Simple Banana Bread Loaf

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Bakes

This moist banana loaf features a tender crumb and a rich banana flavor by using ripe mashed bananas and a balanced blend of flour, sugar, and butter. The batter gently combines wet and dry ingredients to avoid overmixing and optional nuts or chocolate chips add texture and depth. Baked to a golden finish in a loaf pan, it’s a comforting treat perfect alongside coffee or tea. Simple preparation and pantry staples make it an easy choice for quick bread baking enthusiasts.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:03:00 GMT
A warm slice of Simple Banana Bread, golden brown with a tender, moist interior. Save to Pinterest
A warm slice of Simple Banana Bread, golden brown with a tender, moist interior. | metrochop.com

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

I love baking this banana bread when I have ripe bananas and it always brings a warm comfort to my kitchen.

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

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.
Freshly baked Simple Banana Bread loaf, ready to slice and enjoy with a comforting drink. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Simple Banana Bread loaf, ready to slice and enjoy with a comforting drink. | metrochop.com

This banana bread always reminds me of cozy afternoons spent with family and the comforting smell filling the house.

Notes

For extra banana flavor use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of dried fruit for variation Pairs well with coffee tea or a glass of milk

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

Close-up of a rustic Simple Banana Bread loaf, smelling of sweet bananas and inviting warmth. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a rustic Simple Banana Bread loaf, smelling of sweet bananas and inviting warmth. | metrochop.com

This simple banana bread is perfect for sharing and makes a delicious treat any time of day.

Recipe FAQ

What makes the banana loaf moist?

The use of ripe mashed bananas combined with melted butter and milk helps maintain a moist and tender crumb throughout the loaf.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips adds texture and flavor variations to the loaf.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs when the loaf is done baking.

Can I use plant-based milk instead of dairy?

Plant-based milk works well as a substitute for dairy milk and can accommodate dairy-free preferences.

What are good add-ins to enhance flavor?

A sprinkle of cinnamon or dried fruit can be added for extra warmth and complexity in flavor.

How should I cool the loaf after baking?

Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing for best texture.

Simple Banana Bread Loaf

Moist and tender banana loaf with rich flavors, ideal for baking and enjoying with your favorite warm drink.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Bake/Cook Time
55 minutes
Time Needed
70 minutes
Recipe By Elizabeth Perry


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 10 Portions

Dietary Needs Meat-Free

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 Steps

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

Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined; avoid 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 surface evenly.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Notes

Always check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains eggs, milk (if using dairy), wheat (gluten), tree nuts (if add-ins included)
  • Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter to avoid dairy allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 3 g