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September is my birthday month! So it’s also the month I add rainbow sprinkles to, well.. everything. And this 5 ingredient birthday cake banana bread is no exception. But also, who knew adding sprinkles to banana bread would make for the most delicious and fun addition ever?! Not sure if I’ll ever not add sprinkles to my banana bread from now on. It’s really THAT good!

This birthday cake banana bread is just one of the recipes I’ll be baking for myself this month. I’ve already made my healthy gluten-free mug cakes a few times – because why not?? they’re SO easy. And as part of a larger celebration I’ll be baking up this gluten-free and dairy-free carrot cake because it’s simply my all-time FAVE. It’s shaping up to be a delicious month, friends! Happy birthday to me. 🙂

slices of birthday cake banana bread.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

  • Bananas: Overripe bananas provide the natural sweetness and moisture for this recipe. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter your banana bread will be, making them the key ingredient.
  • Eggs: Eggs act as a binder in this recipe, helping the banana bread rise and stay moist. They also contribute to the fluffy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract (Optional): Adding vanilla enhances the sweet, cake-like flavor, but it’s optional if you prefer a more banana-forward taste.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel-y flavor to complement the bananas. It also keeps the bread moist while baking.
  • Self-Rising Flour: If you don’t have self-rising flour, use all-purpose flour with baking powder. This gives the bread structure and helps it rise properly. To make this recipe gluten-free like I did, use a gluten free self-rising flour, I recommend this one.
  • Rainbow Sprinkles: The fun part! Sprinkles give this banana bread a celebratory birthday cake vibe. Be sure to use rainbow sprinkles that hold up well during baking. I use and love these dye-free rainbow sprinkles from Amazon.
5 ingredient gluten-free birthday cake banana bread slices stacked on top of each other.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Birthday Cake Banana Bread

  1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing or lining a loaf pan. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
  2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash your overripe bananas until smooth. This will be the base for your bread, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs and vanilla extract (if using), and whisk everything together until fully combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the brown sugar, flour, and rainbow sprinkles to the banana mixture, stirring until no flour pockets remain.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes. The loaf should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
  6. Cool and Glaze: While the bread cools, mix powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.

How Can I Store the Leftovers?

This banana bread keeps well for 3-4 days at room temperature when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months!

overhead image of sliced birthday cake banana bread
5 from 1 vote

5 Ingredient Birthday Cake Banana bread

Author: Samantha Russo
This 5 ingredient birthday cake banana bread is not only super easy to make, but it’s also gluten-free and dairy-free! Whether you’re looking for a fun birthday-inspired dessert or just a unique spin on classic banana bread, this recipe delivers in taste and fun factor.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 9×4-inch loaf pan

Ingredients

  • 3 large and overripe bananas
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional, but recommended
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups self rising flour (I used gluten-free self-rising flour) or 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour PLUS 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the optional glaze:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, then lightly coat the inside of the pan with oil.
  • Place the bananas in a large bowl and mash well with a fork, until mostly smooth.
    birthday cake banana bread step 1
  • Add the eggs and vanilla extract (if using) to the bowl the and whisk to combine. Then, add the brown sugar, flour, and sprinkles then mix again until fully combined and no pockets of flour remain.
    birthday cake banana bread step 2
  • Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the bread comes out clean.
  • Remove the birthday cake banana bread from the oven and let it cool while you make the glaze.
  • Add the powdered sugar and milk to a small bowl, then whisk together until smooth. Pour glaze over the cooled banana bread.
    birthday cake banana bread step 3

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice

I made this 4 ingredient peach cobbler for Father’s Day last weekend and let me tell ya, it was a HUGE hit! I even made it gluten-free (see note below), and no one could taste the difference. Now it doesn’t take much scrolling around here to realize that I’m a huge fan of few-ingredient desserts. I’m talkin’ 4 ingredient banana bread, 5 ingredient healthy cookie dough, and 6 ingredient mug cakes. So ya, I’d say this 4 ingredient peach cobbler fits perfectly into that lineup!

4 ingredient peach cobbler in a pie dish with a spoon.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Fresh Peaches: You’ll need 5-6 large fresh peaches, sliced. Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture, but you can also use frozen or canned peaches as an alternative.

