Single Serve Banana Bread
on Aug 01, 2023, Updated Feb 13, 2025
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Don’t throw out that overly ripe banana 🍌 that’s been on your counter for too long—make my single-serve banana bread! This is such an easy treat that comes together in a fraction of the time it takes to make a loaf of banana bread. It’s perfect for when you have a sweet craving for baked goods, but no patience to wait for a long bake time. Plus, who doesn’t love a single-serve dessert? Of course, you could share this, but where’s the fun in that?
All you need is one very ripe banana (brown spots on the banana peel indicate over-ripeness—a good thing in this recipe), a few kitchen staples, and 5 minutes of prep time.
Why You’ll Love Single-Serve Banana Bread
This single-serve banana bread is ideal for when you crave homemade goodness without baking a full loaf. It’s quick and easy, using just one overripe banana and a few basic pantry staples. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, moist, and delicious banana bread all to yourself. It’s a quick, fuss-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth 🦷, with customizable add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Whether plain, dusted with sugar, or crowned with ice cream, this banana bread is a must try!
These single-serve banana breads would make for an impressive spread at a brunch party. You can bake multiple ramekins on a large baking sheet, which allows you to easily transfer many individual dishes in and out of the oven at the same time.
How to Prepare Single-Serve Banana Bread
🍌Whisk together the ingredients, pour the batter into a lined ramekin or any single-serve oven-safe dish, and wait 30 minutes for this incredible bread to bake up.
🍦I like to enjoy mine warm with a bit of powdered sugar dusted on top, or a scoop of ice cream if I’m in the mood.
🌰Some completely optional, but delicious, additions to the batter include crushed walnuts, chocolate chips, or a spoonful of almond butter. Let us know in the comments below if you treat yourself to this sweet recipe!
Nonna’s Tip
To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Substitutions and Variations
Whether you’re aiming for a healthier version or a more indulgent treat, these options let you customize your banana bread to your liking.
- Instead of all-purpose flour, sub whole wheat 🌾flour.
- Add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
- Try alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave instead of granulated sugar.
- Swap out regular milk for almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
- For a vegan or dietary alternative, use flax eggs instead (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) or applesauce as egg substitutes.
- Personalize your banana bread with extras like nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), chocolate chips, or dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots).
- To make the recipe gluten-free, use a 1-1 gluten-free flour.
Best Served With
- A light dusting of powdered sugar on top
- A scoop of your favorite ice cream 🍦
- A dollop of whipped cream on the side or right on top
- A spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or hazelnut spread
Similar Recipes
- If you have 5 minutes to add a few ingredients to a blender, you can make a Honey Walnut Oat Cake.
- My Single-Serve Peach Crisp is the ultimate summer dessert.
- This Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Cake is another home-run, single-serve dessert.
Common Questions
I used a 10-ounce ramekin but you can use any small oven-safe dish you have.
Yes, feel free to use 1-to-1 gluten-free flour if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
Use any milk of choice, such as almond or oat milk, to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
You can easily double or triple the ingredients and bake the banana bread in separate ramekins or a larger oven-safe dish. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Single Serve Banana Bread
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 banana, very ripe
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar, or sweetener of choice
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, or any neutral oil
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- pinch of salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons walnuts , crushed or chopped
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chocolate chips , optional
- ½ teaspoon powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
- NOTE: The bake time will depend on the oven, so keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. It's ready when it no longer jiggles in the centre and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Peel and mash the banana in a bowl. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add the oil, milk, flour, and baking soda, and mix. Optionally, stir in some crushed walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Spray and line a 10-ounce ramekin with parchment paper. Pour in the batter and tap to distribute evenly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until fully set and a toothpick comes out dry.
- Let cool, dust with icing sugar, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What can I sub for the egg?
Hi Sydney – you can use flax eggs instead (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) or applesauce as egg substitutes!
Hi, thank you for the recipe, would this work in an air fryer? Should I reduce the temperature?
Hi Raf, I have not made this in the airfryer but it should work at the same temp. Please let us know in the comments if the airfryer method works for you.
Can I sub oat flour for all purpose? Thank you.
I haven’t tried but it should absolutely work
Thank you for this. I always have just 1 overripe banana and don’t like throwing it out.
It’s the perfect use for those overripe bananas!
I love banana bread I’ll try this. Air fry baking should be ok too? Send us more single serve recipes. Thank you and more power to you !
Should work in the airfryer — please let us know in the comments if you try it out. Also check out my Single Serve Peach Crisp recipe!
Sounds like a great idea. I don’t like bananas but others in the house do. Going to try it.
Hope everyone loves it!
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes!
I love this !!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Please keep the 1 serve recipes coming
Yes! Working on a few more single-serve recipes. Stay tuned.
I love the sound of this recipe and plan on making it tomorrow!
Thank you and I look forward to seeing your recipes.
Hope you will love this Carol! Enjoy!
Can you sub another oil for the avocado oil?
Yes, any neutral-flavored oil will work, or butter is ok too.