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Home » Recipes » Single Serving Breakfast

By Joanie Zisk Published: Mar 20, 2023 · Updated: Mar 20, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

Banana Nut Bread For One

Jump to Recipe
two slices of banana nut bread on a red plate next to a glass of orange juice

Super moist banana nut bread made with 1 banana, chopped walnuts or pecans, and a hint of cinnamon. A classic banana nut bread recipe that's so easy to make and the perfect size for one person.

small banana nut bread on a red plate

If you've got one banana, you can bake this easy, delicious single serving banana nut bread. This quick bread has a moist, tender crumb with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It can be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, or as a snack or dessert.

Jump to:
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • Ingredient Notes
  • How To Make Banana Nut Bread For One
  • Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How To Serve Banana Nut Bread
  • How To Store Banana Nut Bread
  • More Single Serving and Small Batch Banana Recipes
  • Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
  • Recipe
two slices of banana nut bread on a red plate next to a glass of orange juice

Why This Recipe Works

  • Made with one banana: Our classic banana nut bread recipe calls for using one ripe banana. It's made using simple ingredients and delivers a single small loaf of the best banana bread that's moist with well-balanced flavors.
  • Easy recipe: I believe that banana bread is something you should be able to quickly make any time you have a single banana ready to be used up. This recipe is very basic and takes just 10 minutes to whisk together. While baking your home will fill with its tempting aroma and you'll be able to enjoy warm, fresh baked banana bread in minutes.
  • Recipe doubles well: We use a 10-ounce ramekin that measures 4 inches in diameter and is approximately 1 ¾-inches tall in a mini banana nut bread recipe. If you'd like to double the recipe, double the ingredient amounts and use a 5x5-inch baking dish. An example of the dish we use and recommend can be found on our store page.

Ingredients

banana nut bread ingredients on a kitchen counter
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Ingredient Notes

  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour. This recipe has also been tested with King Arthur Gluten Free Measure For Measure Flour with success. If you'd like to make gluten-free banana nut bread, I recommend using this brand of gluten-free flour.
  • Baking soda: This helps the banana nut bread rise.
  • Ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract: For the best flavor!
  • Banana: We use just one banana in our mini banana nut bread recipe. Make sure you use a ripe banana. Choose one that shows freckles on the skin and one that is perhaps a little too soft for snacking. You can use a very ripe banana with completely brown skin which will make the banana nut bread have an even stronger banana flavor and will be richer in taste.
  • Sugar: I use white granulated sugar which adds the perfect sweet flavor to the muffins.
  • Butter: Use melted butter for a soft texture and amazing butter flavor.
  • An egg yolk: To give the banana nut bread structure.
  • Nuts: Use either chopped walnuts or pecans which give the bread a nice crunch and a nutty flavor.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

How To Make Banana Nut Bread For One

These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly butter a 10-ounce ramekin and set it aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.
dry ingredients for banana nut bread in a mixing bowl.
  1. Mash the banana on a small plate with a fork.
one mashed banana on a red plate
  1. Transfer the mashed banana to a medium-sized bowl and add the sugar. With a wire whisk or an electric mixer on medium speed whip the banana and sugar together.
a mashed banana and sugar mixed together in a mixing bowl
  1. Add melted butter, an egg yolk, and vanilla and mix well.
banana nut bread wet ingredients in a mixing bowl
  1. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
banana nut bread batter in a mixing bowl
  1. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
walnuts folded into bread batter in a mixing bowl
  1. Pour into a lightly buttered 10-ounce ramekin and place the ramekin on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
unbaked banana nut bread in a small ramekin on a baking sheet.
  1. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
a small banana nut bread baked in a ramekin on a red plate next to a plate of butter and a glass of orange juice

Expert Tips

  • Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients before starting.
  • Use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas make the sweetest banana bread. When bananas have plenty of brown spots on the skin, they're perfect to use. The browner the skins, the sweeter the banana bread.
  • Buy bananas and freeze them. It's a great idea to keep overripe bananas handy in your freezer ready for baking. If you've got a few forgotten bananas on your counter, freeze them, unpeeled. Freezing bananas will turn the skin black, but once peeled the flesh will be perfect for making banana bread or banana muffins.
  • Pecans can be substituted for walnuts. Other nuts that go in banana bread are chopped almonds, pistachios, cashews, and macadamia nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Ramekin Should I Use?

The success of this recipe depends on the size of the baking dish you use. We recommend using a 10-ounce ramekin or a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet in this mini banana nut bread recipe. These dishes can be found on our Store page.

Do I Have To Use Nuts?

No. If you'd like to make banana bread without nuts, simply leave them out.

Can I Make Banana Nut Bread With Oil?

I've found that melted butter creates a more flavorful banana nut bread. You can certainly substitute with an equal amount of canola, vegetable, or avocado oil in this recipe.

How Do I Know When My Banana Nut Bread Is Done?

Here are two clues you can use to check to see if your banana nut bread is done baking: the edges should be a deep golden-brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Why Can't I Use The Entire Egg?

We've found through our years of scaling down recipes that using the entire egg in many of our single serving and small batch baked goods will alter the texture and taste of the item you are baking significantly. We do not recommend using the whole egg in our small banana nut bread recipe. Instead, save the egg white and use it in any of the egg white recipes listed in the "Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients" section below.

You can store leftover raw egg whites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be used within 3 days.
Egg whites can be frozen by transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date frozen and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw, place frozen egg whites in your refrigerator overnight.

