Simple Banana Bread Loaf

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

This moist banana loaf features a tender crumb and an enriched banana flavor ideal for easy preparation. Mashed ripe bananas combine with melted butter, sugar, and eggs to form a smooth batter. Flour, baking soda, and a touch of salt are gently folded in to preserve lightness. Optional chopped nuts or chocolate chips add texture and depth. Baked until golden and served warm, this loaf pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a comforting snack or dessert option for any day.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:48:00 GMT
Golden-brown Simple Banana Bread loaf, perfectly baked and ready to slice for a treat. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Simple Banana Bread loaf, perfectly baked and ready to slice for a treat. | shiftpan.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 simple banana bread loaf has been a favorite in my family for years and always brings warm smiles with every bite.

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 50 60 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.
Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Warm, moist slice of Simple Banana Bread, showing a soft crumb, inviting you in. Save to Pinterest
Warm, moist slice of Simple Banana Bread, showing a soft crumb, inviting you in. | shiftpan.com

Baking this banana bread always brings the family together in the kitchen for a warm and cozy treat.

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)

Freshly baked Simple Banana Bread, ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack with a cup of coffee. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Simple Banana Bread, ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack with a cup of coffee. | shiftpan.com
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Whisk eggs, batters, sauces, and cream smoothly for baking, cooking, and everyday meal prep.
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This banana bread is a simple, delicious way to use overripe bananas and enjoy a comforting treat anytime.

Questions & Answers About This Recipe

How do I ensure the loaf is moist?

Use very ripe bananas and avoid overmixing the batter to keep the loaf tender and moist.

Can I substitute dairy ingredients?

Yes, plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives work well for a dairy-free version.

Why is baking soda used in this loaf?

Baking soda helps the loaf rise and creates a light, soft texture by reacting with the bananas' acidity.

Are nuts necessary in the loaf?

Nuts are optional additions that add crunch and flavor, but can be omitted if preferred.

How do I check doneness when baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when the loaf is done.

Simple Banana Bread Loaf

Moist banana loaf with tender crumb and rich flavor, perfect for sharing with coffee or tea.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
55 min
Total Duration
70 min
Recipe by Emma Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 10 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian

What You'll Need

Produce

01 3 ripe bananas, mashed (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, 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 oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate eggs and bananas: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 04

Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 05

Combine mixtures: Fold dry ingredients gently into wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Add optional ingredients: Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Step 07

Transfer batter to pan: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Cool before slicing: Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review all items for allergies and speak to a healthcare expert with any concerns.
  • Contains eggs, milk (if dairy milk used), wheat (gluten), and tree nuts (if add-ins included)
  • Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter substitutes for dairy-free option
  • Check ingredient labels for possible allergens

Nutrition Details (per serving)

For reference only — always check with a nutrition or medical professional.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 3 g