3 Ingredient Banana Biscuits

The Lazy Genius’s Guide to 3-Ingredient Banana Biscuits

So, you have a couple of bananas on your counter that have seen better days. They’re more brown than yellow, and you feel a little pang of guilt every time you walk past them. I get it. But before you toss them into the freezer with the best of intentions (where they’ll be forgotten for six months), let me stop you right there. Those sad, spotty bananas are your ticket to the easiest, most surprisingly delicious biscuits you’ll ever make. Stop doubting and grab a bowl. It’s time for a kitchen rescue mission.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real, this recipe is the culinary equivalent of finding a forgotten $20 in your pocket. It’s:

• Stupidly Simple: If you can mash a banana and stir, you are overqualified. I’ve made these while on a tedious conference call. They’re that forgiving.
• Solves the Sad Banana Problem: This is the fastest, most delicious way to use up those overripe bananas. No waiting for bread to bake!
• Naturally Sweet: The bananas do all the sweetening for you. No added sugar required, which means you can totally justify eating two. Or three.
• Your Secret Weapon: Serve these warm and watch people’s eyes light up. They’ll think you’re a baking wizard. Your secret three-ingredient trick is safe with me.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Take a deep breath. This is the whole, terrifyingly simple list.

• 2 cups Self-Rising Flour: This is the magic ingredient. It already has the baking powder and salt mixed in, which is the only reason this works. Using all-purpose flour here is the #1 reason for biscuit disappointment. Don’t be that person.
• 1 cup Mashed Very Ripe Banana (about 2 large bananas): The spottier, the better! Brown, soft bananas are sweeter and pack more flavor. This is non-negotiable.
• ⅓ cup (5 ⅓ tbsp) Melted Butter or Coconut Oil: Butter gives you that classic, rich flavor. Coconut oil keeps it dairy-free and adds a subtle, lovely note. Your choice!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready? This is the hard part. Try to keep up.

1. Preheat and Prep. Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your one “fancy” step to save you from scrubbing later.
2. Mash and Mix. In a medium bowl, mash your bananas thoroughly with a fork until they’re good and sludgy. Whisk in the melted (and slightly cooled) butter or coconut oil.
3. Combine the Dry and Wet. Add the self-rising flour to the banana mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until a soft, sticky dough just comes together. Stop mixing the second there are no dry flour patches. Lumps are your friend. Overmixing is the enemy of tenderness.
4. Shape and Go. Drop generous, slightly messy spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. You’re going for a rustic, “I’m a talented artisanal baker” look. No rolling or cutting needed!
5. Bake to Perfection. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the bottoms are golden and the tops are firm to the touch. Your kitchen will smell amazing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s learn from the (totally hypothetical) mistakes of others.

• Overmixing the Dough: You are not kneading bread! You are a gentle biscuit guide. The more you stir, the tougher your biscuits will be. Walk away from the bowl!
• Using “Just Yellow” Bananas: Those firm, bright yellow bananas are for eating. Your biscuit dough wants the soft, super-sweet, spotted ones. This is non-negotiable for flavor.
• Expecting a Super-Sweet Treat: Remember, there’s no added sugar! These are subtly sweet and perfect with a dab of butter or a drizzle of honey. They’re a fantastic base, not a cupcake.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: This dough is sticky. Parchment paper is your best friend here and guarantees an easy cleanup. Don’t try to be a hero.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling fancy? Or just out of an ingredient? Let’s play.

• No Self-Rising Flour? No panic. For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk it together well first.
• Add Some Spice: A teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice mixed into the flour is a game-changer. It makes them taste like a cozy hug.
• Chocolate Chip Happiness: Fold in a handful of chocolate chips after you mix the dough. Because banana and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
• Make it Nutty: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch. You can’t go wrong.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• “My dough is super sticky, is that okay?” YES! That’s exactly how it should be. A sticky dough means you didn’t overmix, which leads to a tender biscuit. Just use two spoons to scoop and drop it.
• “Can I use frozen bananas?” Absolutely! Just thaw them completely first. They’ll be extra watery, so you might need to add a tablespoon or two more flour if the dough seems too wet.
• “Why are my biscuits dense?” You probably overmixed the dough. Next time, remember: lumps are love. Mix until just combined.
• “Can I make these vegan?” Easy! Just use coconut oil instead of butter. IMO, it works perfectly.
• “What’s the best way to serve these?” Warm, with a little pat of butter. Or sliced in half with a smear of peanut butter. Or just grab one and eat it over the sink like a goblin. No judgment here.

🔥 Recommended Baking & Kitchen Essentials

Here are a few of my favorite tools that make baking (and biscuit-making!) easier, faster, and way more fun.

1. BLACK+DECKER Crisp ’N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven

Crisps, toasts, bakes, and air fries — all in one compact countertop oven. Perfect for quick biscuits, snacks, and weeknight cooking.
👉 Check it out on Amazon

2. CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer + Rotisserie (XL 10L)

A true all-in-one appliance — air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and rotisserie family-size meals with ease.
👉 See today’s price on Amazon

3. 5-Piece Pastry & Biscuit Cutter Set

Everything you need for perfect biscuits: stainless-steel cutters, dough scraper, pastry blender, and a baking mat — beginner friendly and super durable.
👉 Grab it on Amazon

4. Nordic Ware Naturals Aluminum Half Sheet Pans (2-Pack)

Professional-quality sheet pans that brown beautifully, never warp, and last a lifetime — essential for any baking lover.
👉 View it on Amazon

5. Amazon Basics Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Pans (Set of 2)

Reliable nonstick pans for muffins, cupcakes, egg bites, and more — even heating, easy cleanup, and great value.
👉 Get it on Amazon

6. Stand Mixer (5–6 Quart)
Makes mixing doughs and batters effortless during holiday baking.
👉 Grab it here on Amazon

Disclosure:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it. You’ve just performed a kitchen miracle, transforming forgotten fruit and a few pantry staples into a warm, comforting treat. You didn’t break a sweat, and you’ve got the delicious rewards to prove it.

Now, go pour yourself a cup of coffee, grab a warm biscuit, and take a well-deserved bite. You’ve mastered the art of lazy, smart baking. You’ve totally earned it.