Simple Banana Bread Loaf

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

This simple banana loaf combines ripe bananas with a tender crumb and a rich, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. Made using everyday pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, it offers a quick and easy approach to a classic American baked treat. Optional walnuts or chocolate chips can be added to enhance texture and depth. Baking at 175°C until a clean toothpick test ensures a perfectly moist and flavorful loaf to enjoy fresh or throughout the week.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:43:00 GMT
Warm, golden Simple Banana Bread loaf, with a perfect crack on top, ready to slice. Save
Warm, golden Simple Banana Bread loaf, with a perfect crack on top, ready to slice. | pulseoven.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 has been a favorite in my family for years especially as a quick snack or dessert that everyone loves.

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&ndash60 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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| pulseoven.com

This recipe always brings my family together especially on weekend mornings when we enjoy fresh slices with coffee.

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

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

A slice of Simple Banana Bread, moist and flavorful served with a cup of hot coffee. Save
A slice of Simple Banana Bread, moist and flavorful served with a cup of hot coffee. | pulseoven.com
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This simple banana bread recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels and makes a delightful treat anytime.

Recipe FAQs

What makes the banana loaf moist?

The natural moisture from ripe mashed bananas combined with melted butter and room-temperature eggs helps create a soft, moist crumb.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the loaf?

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?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating it's done.

What is the best way to store the baked loaf?

Once cooled, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Can plant-based milk be used in the loaf?

Yes, plant-based milk can replace dairy milk to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising texture.

Simple Banana Bread Loaf

A moist, tender banana loaf with rich flavor—ideal for coffee or tea moments.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
55 min
Overall Time
70 min
Created by Henry Baker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 10 Portions

Diet Preferences Meatless

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

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine wet ingredients: Whisk melted butter and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate eggs and bananas: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 06

Add optional mix-ins: If desired, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips evenly.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergens

Always review each ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare provider if you're not sure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (if dairy used), wheat (gluten), and tree nuts (if included in add-ins).
  • Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter substitute for dairy-free option.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Use this nutrition estimate as a guideline, but be sure to verify with a health expert if needed.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 3 g