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Cozy Banana Bread Mason Jar Recipe Perfect Single-Serve Gift Idea

banana bread mason jar - featured image

A quick and easy single-serve banana bread baked directly in a mason jar, perfect for a warm treat or thoughtful gift with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 small ripe bananas or 1 large, mashed
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tbsp milk (whole or plant-based, e.g., oat milk)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional mix-ins: 1-2 tbsp chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack in the middle for even baking.
  2. Mash the bananas directly in the clean, dry 8 oz mason jar using a fork until smooth but still a bit chunky (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add the brown sugar (2 tbsp) to the mashed bananas and stir well to combine until slightly glossy.
  4. Mix in the melted butter (2 tbsp) and vanilla extract (½ tsp) until fully incorporated and fragrant.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour (½ cup / 60g), baking powder (½ tsp), cinnamon (¼ tsp), and a pinch of salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the jar, mixing gently with a small whisk or fork after each addition. Stir about 6-8 times until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Pour in the milk (3 tbsp) and fold it into the batter until smooth and scoopable. Fold in optional mix-ins (1-2 tbsp) if using.
  8. Place the jar on a baking sheet to catch any spills and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  9. Remove the jar from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving or sealing for gifting.

Notes

Use ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness. Do not overmix the batter to keep crumb tender. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil. Lightly grease the jar before adding batter to prevent sticking. The bread tastes better after a day as flavors meld. Can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days. Freeze without lid for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, single serve, mason jar recipe, quick dessert, gift idea, easy baking, cozy treat