How To Serve Banana Nut Bread

Serve the bread warm, at room temperature, or straight from the refrigerator. It's wonderful along with a cup of coffee or hot tea.

Banana nut bread is delicious on its own, with butter, peanut butter, almond butter, or cream cheese. Enjoy it with eggs or fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast.

How To Store Banana Nut Bread

  • To store: Place the banana nut bread in an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • To freeze: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • To thaw: Remove the banana nut bread from the freezer and leave it to defrost on the kitchen counter. Enjoy as is, or gently heat in the microwave.
a slice of banana nut bread with melted butter on top

More Single Serving and Small Batch Banana Recipes

  • Small Batch Banana Muffins (2 bananas)
  • Grilled Pound Cake with Bananas (1 banana)
  • Banana Oat Pecan Muffins (2-3 bananas)
  • Banana Cream Pie For One (1 banana)
  • Bananas Foster For One (1 banana)
  • Frozen Chocolate Banana (1 banana)
  • Banana Pancakes (1 banana)
  • Mini Hummingbird Cake (1 banana)
  • Tropical Smoothie (1 banana)
  • Green Smoothie (1 banana)
  • Banana Pancakes (1 banana)
  • Banana Pudding (1 banana)

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this very moist banana nut bread recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

  • Bananas: See the recipes above.
  • Egg white: Mini Texas Sheet Cake, Coconut Macaroons, Flourless Chocolate Cookies, Two Vanilla Cupcakes, Two Chocolate Cupcakes, Flourless Chocolate Cake
  • Cinnamon: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Carrot Cake Cupcakes, Snickerdoodles, Fried Apples, Apple Cinnamon Scones
  • Walnuts: Morning Glory Muffins, Brownies, Chicken Salad, Maple Walnut Muffin, Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Vanilla extract: Buckeyes, Chess Pie, Buttermilk Pancakes, Mini Boston Cream Pie, French Silk Pie

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried this easy banana nut bread recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!

Recipe

two slices of banana nut bread on a red plate next to a glass of orange juice

Banana Nut Bread For One

Super moist banana nut bread made with 1 banana, chopped walnuts or pecans, and a hint of cinnamon. A classic banana nut bread recipe that's easy to make and the perfect size for one person to enjoy.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
See the post above for expert tips,
FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Course: Bread, Breakfast, Muffins, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 571kcal
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer
  • 10-ounce ramekin

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 medium banana , mashed
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter , melted (plus more for greasing the ramekin)
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly butter a 10-ounce ramekin and set it aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.
  • Mash the banana on a small plate with a fork.
    Transfer the mashed banana to a medium-sized bowl and add the sugar. With a wire whisk or an electric mixer on medium speed whip the banana and sugar together.
  • Add melted butter, an egg yolk, and vanilla and mix well.
  • Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
  • Fold in the chopped walnuts.
  • Pour into a lightly buttered 10-ounce ramekin and place the ramekin on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Expert Tips
  • Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients before starting.
  • Use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas make the sweetest banana bread. When bananas have plenty of brown spots on the skin, they're perfect to use. The browner the skins, the sweeter the banana bread.
  • Buy bananas and freeze them. It's a great idea to keep overripe bananas handy in your freezer ready for baking. If you've got a few forgotten bananas on your counter, freeze them, unpeeled. Freezing bananas will turn the skin black, but once peeled the flesh will be perfect for making banana bread or banana muffins.
  • Pecans can be substituted for walnuts. Other nuts that go in banana bread are chopped almonds, pistachios, cashews, and macadamia nuts.
Nutrition Facts
Banana Nut Bread For One
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 571 Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 9g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 214mg71%
Sodium 665mg29%
Potassium 567mg16%
Carbohydrates 77g26%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 39g43%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 675IU14%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Calcium 56mg6%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator behind OneDishKitchen.com, the number one website for single-serving recipes. Joanie has over 10 years of experience in developing and publishing recipes, author of “The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook”, and a passionate home cook. Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single-serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe Rating




  1. J. Hegyi says

    May 20, 2023 at 10:24 pm

    You can make a white quick bread from this recipe by leaving the cinnamon, banana, and nuts o7t of it.

    Reply
  2. Janis says

    March 24, 2023 at 8:12 pm

    If doubling the recipe can you use the full egg? Or do you need to use two egg yolks?

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      March 27, 2023 at 8:26 am

      We've found through our years of scaling down recipes that using the entire egg in many of our single serving and small batch baked goods will alter the texture and taste of the item you are baking significantly. The bread needs the richness and protein from the egg yolk(s). We do not recommend using the whole egg in this banana nut bread recipe. Instead, save the egg white and use it in any of the egg white recipes listed in the "FAQ" section in the recipe post.

      Reply
      • Janis says

        March 29, 2023 at 6:39 pm

        I just want to make sure I understand you … so when doubling the recipe use two egg yolks instead of one egg.

      • Joanie Zisk says

        March 30, 2023 at 9:12 am

        Yes, that is correct. Using the entire egg will alter the taste and texture of the banana bread.

  3. Carol Wilson says

    March 20, 2023 at 3:56 pm

    Have you tried this recipe in the microwave instead of an oven?

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      March 21, 2023 at 9:49 am

      We have not tested this recipe in the microwave.

      Reply
  4. J. Hegyi says

    March 20, 2023 at 12:09 pm

    Terrific recipe.

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      March 20, 2023 at 12:12 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply

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