Simple Banana Bread Loaf

Featured in: Weeknight Bakes

This loaf blends ripe bananas with a buttery, tender crumb for a moist texture and rich banana flavor. Combined with vanilla, sugar, and a hint of baking soda, it yields a soft and flavorful quick bread. Optional nuts or chocolate chips can add texture and depth. Perfect baked in a 9x5-inch pan and enjoyed alongside coffee or tea, it’s a simple, satisfying treat for any time.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:05:00 GMT
Golden-brown Simple Banana Bread loaf, with a perfect crack on top, ready to slice. Save
Golden-brown Simple Banana Bread loaf, with a perfect crack on top, ready to slice. | turbobaker.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 making this banana bread because it fills the house with an amazing aroma and is a hit with my family every time.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Add Eggs and Fruits:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Mixtures:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add Optional Ingredients:
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake:
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool:
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Product image
Provides cushioned comfort while cooking, prepping meals, washing dishes, and standing longer in the kitchen.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Provides cushioned comfort while cooking, prepping meals, washing dishes, and standing longer in the kitchen.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| turbobaker.com

This recipe brings my family together for a cozy afternoon snack every weekend.

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

A warm, moist slice of homemade Simple Banana Bread, perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea. Save
A warm, moist slice of homemade Simple Banana Bread, perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea. | turbobaker.com
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Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
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This banana bread is the perfect treat to share and enjoy any time of day.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of bananas work best?

Very ripe bananas with brown spots provide the richest flavor and moisture for a tender loaf.

Can I substitute dairy ingredients?

Yes, plant-based milk and dairy-free butter substitutes can be used to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing texture.

How do I know when the loaf is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs to indicate doneness.

What optional add-ins work well?

Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips add texture and richness, but can be omitted for a classic loaf.

Can I add spices for variation?

A sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of dried fruit can enhance the flavor profile while keeping the loaf moist and tender.

What type of pan is recommended?

A 9x5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper ensures an even bake and easy removal.

Simple Banana Bread Loaf

A moist loaf with tender crumb and rich banana taste, ideal for everyday baking and snacking.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
55 minutes
Total Duration
70 minutes
Written by Justin Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Amount 10 Number of Servings

Diet Info Meat-Free

What You Need

Produce

01 3 ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 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 Cook

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: 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 the eggs one at a time, then add the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Transfer batter to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.

Step 08

Bake until done: 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 before slicing: Allow the bread to cool in the 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

Double-check each ingredient for possible allergens and always check with your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (if using dairy), wheat (gluten), and tree nuts (if add-ins included).
  • For dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter substitute.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is meant to guide, but it's not medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 3 g