Preheat your oven to 350˚F. It’s important to get it nice and hot so your loaf bakes evenly throughout. A well-heated oven also helps to create that beautiful golden crust that we all love.
Next, grab a large microwave-safe bowl and place the butter in it. Melt it by heating in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds. You want it just melted, not bubbling, so keep an eye on it!
Once the butter is melted, add the bananas. Use a fork to mash them up right in the bowl. You want a nice, smooth consistency, but a few lumps are fine, as they add character to your bread!
Next, stir in the white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This mixture looks so creamy and inviting; you’ll want to take a taste!
Now, sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf. You want it to stay light and fluffy!
Next, transfer the batter into a generously greased loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake. If you have a pan that measures about 9.25 long by 5.25 wide by 2.75 deep, you’re good to go.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes. After that, carefully remove it from the pan and finish cooling on a wire rack. This will help prevent it from getting soggy.
Finally, slice your beautiful loaf into 8 slices and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every bite of this homemade One Bowl Banana Bread!
