Simple Banana Bread Loaf

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Bakes

This classic banana loaf combines mashed ripe bananas with melted butter and a touch of vanilla extract, resulting in a tender crumb and rich banana flavor. Easy to prepare with pantry staples like flour, sugar, baking soda, and eggs, it's perfect for a quick bread option anyone can enjoy. Optional nuts or chocolate chips add delightful texture and taste variations. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, then cool before slicing to serve with coffee or tea.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:51:00 GMT
Golden Simple Banana Bread loaf, warm and inviting; perfect for breakfast or dessert. Save
Golden Simple Banana Bread loaf, warm and inviting; perfect for breakfast or dessert. | opticbaker.com

A moist, classic banana bread with a tender crumb and rich banana flavor perfect for everyday baking and enjoying with coffee or tea.

This banana bread is a family favorite that I have made countless times, always greeted with eager smiles and requests for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Produce: 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • Dairy: 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted, 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • Pantry: 200 g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour, 150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt
  • Eggs: 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • Optional Add-ins: 80 g (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans, 80 g (1/2 cup) chocolate chips

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Step 3:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6:
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
Step 7:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 8:
Bake for 5060 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9:
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| opticbaker.com

This recipe brings back warm family memories of baking together on weekend mornings and sharing slices fresh from the oven.

Required Tools

9x5-inch loaf pan, Mixing bowls, Whisk, Spatula, Measuring cups and spoons, Parchment paper, Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, milk (if using dairy), wheat (gluten), tree nuts (if add-ins included). For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter substitute. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 3 g per serving (based on 10 slices without optional add-ins)

A freshly baked Simple Banana Bread, showing a tender crumb, ready to slice and serve. Save
A freshly baked Simple Banana Bread, showing a tender crumb, ready to slice and serve. | opticbaker.com
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This simple banana bread loaf is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire, offering comfort and delight in every bite.

Cooking Q&A

What bananas work best for this loaf?

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the richest flavor and moist texture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips adds texture and enhances taste.

How do I know when it's done baking?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when ready.

Can I use dairy alternatives?

Substitute milk and butter with plant-based versions for a dairy-free option without sacrificing moisture.

What variations can I try to change the flavor?

Sprinkle cinnamon, add dried fruits, or swap nuts to customize the loaf to your taste.

How should I store the bread once baked?

Allow to cool completely, then store wrapped at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Simple Banana Bread Loaf

Moist and tender loaf with ripe bananas, offering a rich flavor perfect for any time of day.

Time to prepare
15 mins
Time to cook
55 mins
Overall time
70 mins
Recipe by Ella Anderson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 10 Portions

Dietary details Vegetarian option

What You'll Need

Produce

01 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)

Dairy

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

Pantry

01 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 1 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt

Eggs

01 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Optional Add-ins

01 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
02 1/2 cup chocolate chips

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract.

Step 04

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 05

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.

Step 07

Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 09

Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Always review every ingredient for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (if dairy milk used), wheat (gluten), and tree nuts (if add-ins included).

Nutrition details (per serving)

These nutrition details are for your reference—don't substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 3 g