What if I don't have self-rising flour?

If you don't have self-rising flour you can make your own at home. All you need to do is add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of all purpose flour. For this 4 ingredient banana bread you'd need to add 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Why is my banana bread dry?

There are 3 reasons your banana bread could be dry: 1. You overbaked it. You'll want to take the loaf out as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. The residual heat will continue cooking it. 2. The flour was measured wrong. If you pack the flour into the measuring cup you're putting too much flour into the batter. The best method of measuring flour is to spoon it into the measuring cup. 3.Your bananas weren't ripe. I know it's hard to wait, but the riper the bananas the better.

What should I do if my bananas aren't ripe?

If you're desperate for banana bread you can ripen them quickly in the oven. Place your bananas on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 350F for 15 minutes. Let them cool completely before scooping out the soft banana pulp.

Can I make this with frozen bananas?

Yes! If I don't have time to bake banana bread I will always peel and freeze my bananas for later use. Just be sure to let them thaw completely before baking with them.

Can I make this 4 ingredient banana bread gluten free?

You can, but you'll need to make a homemade gluten free self rising flour . Unfortunately, there is currently no brand that makes ones you can buy at the store.

4 Ingredient Banana Bread

Name: 4 Ingredient Banana Bread
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed banana; 1/3 cup avocado oil (sub with melted coconut oil); 1/2 cup coconut sugar; 2 cups self rising flour (store-bought or homemade); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- optional

4 Ingredient Banana Bread

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4 Ingredient Banana Bread is the perfect minimalist snack. You only need ripe bananas, oil, sugar, and self-rising flour to make this simple and quick recipe. It's dairy free, vegan, and ready just 45 minutes.

Author: Nicole Radcliffe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 10 Servings 1x
Category: Quick Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups mashed banana
1/3 cup avocado oil (sub with melted coconut oil)
1/2 cup coconut sugar
2 cups self rising flour (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract- optional

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8.5x4 inch loaf pan with a parchment paper sling
In a large mixing bowl, stir mashed bananas, coconut sugar, avocado oil, and vanilla (if using) together
Add the self-rising to the wet ingredients and gently fold it in until just combined
Pour the 4 ingredient banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out into an even layer
Bake at 350F for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely

Notes

Makes 12 muffins- bake at 350F for 15-16 minutes
Use Ripe Bananas: As bananas ripen the starches in the fruit change over to sugars and will leave you with more flavor. If you've ever had a banana bread that doesn't take very 'bananaey' it's because the bananas weren't ripe enough
Measure your flour correctly: Do not pack the flour into the measuring cup or you'll add too much and the bread will be dry. Instead, spoon it into the measuring cup so it's aerated.
Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing will activate the gluten proteins in the flour and leave you with a tough, chewy banana bread. Try mixing just until there are no traces of flour
Don't over bake: You'll want to take the bread out of the oven once a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The residual heat will continue to cook the banana bread and you'll end up with a perfectly moist loaf.
Add a halved banana on top for decoration
Storing leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days

Find it online: https://www.coleinthekitchen.com/4-ingredient-banana-bread/