Sugar: You can use regular sugar, or swap it for coconut sugar or monkfruit sweetener for a healthier option.

Self-Rising Flour: Use 1 cup of self-rising flour to create the cobbler topping. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder added.

Butter: You’ll need ½ cup of melted butter for a rich and flavorful topping. For a dairy-free alternative, substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil.

4 ingredient peach cobbler on a dessert plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Types of Peach to Use

  • Fresh peaches are ideal for the best flavor and texture. Simply peel, slice, and they’re ready to go.
  • Frozen peaches are a great alternative when fresh peaches are out of season. Thaw and drain them before using.
  • Canned peaches are convenient and work well in this recipe. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding to the pan, and leave the sugar out of the filling since canned peaches are already sweetened.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Use self-rising gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular self-rising flour.

Vegan Option: Substitute melted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Make it Sugar-Free: Replace regular sugar with monkfruit sugar or your preferred sugar substitute.

4 ingredient peach cobbler in a pie dish with two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.
5 from 3 votes

4 Ingredient Peach Cobbler (gluten-free!)

This 4 ingredient peach cobbler is the perfect simple yet delicious dessert recipe! Made with fresh summer peaches and a perfectly sweet crumb topping. Whip up this super easy recipe for potluck, parties, or summer bbqs! This recipe even includes gluten-free and vegan options.
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Ingredients

For the peach filling:

  • 4-5 fresh peaches, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

For the cobbler topping:

  • 1 cup self-rising flour, see Notes
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9-inch cake or pie pan. Add the sliced peaches and 2 tablespoons sugar to the prepared pan and mix together.
    4-Ingredient-Peach-Cobbler-Step-1
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the self-rising flour, sugar, and melted butter, to form a crumbly consistency.
  • Add the drained and sliced peaches to the prepared cake or pie pan, then top the peaches with the flour mixture. Do not stir the peaches and flour mixture together, simply layer then flour mixture evenly on top of the peaches.
  • Bake the peach cobbler for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and the peaches are bubbly. Let it cool out of the oven for 20 minutes before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – YUM!

Notes

  • If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all purpose flour and add 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder to the recipe.
  • We’ve been on a big banana bread kick in my house. But the problem was… every time I make a new loaf, it’s gone in a couple days! So I needed a quick, easy, and SIMPLE recipe to get in our banana bread fix without spending too much time in the kitchen. *enter 4 ingredient banana bread.*

    And if you’ve been around here a while, you know I’m all about the easy sweet treats! This time last year I went through a huge 3-ingredient oreo mug cake phase (major pregancy craving!) and over the summer, I couldn’t stop making my healthy no-bake cookie dough bars. There’s just something about having a healthier sweet treat on-hand that leads to happier days and a happier life.

    Something else I always have on-hand? Bananas. I pretty much buy a bunch of bananas every week because, again, we just love them in this house. However, we often find ourselves with a few overly ripe bananas by the end of the week. But thanks to this 4 ingredient banana bread recipe, I always have a way to put them to good use!

    I made my banana bread gluten-free, but you totally don’t have to! This recipe is also naturally dairy-free which I LOVE. And I should mention, it’s easily made refined sugar-free as well. For all dietary swaps, check out the “adjust this recipe to your dietary needs” section below. Happy 4-ingredient baking, friends!

    a slice of 4 ingredient banana bread with a bite taken out.

    What You’ll Need to Make 4 Ingredient Banana Bread

    Bananas: The star of the show! These bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. The riper, the better – those speckles on the peel are a sign of maximum flavor.

    Eggs: Eggs play a crucial role in binding the ingredients together, providing structure to the bread. They contribute to the moist and tender texture we all love.

    Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich caramel flavor and sweetness to the banana bread. It complements the bananas perfectly, creating a delightful depth of taste.

    Self-Rising Flour: The key to keeping it simple! Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, eliminating the need for additional leavening agents. It ensures your banana bread rises beautifully. But if you don’t have self-rising flour, feel free to use regular flour instead, then add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the recipe!

