banana ice cream for my lactose-intolerant daughter. Turns out, my other kids love it just as much as she does.

Blend the frozen banana chunks with milk (lactose-free, if needed) and peanut butter until it forms a smooth ice cream-like consistency.

You can also use the frozen bananas to make banana bread. Let the bananas partially thaw before using.

How to Make Banana Bread with Frozen Bananas

You can make banana bread with practically any standard banana bread recipe. Just note, it will take longer to bake than the regular recipe calls for if your bananas are still partially frozen. Follow this easy recipe for banana bread using frozen bananas.

Step By Step Instructions

1. Partially thaw three frozen bananas.
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend bananas and three eggs until smooth.
3. Add 3/4 cup white sugar and 2 cups self-rising flour, mix until batter forms.
4. Pour into a greased loaf tin.
5. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Variations

• Add chocolate chips in the batter, or sprinkle over the top before baking.
• Chopped nuts are a great addition. Try walnuts or pecans.
• For a spice bread, add ground cinnamon, allspice or nutmeg.
• Use the leftovers to make biscotti or French toast.
• Add orange zest or lemon zest to brighten up the flavor.
• Vanilla extract or almond extract will give it more flavor too.

Old Fashioned Quick Bread Recipes

Mom’s Poppyseed Bread

Strawberry Bread with Strawberry Glaze

Rhubarb Bread

Do you wrap up banana bread when its hot or wait for it to cool down?

Always let hot dishes and desserts cool before wrapping it up or covering. If you do it when it’s hot, condensation will form in the container.

Linking up to Meal Plan Monday.

Have leftover banana bread? Try making our super easy homemade banana bread biscotti! It’s perfect served with a cup of coffee or tea.