Print

Cozy Zero-Waste Banana Bread

zero-waste banana bread recipe - featured image

A simple, forgiving, and delicious banana bread recipe using pantry staples and overripe bananas, perfect for cozy moments and zero-waste baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little oil or butter.
  2. In a medium bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but with a few small lumps left.
  3. Add 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk gently until combined.
  4. In a separate large bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Whisk to blend evenly.
  5. Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Fold in optional mix-ins like 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit if using.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil after 40 minutes.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf. Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness. If bananas are not ripe enough, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend. For vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs. Grease pan well or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Check bread starting at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, zero waste, pantry staples, easy baking, cozy recipe, banana dessert, sustainable baking