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Cozy One-Bowl Moist Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Crust

one-bowl moist banana bread - featured image

A simple, moist banana bread made in one bowl with a caramelized brown sugar crust, perfect for cozy mornings or snack time. This recipe is quick, easy, and delivers a tender crumb with a slightly crunchy top.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (plus 2 tablespoons extra for crust)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (220g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl with a fork or potato masher until smooth but still a bit chunky.
  3. Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until combined.
  4. Mix in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until well incorporated.
  5. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  8. Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
  9. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar evenly over the top to create the crust.
  10. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil after 40 minutes if crust browns too fast.
  11. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before baking to improve moisture and flavor. Use slightly warm melted butter to avoid cooking the egg prematurely. If crust browns too fast, tent with foil after 40 minutes. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with xanthan gum. For vegan, substitute egg with flax egg and butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, one-bowl banana bread, moist banana bread, brown sugar crust, easy banana bread, quick banana bread, cozy breakfast, snack