    Tips and Tricks

    • The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Don’t shy away from those brown speckles!
    • Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can affect the texture, so keep it simple and stir until everything is blended.
    • Allow your banana bread to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This patience ensures a neater slice and preserves the bread’s texture.
    sliced 4 ingredient banana bread with a knife on the side.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the self-rising flour for a gluten-free alternative to make this banana bread gluten-free. I used Beth Blends Grain-Free Flour Blend in my 4 ingredient banana bread and it worked great!

    Make it Refined Sugar-Free: Opt for coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar for a refined sugar-free option.

    Stacked slices of 4 ingredient banana bread, with a hand lifting the top slice.
    4.22 from 19 votes

    Incredible 4 Ingredient Banana Bread (gluten-free!)

    Baking doesn’t have to be complicated, and this 4 ingredient banana bread proves just that! With one bowl and a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a loaf of incredibly moist and delicious banana bread. Best enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or dessert!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 10 servings

    Ingredients

    • 3 large and overripe bananas
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and grease or line a 9×4-inch loaf pan.
    • Place the bananas in a large bowl and mash well with a fork, until mostly smooth.
    • Add the eggs to the bowl and whisk to combine. Then, dd the brown sugar and flour, then mix again until fully combined and no pockets of flour remain.
    • Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the bread comes out clean.
    • Remove the banana bread from the oven, then let it cool completely before slicing.

    A healthy fruit crisp loaded with fresh summer fruits! The perfect warm-weather dessert, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Super easy to make with just one bowl, in 30 minutes.

    Close-up overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

    What You’ll Need to Make Summer Fruit Crisp

    Summer Fruit – I used fresh blueberries, strawberries, and peaches in my summer fruit crisp, but any fruit will work! Feel free to use whatever you have on-hand, or whatever’s on sale at the grocery store that week. The only thing to note is, whichever fruit you use, make sure it totals to about 5-6 cups for this recipe.

    Maple Syrup – This healthy dessert recipe is sweetened with maple syrup! It’s refined sugar-free and honestly so healthy you could get away with eating it for breakfast.

    Rolled Oats – Any type of rolled oats will do – old-fashioned, quick cook, etc. The only type of oats you’ll want to avoid for your fruit crisp topping are whole oats, steel-cut, or Irish oats.

    Almond Flour – The almond flour keeps this recipe gluten-free! However, if you don’t have almond flour, or want to make this nut-free, you can replace the almond flour with all purpose flour.

    Butter or Coconut Oil – Use whichever you prefer in your crisp! I typically just use whichever I have on-hand. Coconut oil is obviously the healthier option, but butter adds a bit more flavor, which I love.

    Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Keep this recipe simple! You’ll only need one bowl, which is used to first mix together the filling, then the crisp. There’s no need to dirty any extra dishes for this healthy dessert recipe.
    • This summer fruit crisp is best served warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream on top. Though feel free to serve it however you’d like. On its own is delicious, or with a dollop of fresh whipped cream – yum!
    • Store leftover fruit crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If enjoying leftovers, I recommend reheating in the microwave for just about 30 seconds before eating.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Dairy-Free: Use either non-dairy butter, or take the coconut oil option in the crisp.

    Make it Nut-Free: For a nut-free dessert, replace the almond flour with 1/2 cup of all purpose flour.

    Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.
    5 from 1 vote

    Healthy Summer Fruit Crisp

    A healthy fruit crisp loaded with fresh summer fruits! The perfect warm-weather dessert, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Super easy to make with just one bowl, in 30 minutes.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings

    Ingredients

    For the filling:

    • 2 cups blueberries
    • 2 cups sliced strawberries, or raspberries
    • 2-3 peaches, pitted and sliced
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    For the crisp:

    • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
    • 1/2 cup almond flour
    • pinch of salt
    • 1/4 cup butter or coconut oil, solid
    • 1/4 cup maple syrup

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
    • Mix together all filling ingredients in a large bowl, then transfer to a 9-inch baking dish.
    • Mix together all crisp ingredients in a large bowl (you can use the same bowl you used to make the filling), then evenly sprinkle crisp over top of the filling.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fruit is soft, then let cool slightly before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal